Garth Hill College - KS4 Options Handbook 2024 - Flipbook - Page 5
There are career advantages too in what is a very competitive global labour market. The ability to speak
another language can provide the edge in securing better paid employment, career opportunities and/or job
security. Demand for multilingual workers in the UK has increased in recent years, and especially since the
pandemic. For example, many businesses increasingly conduct international business over Teams and
Zoom. Learning a language opens more doors, and will certainly help enhance prospects in an increasingly
international market whatever you decide to do in the future.
As well as improving job prospects, learning a language can broaden horizons and perspective: socially,
culturally, globally. Language is the base for all human connection and interaction. The ability to properly
communicate and connect with people in other countries greatly enhances acclimatisation in an
international setting. Finally, whilst it can deepen a connection to other cultures, it can also increase
awareness and appreciation of your own language and culture.
‘Those who know nothing of foreign languages know nothing of their own.’ Johann Goethe
Option Pathways
Students are placed on a guided pathway to choose subjects that provide an appropriate route to success at
KS4 and beyond. Pathway recommendations are largely determined by a student’s prior performance and
review data. We also use other information such as CATs (Cognitive Abilities Test). For example, we would
expect all students in set one for English and mathematics to follow the Blue Pathway, but it may also be
advisable for some other students to follow the Blue Pathway. The College’s SENDCo will also be involved in
guiding pathway decisions to ensure all students are placed on the appropriate pathway.
The two main pathways are:
• BLUE PATHWAY: students on this pathway will be expected to attain good passes in English and
mathematics in slightly fewer guided learning hours than students on the white pathway. As well as
studying the compulsory subjects at key stage 4, including technology, students will take a modern
foreign language (French, German or Spanish). Students on this pathway will study a further two
optional subjects, and will also study GCSE Citizenship to sit this examination at the end of year
10. Students will also be provided with the opportunity to study GCSE Further Maths in year 11.
• WHITE PATHWAY: students on this pathway will be expected to attain standard or better passes in
English and mathematics in slightly more guided learning hours than students on the blue
pathway. Students on this pathway will study an additional three optional subjects and may still opt
to study a modern foreign language (French, German or Spanish).
Students who study a modern foreign language will normally be expected to continue with the language
studied in key stage 3.
Some students will also be advised to opt for Study Support and/or alternative courses, such as The Prince’s
Trust. These students should still choose option subjects as if on the white pathway.
Pathways in summary:
BLUE PATHWAY
WHITE PATHWAY
KEY STAGE 4 OPTIONS
•
Study the compulsory subjects including technology.
•
Study a modern Language (French, German or Spanish).
•
Two option subjects
•
Study GCSE Citizenship for early entry at the end of year 10.
•
The opportunity to study GCSE Further Maths in year 11.
•
Study compulsory subjects including technology.
•
Three option subjects (may still opt to study a modern language).
•
Some students may be advised to opt for Study Support and/or
alternative courses instead of one or more options.
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