Welcome
6th Form or
College
Age 18
School
Age 16
University
Age 21+
1 Degree
3-4 A Levels or
1 Diploma
5 GCSE’s
Options Philosophy
We believe that students should have some choice
in what they study at Key Stage 4.
However, students must make informed choices
based on their ability level, their potential future
educational routes and what is right for them.
In order to help students, we have supplied Three
Pathways explained in more detail later.
We advise students to take the Pathway
recommended for them. Speak with your child’s
tutor or Head of Key Stage for more details.
KS4 Curriculum 2014
Core compulsory subjects
English Literature 1 GCSE
Teaching sessions per
week
3
English
Language
1 GCSE
3
Maths
1 GCSE
Statistics
1 GCSE
5 in Year 10
and
6 in Year 11
Science
Extended (Triple) GCSE
or
Double GCSE or BTEC
7 in Year 10
And
6 in Year 11
Subject
Qualification
PE
2
PSHE
1
KS4 Curriculum 2014
Specialist Option Areas
Column A
Column B
Column C
French GCSE
History GCSE
German GCSE
Geography GCSE
French GCSE
History GCSE
Computer Science GCSE
Spanish GCSE
Computer Science GCSE
Music GCSE
Philosophy and Ethics GCSE
Dance GCSE
Sociology GCSE
Drama GCSE
Drama GCSE
Media Studies GCSE
Dance GCSE
Media Studies GCSE
Food and Nutrition GCSE
Textiles GCSE
Food and Nutrition GCSE
Product Design GCSE
Engineering GCSE
Engineering GCSE
Graphics GCSE
Product Design GCSE
Graphics GCSE
Art GCSE
Digital Photography GCSE
Art GCSE
Child Development GCSE
Child Development GCSE
ICT BTEC
Business Studies BTEC
Leisure and Tourism GCSE
Performing Arts BTEC
Music BTEC
Sports BTEC
Options Process
Thursday 16th
January 2014
Options Evening and Careers Fair
January and
February
Pathway Options are discussed with your
tutor and Heads of Key Stage. Choices are
made.
Friday 14th
February 2014
Options form returned
March / April 2014
Options analysed and students allocated
June 2014
Student courses finalised and groupings
confirmed by letter
Friday 3rd October
2014
Final date for course changes
Pathway 1
EBacc
Subjects Studied
English Literature
English Language
Maths
Statistics
Extended (Triple) Science
PE and PSHE
French or German
History or Geography
1 GCSE (possibly computing) or
1 BTEC Option
Twilight Drama GCSE (optional)
TOTAL OF UP TO 11 GCSEs
This pathway would suit you if you
are hoping to go on to 6th Form
and University. A Level courses
typically require at least 5 GCSEs at
A*- C , four of which must come
from GCSEs.
It will mean that in addition to all
your GCSEs you could gain the
English Baccalaureate (EBacc).
That’s a recognition that you have
passed GCSE’s in English, Maths,
Science or Computer Science,
History or Geography and French or
German or Spanish at grade C and
above. If you are currently in top
sets in French and achieving levels
6 or higher in the core subjects then
this is a good path for you.
Pathway 2
Mixed GCSE
Subjects Studied
English Literature
English Language
Maths
Statistics
Triple or Double Science
PE and PSHE
Choice of 3 GCSE subjects
Or
Choice of 2 GCSE subjects
and 1 BTEC
Twilight Drama GCSE
(optional)
TOTAL OF UP TO 11 GCSEs
This pathway would also suit you if
you are hoping to go on to 6th
Form and University.
A Level courses typically require at
least 5 GCSEs at A*- C, four of
which must come from GCSEs.
This pathway is a general and
flexible route through KS4.
You would not get an EBacc
recognition but you could still study
History, Geography, Computer
Science, French, German or
Spanish.
If you are currently achieving levels
5, 6 or higher in the core subjects
then this is a good path for you.
Pathway 3
Wider Achievement
Subjects Studied
English Literature
English Language
Maths
Statistics
Double or BTEC Science
PE and PSHE
Choice of 3 GCSE subjects
Or
Choice of 2 GCSE subjects and 1
BTEC
TOTAL OF UP TO 8 or 9
GCSEs/BTEC equivalents
This pathway would suit you if
you are considering going to
further education or training.
A Level courses typically require
at least 5 GCSEs at A*- C, four
of which must come from
GCSEs. However, Post 16 BTEC
Diplomas at Stantonbury require
4 A*-C grades which can also
come from BTECs.
This pathway is a general and
flexible route through KS4.
If you are currently achieving
levels 3 to 5 in the core subjects
then this is a good path for you.
Personalised
Learning
Subjects Studied
English Literature
English Language
Maths
Statistics
Double or BTEC Science
PE and PSHE
Six sessions per week studying
‘Personalised Learning’
Plus
One Choice of a GCSE or BTEC
from ‘Column C’
TOTAL OF UP TO 8 GCSEs/BTEC
equivalents
This pathway is not an
optional route.
Teachers will select this for
students following
negotiation with parents.
It is particularly designed
for those students who
need to develop skills for
life and work.
Subjects taught are highly
practical and can lead
towards vocational
qualifications.
Making Informed Choices


Make sure you understand what each subject
involves. New subjects may look very attractive
at first glance. You may think you know what an
‘old’ subject involves. Read the booklet.
Be clear from the start that there will be some
restrictions particularly in group sizes therefore
you are asked to make a preference, but first
choice cannot always be guaranteed.
Making Informed Choices



Don’t make choices based on the fact that you
like your current teacher. We will not be able to
tell you who will be teaching you next year.
Don’t assume some courses will be easier than
others- all require hard work and homework.
Consider what might be your future career but
remember most people change their minds. It is
best to aim as high as possible. Don’t close
doors for yourself.
Making Informed Choices



Do not make decisions on prejudice. Some
people think only boys or girls should study
certain subjects. This just isn’t true.
Do not choose subjects because your friends
are choosing them.
Be aware of what the subjects you choose
lead to after you finish them in Yr 11, in terms
of a sixth form course, study at college or
work.
Making Informed Choices
You CANNOT study French A Level without a
GCSE in French. This is similar for other
Languages, Computing and Music.
You may want to do the EBacc. So you would
need to choose:
• History or Geography
and
• French or German
Making Informed Choices
You CAN study Business A Level without doing
BTEC Business in Year 10 and 11.
You CAN study Post 16 Engineering or Sociology
without doing GCSE Engineering or Sociology.
You CAN become a mechanic without studying
Engineering.
Subject Options Choice Form - 2014
PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN TO YOUR TUTOR BY FRIDAY 14TH FEBRUARY 2014
STUDENT: ____________________________________TUTOR GROUP: ______________TUTOR:
__________________________________
All students will be expected to take the core subjects of English, English Literature, Maths, Statistics, Science, PE and PSHE.
Tick one of the following:
Pathway 1
Pathway 2
Pathway 3
OPTIONS SUBJECT CHOICE
Column A
(3 sessions)
Column B
(3 sessions)
Column C
(3 sessions)
First Choice
Reasons for First Choice
Second Choice
Third Choice
Tick the following box if you would also like to study GCSE Drama Twilight (3.30-6.00 p.m. every Wednesday in term time):
SIGNED:
STUDENT: _______________________________________
PARENT: ________________________________
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