Garth Hill College - KS4 Options Handbook 2024 - Flipbook - Page 3
Introduction
This booklet provides information about the key stage 4 curriculum, the options process and the compulsory
and optional subjects studied at key stage 4 in years 10 and 11. Please read all of the information, advice
and guidance carefully. Students are also encouraged to discuss and consult with their teachers, form tutor
and parents/carers.
The next two years are especially important. Key stage 4 is challenging and demanding. We hope that this
booklet, and the options process overall, supports students in making the right choices to be successful over
the next two years and beyond.
The Key Stage 4 Curriculum
The key stage 4 curriculum in years 10 and 11 involves the study of compulsory subjects and option subjects
which lead to DfE approved qualifications.
• The compulsory curriculum – core subjects that are compulsory for all students
• Option subjects – students can choose from a list of options.
Our curriculum at key stage 4 reflects the requirements of the National Curriculum and the College’s
Curriculum Policy.
Students will study towards the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). GCSE qualifications are
nationally recognised and highly valued by schools, colleges and employers. GCSEs are awarded at levels 1
and 2 on the National Qualifications Framework depending on the grade attained.
There are also vocational, career-focused qualifications, such as BTEC. These courses have been designed in
collaboration with industry to help equip students develop and apply the knowledge and skills that
employers and universities are looking for. The qualifications offer a mix of theory and practice.
Compulsory Subjects at Key Stage 4
All students will study the compulsory national curriculum subjects.
Core subjects are:
• English – GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature
• Mathematics
• Science – separate triple sciences (separate GCSEs in physics, chemistry and biology) or combined
dual qualification (worth 2 GCSEs) In addition, students will also study the following national
curriculum subjects:
• Computing – across the whole curriculum rather than a discrete subject
• Physical Education – non-examined
• Religious Education – non-examined
• PSHE/Citizenship – taught as part of PSHE and as a discrete subject that is examined. Students will
also study relationships, sex and health education that is also taught as part of PSHE and across
other subjects at key stage 4.
Technology at Key Stage 4
Students will continue to study technology at key stage 4. Nearly all students will continue studying the
technology subject that they studied in year 9 as a GCSE qualification in years 10 and 11. A small number of
students may follow a more vocational course as an alternative. This is part of our commitment to our
technology specialism and STEM related learning to maximise the numbers progressing on STEM pathways in
order to meet the local and national industry employment requirement and the increased demand for STEM
graduates. STEM is a term used to group together the related technical subject disciplines of
KEY STAGE 4 OPTIONS
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