The Curriculum at Key Stage 4
The school believes in offering, as far as possible, a broad curriculum that provides a choice of different pathways towards further education and a wide choice of career opportunities. Along with the mandatory Core subjects of English, Maths, Science and ICT, it is also our policy that all pupils have an entitlement to study a Design Technology subject to GCSE level. To meet these needs the school provides a 25 hour period week. Each period (pd) is 1 hour. In September 2010 all pupils in Year 9 will study the following:-
Compulsory Core Subjects:-
English & English Literature |
4 pds |
Science – including Core Science for all pupils, and up to a total of three Science Awards where appropriate. |
5 pds |
Mathematics |
3 pds |
Design Technology (either: Food, Textiles, Resistant Materials or Systems & Control) |
2 pds |
Core Information and Communication Technology (ICT) (You are also able to select ICT as an option subject in addition to the core allocation of 1 hour per week.) |
1 pd |
Physical Education |
2 pds |
Religious Studies |
1 pd |
Citizenship, Personal, Social, and Health Education (CPSHE) - including Careers |
1 pd |
In addition, ELEVEN OPTION SUBJECTS will be offered, of which pupils must select up to SIX* in order of preference.
From this selection, pupils will be provided with THREE* (3 x 2 pds.)
The option subjects are:-
Art |
French |
Geography |
German |
Health and Social Care (BTEC) |
History |
Information Communication Technology (BTEC) |
Media (BTEC) |
Music (BTEC) |
Performing Arts (BTEC) |
Sport (BTEC) |
It is hoped that all pupils will be able to study the first three* subjects of their choice, but if circumstances make it impossible to fulfil all individual choices, a pupil may have to make a change to fit in with the school resources. Sadly the school cannot resource groups of less than fifteen students. Where a pupil cannot be allocated their first three choices, their fourth, fifth and sixth choices will be considered.
* Some pupils will have been spoken to by teachers about choosing a BTEC course, or a Language (French and/or German) – or both. This will have been as a result of the subject being identified as particularly appropriate and/or beneficial to the pupil. This could affect the remaining number of option choices available to the pupil, but the guidance offered by teachers will have explained the benefits of following the recommended courses.