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 |
10 10 |
Physical Education
Similarly, all students are required to take two lessons of PE each week, to meet our statutory requirements in 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 RE |
5 |
5 |
|
Modern Foreign Languages |
GCSE French GCSE Spanish GCSE German |
5 |
5 |
|
Computing and ICT |
GCSE Computing |
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 |
BTEC Sport |
5 |
5 |
|
Technology and Engineering |
GCSE Design and Technology Level 2 Certificate Engineering GCSE Food Technology BTEC Food and 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.
Alternative Provision
A very small number of students attend a college course in construction or motor-vehicle at The Chiltern Skills and Education Centre. This is part of a bespoke, highly personalised curriculum for students who are struggling to access the traditional curriculum.
Similarly, a small group of students in pathway 3 access the ‘SEN Support Group’ to support their progress in their GCSE subjects. This results in some students taking one less GCSE than their peers.
Personal, Social, Citizenship and Health Education
Throughout KS3 and KS4 the PSHCE curriculum is delivered during tutor time and through drop down mornings to ensure that key aspects are delivered effectively. These include: Sex and Relationships Education, Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco Education, Employability/Careers and Citizenship Education.
For more detailed information about each subject, including units of work and assessments, click on the year group links below.