KS4 Curriculum Overview

Miss L Williams - Deputy Headteacher

Key Stage 4 curriculum: overview

In Year 10 and 11 students continue to study the following subjects as part of the core curriculum and they sit external GCSE exams in these subjects at the end of Year 11:

English Language and English Literature (2 separate GCSEs)
Maths
Science (Combined or separate Sciences as determined by the Science team)
Modern Foreign Language studied in Years 7 to 9
Humanities: (students can select History or Geography or both)

In addition to the subjects above, students study two option courses which are also examined at the end of Year 11.

RE is an exception as this course is completed at the end of Year 10 when all students sit external GCSE RE exams. The time allocated for RE during Years 7 to 10 means students are adequately prepared for taking the qualification by the end of Year 10. Sitting RE in Year 10 allows students to experience national exams before they sit their other qualifications in Year 11 and teaches them valuable revision skills. It also allows students to spread the load in terms of exam preparation.

Non-examined courses

Students continue with PSE and PE through Year 10 and Year 11 as part of statutory provision.

PSE is an important part of the curriculum as it is an opportunity for students to explore and prepare for their next steps; learn about health, well-being and keeping safe; and consider cultural, moral and social issues. Whilst this course does not lead to an examined qualification it does equip students with a range of skills, knowledge and understanding that they need upon leaving school.

Every student will take part in core PE as it is important for students to maintain regular exercise during their school timetable. Some students might choose to select GCSE PE as an option in addition to this.

Intervention program

During Year 11, in addition to their timetabled lessons for each subject, students will all be involved in subject specific interventions on a rotation through the year. This is to ensure all students have targeted support in preparation for their final exams. These interventions will take place during some (but not all) PSE or PE lessons, during coaching and after school.

Closer to exams there will also be a range of sessions offered during the school holidays and some Saturdays. These are not compulsory but are offered to all students.

The curriculum is responsive to pupils’ interests and needs. They way in which it is organised helps to motivate pupils. The structure of the curriculum helps pupils to reach high standards.

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The school’s mission is to ‘enable young people to achieve success’. It does this outstandingly well.

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Teachers have high expectations of what pupils can achieve. There is a strong focus on the development of subject knowledge.

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The school now has a history of outstanding outcomes for its pupils. Pupils make sustained progress across the curriculum and the standards that they reach are high.

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Behaviour around the building is orderly and sensible. Within classrooms, behaviour is excellent.

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Pupils show excellent attitudes to learning./ There is a thirst for knowledge and an excitement about lessons.

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Parents, staff and pupils are overwhelmingly happy with the quality of education at school and rightly so. Inspectors judge that this is an outstanding place to learn.

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Leaders know their school well. They work relentlessly to make their school even better. They are highly effective in improving standards of provision.

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