KS4 Curriculum
KEY STAGE 4 OPTION CHOICES
Year 9 is a key point in a student’s career as they choose their options. A booklet and video is available with further information about how the options process works, the Key Stage 4 curriculum and the areas which students and parents/carers may consider at this point. In addition, the Year 9 Parents’ Evening is timed in order to give further support for students, parents/carers when making choices.
The curriculum students follow in Years 10 and 11 is essentially divided into two parts: the core and the option subjects.
The core is the compulsory part of the curriculum and is largely determined by the government.
The core is divided into 2 parts:
- Level 2 qualifications (GCSE, NVQ), which are examined.
- Subjects which are not examined.
CORE
The examined part of the core consists of the following subjects:
- Mathematics GCSE
- English Language and Literature (2 GCSEs)
- Science GCSE (Combined or Separate)
- One Language – French, Spanish or German
- Humanities – history or geography
The non-examined part of the core is:
- PE
- Computing
- RE (also available as an optional RS GCSE)
- PSHE (including Relationship and Sex Education (RSE), Citizenship, Careers and Work Related Learning)
OPTIONS
Students choose three option subjects. Option choices cover a wide range of academic and DfE approved high quality vocational courses, which are agreed annually to meet the needs of all students.
Current Option subjects are:
GCSE: art, business studies, computer science, drama, geography, food preparation and nutrition, design & technology, geography, history, media studies, second modern foreign language, music, PE, photography, religious studies, sociology and textiles.
OCR Cambridge National: Health and Social Care.