KS4 Curriculum
Key Stage Four (Years 10 and 11)
Students follow GCSE or Vocational qualifications at Key Stage Four. We use a model to help students’ select their GCSE options - helping to ensure that each student is afforded the opportunity for success and progression into post-16 education.
Core Subjects
All students study a common core set of subjects with some variation in the specific qualifications studied. The following table lists the specific courses and allocated teaching periods for each one, over a fortnightly period.
|
Subject |
Course/Qualification |
Year 10 |
Year 11 |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | GCSE English Language GCSE English Literature |
9 | 9 |
| Mathematics | GCSE Mathematics | 9 | 9 |
| Science | GCSE Combined Science (Trilogy) GCSE Biology GCSE Chemistry GCSE Physics |
10 | 10 |
Physical Education
Similarly, all students are required to take two lessons of PE each week, to meet our statutory requirements for promoting health and wellbeing.
Option Subjects
Students will be able to select from a range of option subjects, including Ebacc subjects.
|
Subject |
Course/Qualification |
Year 10 |
Year 11 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Humanities |
GCSE Business Studies GCSE Geography GCSE History GCSE Religious Education |
5 |
5 |
|
Modern Foreign Languages |
GCSE French GCSE Spanish GCSE German |
5 |
5 |
|
Computing |
GCSE Computer Science |
5 |
5 |
| Creative Arts and Media | GCSE Art GCSE Digital Art GCSE Dance GCSE Drama GCSE Media Studies GCSE Music |
5 |
5 |
|
Physical Education and Health |
Cambridge National Certificate in Sport Science (Level 1/2) |
5 |
5 |
|
Technology and Engineering |
GCSE Design and Technology Cambridge National Certificate in Engineering (Level 1/2) GCSE Food Technology Level 1/2 Vocational Certificate: Hospitality & Catering |
5 |
5 |
| Hair and Beauty | Level 1 Vocational Certificate: Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Sector | 5 | 5 |
Literacy and Numeracy
Both literacy and numeracy are embedded within all subjects. Some students receive additional provision from the Learning Support department or through 1-2-1 intervention.
Personal, Social, Citizenship and Health Education
At The Chalfonts Community College, Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education and Religious Education (RE) are delivered through our Personal Development curriculum, with students receiving dedicated lessons each week for Key Stages Three and Four and during tutor time at Key Stage Five. This integrated approach allows students to explore a wide range of statutory topics in greater depth through engaging, discussion-based lessons led by specialist teachers.
Through PSHE, students cover key statutory areas including health and wellbeing, relationships and sex education (RSE), and living in the wider world. Lessons help students develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to manage their lives now and in the future — supporting their physical and emotional wellbeing, understanding of relationships, and preparation for life and work in modern Britain.
Our RE provision provides students with the opportunity to explore different faiths, beliefs, values and worldviews, encouraging respect, tolerance and critical thinking. Students consider ethical and philosophical questions, the influence of religion on culture and society, and how belief shapes individual and collective identity.
By combining PSHE and RE within the Personal Development curriculum, we ensure students have the time and space to engage meaningfully with key issues, reflect on their values, and develop the confidence and empathy needed to thrive as responsible global citizens.
Our dedicated curriculum is supported and reinforced across the school in a variety of ways, such as:
- Our whole school values
- Assemblies linked to the half-term PSHE/RSE themes
- Our reward system
- School community events
- Varied enrichment opportunities
Key Stage 4 Options
The GCSE Options Process
The video above will go through the options process and how to select your options. There is also careers advice information from our Careers Leader, Mrs Vinten, along with a brief outline of courses for subjects that students have not had a chance to do at KS3.
Ready to choose?
To choose your options, visit T.O.O.L.S: https://options.chalfonts.net
You will need your unique login details, which will be given to you in March. Deadline for choosing: Friday 27th March
GCSE Options Prospectus
The GCSE options prospectus provides detailed information and guidance about the curriculum, and can be found on the school’s website at: https://www.chalfonts.org/prospectus
Students & parents should read through this carefully before making their choices.
Assemblies
Students will be using scheduled tutor time to discuss the options process. I will be delivering a series of assemblies to the whole year group starting from January. It would be beneficial if your child has reviewed the GCSE Options Prospectus beforehand.
Year 9 Parent Information Evening - Tuesday 27th January 2026
The Year 9 Information Evening will give you a chance to come into school and this will provide you with all the information you need. You will also hear from staff about the GCSE options process and ask questions you may have.
Parents Evening – Thursday 12th March 2026
The Year 9 Parents Evening will give you the opportunity to speak to your child’s teachers about their potential subject choice. You will receive your child’s report to help you with what subject choices would be wise to maximise their chances of getting the best set of GCSE results.
One-to-One Meetings
Following the assemblies, students will be asked to complete a Google form to indicate whether they require a one-to-one meeting. One to one meeting could be with our careers advisor, a counsellor, a subject leader, the Learning Support team or with a member of the senior leadership team.
Careers Advice
We are extremely lucky to have a qualified career advisor (Mrs Vinten) in school who runs our one-stop shop careers advice in-house. Mr Vinten will also be delivering assemblies, conducting one-to-one interviews, offering careers advice and so on which will provide students with another forum to discuss their future. If your child has questions regarding careers, it is imperative they utilise Mrs Vinten (based in the LRC) to help guide their subject choices.
Taster Sessions
As part of the options process, students will have the opportunity to attend taster sessions to trial a lesson in a subject they have not studied before, namely: GCSE Business studies, Health & Social Care, Media Studies, Sport Science, Hair & Beauty and Photography.
GCSE Curriculum
I would like to take this opportunity to highlight that all students will follow a core curriculum of English Language and English Literature, mathematics, science, PE and Personal Development (inc. PSHE & RE).