Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11)
Back to Subjects MenuKey Stage 4 Curriculum Offer
At Key Stage 4, students build on the strong foundations established during Key Stage 3 through an ambitious curriculum that combines a rigorous core of academic study with opportunities to pursue their individual interests, talents and future aspirations.
Our curriculum is designed to ensure that every student is well prepared for the next stage of their education, training or employment. Students continue to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required for success in GCSE and vocational qualifications, while receiving high-quality careers education, personal development and guidance to help them make informed decisions about their future.
Core Curriculum
All students study the following core qualifications:
- GCSE English Language
- GCSE English Literature
- GCSE Mathematics
- GCSE Combined Science
In addition, all students participate in:
- Physical Education (non-examined)
- Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education
- Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)
- Religion and Worldviews
- Computing Focus Days, ensuring all students continue to develop their digital literacy, online safety, computational thinking and understanding of emerging technologies, regardless of their GCSE option choices.
These elements ensure students continue to develop their academic knowledge, digital competence, personal development and understanding of the wider world alongside their examined studies.
Option Subjects
Students personalise their curriculum by selecting three option subjects from a broad range of GCSE and Level 2 vocational qualifications. Our options are organised into three blocks to provide students with flexibility and choice while ensuring a balanced programme of study.
| Option A | Option B | Option C |
|---|---|---|
| Geography GCSE History GCSE French GCSE Spanish GCSE
| History GCSE Spanish GCSE Design Art GCSE Fine Art GCSE Media Studies GCSE Creative Design and Production (DT) LEVEL 2 Music BTEC NCFE Health and Fitness Health and Social Care BTEC | Geography GCSE Spanish GCSE Computer Science GCSE Photography GCSE Religious Studies GCSE Drama GCSE Business and Enterprise Catering and Hospitality NCFE Child Development and Care |
Students have the opportunity to study up to two additional GCSE qualifications in Separate Sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) and GCSE Statistics, alongside their core curriculum and option choices. These additional qualifications provide further challenge, deepen subject knowledge and support progression to A Levels and other ambitious post-16 pathways.
Students considering GCSE Computer Science are expected to demonstrate strong attainment in Mathematics and Science, as these subjects provide the knowledge and problem-solving skills that underpin success in the course.
