Garth Hill College - KS4 Options Handbook 2024 - Flipbook - Page 4
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. We believe the study of technology provides young
people with skills transferable to all areas of life, including practical skills, problem-solving and analytical
reasoning. This is underpinned by a fundamental belief in the importance of technology in human, socioeconomic and eco-environmental development.
Period 5
At key stage 4, particularly in year 11, students will have period 5 lessons on some days. This additional time
will be used in a number of ways, for example to complete coursework in technology, attend revision study
skills sessions or additional intervention sessions to support pupils in preparing for the final exams.
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc)
The EBacc is a set of subjects at GCSE that will help keep options open for further study and future
careers. It is made up of the subjects which are considered essential to many degrees. The EBacc comprises:
• English language and literature: to count towards the EBacc, pupils need to take both GCSE English
language and GCSE English literature exams.
• Mathematics
• Sciences - pupils need to take one of the following options:
- GCSE combined science – 2 GCSEs that cover the study of biology, chemistry and physics
- 3 single sciences at GCSE from biology, chemistry, physics and computer science
• geography or history
• a language – for example French, German or Spanish. There is no formal certificate for the English
Baccalaureate, but it is achieved through a combination of GCSE qualifications. The subjects for the
English Baccalaureate were selected in consultation with some universities, such as the Russell
Group. Subjects were chosen on the basis that they provided pupils with the best possible range of
options when it came to choosing A Levels and university courses. It is important therefore keep
your options open for A Levels and beyond by studying as wide a range of GCSEs as possible. The
English Baccalaureate helps to achieve this and also provides for options beyond the five core
elements of the English Baccalaureate.
The following is an extract from the DfE website:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/english-baccalaureate-ebacc/english-baccalaureate-ebacc
Research shows that a pupil’s socio-economic background impacts the subjects they choose at GCSE,
and that this determines their opportunities beyond school.
A study by the UCL Institute of Education shows that studying subjects included in the EBacc provides
students with greater opportunities in further education and increases the likelihood that a pupil will
stay on in full-time education. Sutton Trust research reveals that studying the EBacc can help improve a
young person’s performance in English and maths.
The Study of a Modern Foreign Language
There are several advantages to studying another language and the benefits are widely accepted. Research
on the neurological benefits is extensive. Learning a language enhances brain development and cognitive
performance, for example improving memory and attention span, problem-solving and critical thinking. In
learning a language, all areas of the brain are accessed to process information, strengthening neurons (which
have a cell body) and dendrites (the connections between neurons). Such neurological development builds
capacity to think and learn new things more quickly and effectively, and across subject disciplines
too. Several studies have also indicated bilingualism delays the onset of neurological and other mental
health conditions.
KEY STAGE 4 OPTIONS
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