Key Stage 4 – Years 10 & 11

‘What are the ‘Options’?

At Key Stage 4 students must follow ‘core’ subjects – English, Mathematics, Science, Religious Education (all of these will culminate in sitting GCSE examinations) and then a general programme in Physical Education to advance health and fitness as well as love of sport/sporting ability.  In addition, students have the opportunity to choose four ‘option’ subjects.

The ‘Core’ Subjects – how many GCSEs will a student gain from pursuing their ‘core’ studies?

  • English
  • English Literature
  • Mathematics
  • Statistics (for the most able and often taken in Year 9)
  • Double Award Science (two GCSE equivalence)

or

  • BTEC Science (two GCSE equivalence)


Most students will be able to secure at least 5 GCSEs from their studies in the ‘core’ subjects.

  • Art
  • Art Textiles
  • Business Studies (BTEC and GCSE)
  • Catering
  • Drama
  • Diploma in Digital Applications
  • Electronics
  • French
  • Geography
  • History
  • Health & Social Care (Double Award)
  • ICT (Double Award)
  • Leisure & Tourism (Double Award)
  • Media Studies (BTEC)
  • Music
  • Physical Education
  • Product Design
  • Science (for those students wishing to be triple Scientists and pursue Science A Levels)
  • Spanish
  • Study Plus
     

At GCSE level, it is possible to take a double award in some subjects.  Also, qualifications such as BTEC or the Diploma in Digital Applications may enable the achievement of up to a four GCSE equivalent award at the end of the course.

It is important to note that our able Scientists can take separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

In our ‘Applied Learning’ pathway at Key Stage 4 we currently offer those students who are the most academically able in the year the chance to take an AS Level.  This is a course normally taken in the Sixth Form and constitutes 50% of an A Level, although it is an award in its own right. 

We offer Key Stage 4 AS Levels in:

  • Critical Thinking
  • Philosophy & Ethics