Key Stage 4 Curriculum
Our curriculum at Key Stage 4 is designed to provide students with a range of high quality learning pathways that balance a strong academic core with a wide range of subject choices to meet the needs, interests and future aspirations of each student.
We believe that our curriculum provides a diverse offer to students, that delivers strong teaching and learning across the core subjects of English, Maths, Science, PE and PSHE as well as the option subjects selected by the individual.
To achieve this we deliver a range of traditional GCSEs as well as a number of vocational (applied) courses. We review our curriculum offer annually to ensure it is relevant, engaging for all our students and – most importantly – prepares our students for life beyond Kingdown.
In every subject across Key Stage 4 we aim for students to receive:
- Expert subject knowledge shared through high quality teaching and learning
- Lessons delivered with high levels of engagement
- Sequenced learning that builds from knowledge and concepts gained at Key Stage 3
- The highest quality of careers information and guidance
Core Subjects
The core curriculum consists of English, Maths, Science, PE and PSHE.
- English – 8 hours per fortnight in both Year 10 and Year 11. All students entered for English Language and English Literature qualifications.
- Maths – 7 lessons per fortnight in both Year 10 and Year 11.
- Science – 10 lessons per fortnight (or 15 if taken as Triple Science option) in both Year 10 and Year 11. All students entered for Combined Science or Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
- PE – 4 lessons per fortnight in both Year 10 and Year 11. Non-examined.
- PSHE – 1 lesson per fortnight in both Year 10 and Year 11. Non-examined. A discussion-based approach to key themes from the personal, social and health education curriculum.
Option Subjects
Students have access to a wide range of additional GCSE or vocational qualifications based on their interests and future aspirations.
Pupil Development
Alongside the taught curriculum we strive to promote and develop students’ character, confidence and resilience. A wide range of extra-curricular activities both sporting and academic are available, including arts and crafts, the environment group, public speaking and gardening, to accompany an extensive range of sports clubs and supported study sessions. A list of available activities is shared at the beginning of each term.
To support students in preparing for life beyond Kingdown, our dedicated Careers Advisor provides expert advice, work experience opportunities and a wide range of visitors from local and national organisations to talk to our students about their future.
Who to contact
If you have any questions about Key Stage 4, please contact Mrs Rumsey, Deputy Headteacher, Head of Key Stage 4