Curriculum

Key Stage 3Key stage 3 is the learning stage from Year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old.* age 11/12 to Year 9Third year of secondary school, 13 - 14 years old.* age 14, at secondary school. At the end of key stage 3, students are given a key stage 3 level by their teacher in each subject.

State schoolsState schools are non-fee paying schools provided by the state. follow the National CurriculumThe National Curriculum consists of those subjects and programmes of study that schools are legally required to provide. AcademiesAcademies are privately sponsored, but are still state schools. Previously failing schools which have closed have been reAlso known as ‘Religious Studies' (RS). RE, Religious Education, is a compulsory subject in state* schools.-launched as Academies. Some Academies are new build with extensive resources.* and Free SchoolsFree Schools are all-ability state-funded schools set up in response to parental demand. At the time of writing, they are a new government initiative. Charities, universities, businesses, educational groups, teachers and groups of parents can set up free schools. * do are not required to deliver the National Curriculum. at Key Stage 3Key stage 3 is the learning stage from Year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old.* age 11/12 to Year 9Third year of secondary school, 13 - 14 years old.* age 14, at secondary school. At the end of key stage 3, students are given a key stage 3 level by their teacher in each subject. meaning their curriculum offer is fairly standard. AcademiesAcademies are privately sponsored, but are still state schools. Previously failing schools which have closed have been reAlso known as ‘Religious Studies' (RS). RE, Religious Education, is a compulsory subject in state* schools.-launched as Academies. Some Academies are new build with extensive resources. do not have to follow the National CurriculumThe National Curriculum consists of those subjects and programmes of study that schools are legally required to provide. AcademiesAcademies are privately sponsored, but are still state schools. Previously failing schools which have closed have been reAlso known as ‘Religious Studies' (RS). RE, Religious Education, is a compulsory subject in state* schools.-launched as Academies. Some Academies are new build with extensive resources.* and Free SchoolsFree Schools are all-ability state-funded schools set up in response to parental demand. At the time of writing, they are a new government initiative. Charities, universities, businesses, educational groups, teachers and groups of parents can set up free schools. * do are not required to deliver the National Curriculum., but they tend to.  However, there are some variations which might influence your choice of school, taking into consideration your child’s strengths and preferences. It is also important to note that, at the time of writing, the current government is consulting on a new national curriculumThe National Curriculum consists of those subjects and programmes of study that schools are legally required to provide. AcademiesAcademies are privately sponsored, but are still state schools. Previously failing schools which have closed have been reAlso known as ‘Religious Studies' (RS). RE, Religious Education, is a compulsory subject in state* schools.-launched as Academies. Some Academies are new build with extensive resources.* and Free SchoolsFree Schools are all-ability state-funded schools set up in response to parental demand. At the time of writing, they are a new government initiative. Charities, universities, businesses, educational groups, teachers and groups of parents can set up free schools. * do are not required to deliver the National Curriculum.. 

The Key Stage 3Key stage 3 is the learning stage from Year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old.* age 11/12 to Year 9Third year of secondary school, 13 - 14 years old.* age 14, at secondary school. At the end of key stage 3, students are given a key stage 3 level by their teacher in each subject. National CurriculumThe National Curriculum consists of those subjects and programmes of study that schools are legally required to provide. AcademiesAcademies are privately sponsored, but are still state schools. Previously failing schools which have closed have been reAlso known as ‘Religious Studies' (RS). RE, Religious Education, is a compulsory subject in state* schools.-launched as Academies. Some Academies are new build with extensive resources.* and Free SchoolsFree Schools are all-ability state-funded schools set up in response to parental demand. At the time of writing, they are a new government initiative. Charities, universities, businesses, educational groups, teachers and groups of parents can set up free schools. * do are not required to deliver the National Curriculum. consists of: English, Maths, Science, Design and Technology, Information and Communication Technology (ICTICT, Information and Communication Technology is the aspect of the curriculum where students work with and learn about computers and related technology. It was previously known as IT.), History, Geography, Modern Foreign LanguagesMFLMFL, Modern Foreign Languages, is the study of foreign languages at secondary school., Modern Foreign Languages, is the study of foreign languages at secondary school. (MFLMFL, Modern Foreign Languages, is the study of foreign languages at secondary school.), Art & Design, Music, PE, CitizenshipThe subject of citizenship equips young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding to play an effective role in public life. It is currently statutory at key stage 3 and 4* for schools which are required to teach the National Curriculum.*, REAlso known as ‘Religious Studies' (RS). RE, Religious Education, is a compulsory subject in state* schools., Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHEPSHE, Personal, Social and Health Education, is the study and discussion of issues students will encounter in their personal and adult life.).

Schools have greater freedom in the way they teach PSHEPSHE, Personal, Social and Health Education, is the study and discussion of issues students will encounter in their personal and adult life., and REAlso known as ‘Religious Studies' (RS). RE, Religious Education, is a compulsory subject in state* schools., than the other subject areas.

