One of the most critical and exciting phases in a young person’s development is between the ages of 14 and 19 years. It is the first time they have some control over their education and can start to delve deeper into those subjects in which they have a love of learning.  It is the period where they capitalise on their earlier learning and prepare for adult life and employment. We think it is really important students continue with a broad and balanced education to keep their options open for future opportunities in an ever changing world. The choices made are important in providing our young people with the right knowledge, skills and qualifications to both widen and support their choice of further study/employment in later years.

Students need to be adaptable, reflective and work well independently and as part of a team. Securing a job is highly competitive for young people and good qualifications in the core subjects are vital. 

All students in Years 10 and 11 study a Core Curriculum comprising the following subjects:

Core Curriculum

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

Students will also opt for one of the following pathways, which will include choosing 3 additional option subjects. 

​​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 combination of courses within their GCSE options.

The English Baccalaureate Pathway  requires that students achieve a grade 5 or higher in English, Mathematics, Science and the other option subjects, studied and counting for the Ebacc.

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

The Non-Ebaccalaureate: 

This pathway includes study of the Core Curriculum, ONE option from either Language (French or Spanish), History or Geography or Computer Science, AND, then a choice of TWO other option subjects.

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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. 

And support is available every day between 3:00pm and 4:00pm in the 500's ICT Romms, for study and homework support.

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.