At Key Stage 4 we encourage students to study GCSE option routes with the EBACC subjects available to all and advised for many. A range of vocational courses are offered to ensure sufficient breadth in the curriculum for all learners is maintained. In our lessons you will typically see all pupils grappling with the same challenging content, with teachers providing additional support for pupils who need it. Rather than moving on to new content, our higher attainers will study that content in more depth, and are expected to produce work linked to it of greater depth and flair. 

Key Stage 4 is mostly assessed through GCSE examinations at the end of Year 11.

Students choose their Key Stage 4 Options in Year 9. All students in Years 10 and 11 study a Core Curriculum comprising the following subjects:

Core Curriculum

• English Language and English Literature
• Maths
• Science (which may be studied as three individual Sciences, Biology, Chemistry and Physics or the new double award Science Trilogy qualification)
• Religious Education
• Physical Education (non-GCSE)
• Personal Development including citizenship, sex and careers education (non-GCSE)

Students will opt for one of the following pathways:

​​The English Baccalaureate Pathway (EBACC):

The English Baccalaureate Pathway (EBACC) is taking increasing importance and may become a required entry qualification for certain courses and universities in the future. In light of this, we encourage all students capable of achieving the EBACC qualification to study the required courses within their GCSE options.

The English Baccalaureate Pathway (EBACC) requires that students achieve a grade 5 or higher in English, Mathematics and Science plus a grade 5 or higher in:

This pathway includes study of the Core Curriculum, ONE Language (French, Spanish or Latin) AND either History or Geography.
Those students choosing the English Baccalaureate Pathway would also choose ONE further subject.

The Exmouth Baccalaureate Pathway: 

This pathway includes study of the Core Curriculum, ONE option from either Language (French or Spanish), History or Geography and a selection of other GCSE courses, PLUS two other free choices.

The Discovery Baccalaureate Pathway: 

Guidance of students onto this pathway includes study of the Core Curriculum, ONE option from either Discovery History or Geography and a selection of other GCSE courses, PLUS two other free choices.

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Subjects and Exam Boards 

A list of the current core and option subjects / qualifications studied in KS4 can be viewed in the 'subjects' section of the website and in the attachment section below, a list of the particular exam boards followed. This is important for students to know particularly when accessing online revision materials.

Study Support

Students are well-supported with information, guidance and resources to ensure that they are prepared for assessments and examinations. Any such documentation is provided in the Students 'Teams' tile (Year 11 or Year 10 respectively).

Please also visit the 'Knowledge Organiser' section of the website, which provides an overview of how students can develop their ability to secure their knowledge, to help them to meet with success in their qualifications. Our student guide helps students understand how they can best use and benefit from their subject specific knowledge organisers. 

Classcharts

Parents/Carers and students need to access Classcharts via the website or the App, using their own personal login, provided by the students Tutor. The app will then ensure that Parents/Carers are able to see important information including announcements from staff, information about homework, coursework, preparation for assessments and examinations. Day to day information is also provided, including attendance, positive points and negative points relating to student engagement in their studies. 

Whilst we appreciate that students become increasingly independent as they progress in and through Key Stage 4, due to the increasing challenge of studying their first formal qualifications, it is essential that Parents/Carers play an active role in encouraging and supporting their children.