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Key Stage 4 Overview

The Key Stage 4 curriculum

The Key Stage 4 curriculum is divided into two parts: the core subjects that all students must study, and the options.

 

The Core Subjects:

Mathematics (1 GCSE)

English Language (1 GCSE)

English Literature (1 GCSE)

Science (2 or 3 GCSE’s)

Non-Examined Subjects:

P.E.

PDE: Guidance and aspects of RE and Citizenship

Most students will have 3 option choices

You also need to choose 2 reserves

You must choose one subject from each option block.

All dual linguists are expected to choose a language at GCSE.

The Options Subjects:

Block A

Block B

Block C

Art

Business Studies

Art

Business Studies

Drama

Business Studies

Citizenship

Geography

Design and Technology

Design and Technology

History

Food and Nutrition

Food and Nutrition

PE Option

French

Geography

RE

German

History

 

Geography

Music

 

History

 

 

Spanish

 

Each option choice is a GCSE or equivalent.

Students can only choose a language if they have been studying it in Year 9.

At least one of your options must be Geography, History or a Language. This is a college requirement and also ensures that you will have a good Progress 8 which is a requirement for some post 16 colleges.

This link will take you to more details on the exam board details for each subject.

 

Important notes on making choices

It is important to consider what order you put your option choices in. If a subject is oversubscribed, the students who have chosen that subject as their first or second choice will get priority.