We remain ambitious for all our pupils at Key Stage 4, ensuring that pupils follow a broad and balanced curriculum while making appropriate adjustments that are in the best interests of pupils if necessary. During Key Stage 4, pupils work towards national qualifications – in the main these are GCSE qualifications. However, greater breadth to the curriculum has been provided with additional qualifications: BTEC; VCERT; Cambridge Nationals.  These are all equivalent to GCSEs. The curriculum is carefully designed to ensure that all pupils have the knowledge, skills, cultural capital and qualifications to ensure a smooth transition to Key Stage 5.

All pupils follow a core curriculum of Mathematics, English Language, English Literature, Science, RE and PE. In addition, pupils select three option subjects from a range of GCSE subjects. All pupils are required to choose at least one subject from each option block. Pupils are expected to choose from either History or Geography; Spanish or Computer Science.  All pupils have the option to study Spanish. We organise the options process so that it doesn’t narrow the curriculum offer for others. We are gradually expanding our offer of Combined Science.

The subjects that are currently offered to pupils in Key Stage 4 include Art, Business Studies, Computer Science, Design and Technology, Food Preparation and Nutrition, Geography, History, Spanish and Sports Studies. Option subjects are allocated 5 lessons out of a 50 period, two-week cycle. The Key Stage 4 curriculum is taught in full by specialist staff.

We will continue to ensure that all pupils have a broad and balanced curriculum with a focus on EBacc subjects and build our option blocks around the choices that pupils make. This is reviewed annually along with the subjects on offer.

Pupils are taught in sets in Mathematics, English and Science. Movement is determined by progress.  In option subjects’ pupils are predominantly taught in mixed ability groups, but are set where possible.  In exceptional circumstances, a very small number of SEND pupils follow an alternative bespoke Key Stage 4 curriculum that is designed to meet their individual needs and is clearly in the best interests of the pupil.

In addition to the curriculum allocations shown below, PSCHE and CEIAG is delivered through a series of drop-down days and workshops.  Coverage of CEIAG at Key Stage 4 is also strong and tracked through the Gatsby Benchmarks. Pupils who follow ‘dual award’ Science have their curriculum enriched by three PSCHE lessons over the two-week timetable.

The following tables shows the curriculum time allocated at Key Stage 4 (Year 10)

Year 10 option subjects

The following tables shows the curriculum time allocated at Key Stage 4 (Year 11)

Year 11 option subjects