Key Stage 4 and Options
Year 10 and 11
An Overview of Our Curriculum
Having chosen GCSE and BTEC options during the Spring term of Year 9, the Key Stage 4 curriculum begins at the beginning of Year 10. All students study a core GCSE curriculum of Mathematics, English (Language and Literature), Science and core Physical Education (PE) - which is not assessed.
Science is taught as discrete subjects by specialist teachers in each discipline. In terms of examinations, student can opt for Combined Science, which results in two GCSEs, or Triple Science, which results in separate qualifications in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, amounting to three GCSEs in all. The latter option is subject to entry criteria.
The core represents a minimum of six GCSE qualifications, and for this reason a greater amount of curriculum time is dedicated to English, Mathematics and Science than in Key Stage 3. The remainder is dedicated to three Option subjects.
Students are encouraged to pick at least one of the most challenging academic subjects from the English Baccalaureate groups. In order to qualify for the full EBacc, students must choose a language as well as either History or Geography.
Enrichment GCSE options are offered in Astronomy, Further maths and community languages.
Subject |
Lessons per week |
English |
5 |
Mathematics |
5 |
Biology |
2 |
Chemistry |
2 |
Physics |
2 |
Core Physical Education (PE) |
2 |
Option 1 |
4 |
Option 2 |
4 |
Option 3 |
4 |
Total |
30 |
Current Option Subjects at Key Stage 4 Are:
EBacc Options:
GCSE Computer Science
GCSE History
GCSE Geography
GCSE French
GCSE Spanish
Other GCSE Options:
GCSE Religious Studies
GCSE Art and Design
GCSE Photography
GCSE Product Design
GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition
GCSE Textiles
GCSE Business
GCSE Music
GCSE PE
GCSE Drama
BTEC Options:
BTEC Sport
BTEC Health and Social Care