• Most secondary schools offer Drama as a separate subject, but a minority incorporate it within English at Key Stage 3Key stage 3 is the learning stage from Year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old.* age 11/12 to Year 9Third year of secondary school, 13 - 14 years old.* age 14, at secondary school. At the end of key stage 3, students are given a key stage 3 level by their teacher in each subject..
• Science is taught in various ways. At Key Stage 3Key stage 3 is the learning stage from Year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old.* age 11/12 to Year 9Third year of secondary school, 13 - 14 years old.* age 14, at secondary school. At the end of key stage 3, students are given a key stage 3 level by their teacher in each subject. it is usually taught as integrated Science, but in more academic schools it can be split up into Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Technology is often broken down into different subjects, for example, Resistant MaterialsRMRM, Resistant Materials, is the study of the use of wood, metal and plastics in design and manufacture. The traditional subjects of wood work and metal work now fall under this heading. It is part of the Design and Technology* subject group., Resistant Materials, is the study of the use of wood, metal and plastics in design and manufacture. The traditional subjects of wood work and metal work now fall under this heading. It is part of the Design and Technology* subject group. , Food TechnologyFTFT is the study of cookery, food hygiene and menu planning. It is part of the Design Technology*subject group., Food Technology is the study of cookery, food hygiene and menu planning. It is part of the Design Technology*subject group. and TextilesTextiles is the study and practical use of fabrics in design and manufacture. It is part of the Design and Technology* subject group..
• The Modern Foreign Language most schools offer in Year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old. is French. Sometimes, in Year 8Second year of secondary school, 12 - 13 years old. some students have the chance to take a second language, for example, Spanish.
• There is often a curriculum bias at Key Stage 3Key stage 3 is the learning stage from Year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old.* age 11/12 to Year 9Third year of secondary school, 13 - 14 years old.* age 14, at secondary school. At the end of key stage 3, students are given a key stage 3 level by their teacher in each subject. in specialistSpecialist Schools specialise in a particular curriculum area. In the past, they had to apply to the DfES* to be designated as specialist, and they were given extra money to develop resources in their specialist area. These schools can also prioritise 10% of their places for students with a particular aptitude in the specialism, although few do. Specialist schools are often called colleges, for example, Science and Technology Colleges. schoolsSpecialistSpecialist Schools specialise in a particular curriculum area. In the past, they had to apply to the DfES* to be designated as specialist, and they were given extra money to develop resources in their specialist area. These schools can also prioritise 10% of their places for students with a particular aptitude in the specialism, although few do. Specialist schools are often called colleges, for example, Science and Technology Colleges. Schools specialise in a particular curriculum area. In the past, they had to apply to the DfES* to be designated as specialistSpecialist Schools specialise in a particular curriculum area. In the past, they had to apply to the DfES* to be designated as specialist, and they were given extra money to develop resources in their specialist area. These schools can also prioritise 10% of their places for students with a particular aptitude in the specialism, although few do. Specialist schools are often called colleges, for example, Science and Technology Colleges., and they were given extra money to develop resources in their specialistSpecialist Schools specialise in a particular curriculum area. In the past, they had to apply to the DfES* to be designated as specialist, and they were given extra money to develop resources in their specialist area. These schools can also prioritise 10% of their places for students with a particular aptitude in the specialism, although few do. Specialist schools are often called colleges, for example, Science and Technology Colleges. area. These schools can also prioritise 10% of their places for students with a particular aptitude in the specialism, although few do. SpecialistSpecialist Schools specialise in a particular curriculum area. In the past, they had to apply to the DfES* to be designated as specialist, and they were given extra money to develop resources in their specialist area. These schools can also prioritise 10% of their places for students with a particular aptitude in the specialism, although few do. Specialist schools are often called colleges, for example, Science and Technology Colleges. schools are often called colleges, for example, Science and Technology Colleges.. For example a language college might require all students to take two modern foreign languagesMFLMFL, Modern Foreign Languages, is the study of foreign languages at secondary school., Modern Foreign Languages, is the study of foreign languages at secondary school. .
• Some subjects are often taught through others. For example, you might find photography within the Art curriculum.
• PSHEPSHE, Personal, Social and Health Education, is the study and discussion of issues students will encounter in their personal and adult life. and CitizenshipThe subject of citizenship equips young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding to play an effective role in public life. It is currently statutory at key stage 3 and 4* for schools which are required to teach the National Curriculum.* may not feature as separate subjects, but might be delivered through tutorAlso known as ‘form tutor’. A tutor is a teacher who registers a class of students and oversees their moral and social welfare. They should have a close overview of each tutee’s progressSchools are measured nationally according to attainment and progress. Progress is how well pupils have done given their starting points. For example, pupils' progress from key stage 2 to key stage 4 is measured., although it is quite likely that the tutor will not teach the students in their tutor group. Tutors are often the first point of contact for parents. A tutor is line managed by a head of year* or head of houseSee also 'Head of year/ Head of house'. A house is a team that groups of students are organised into for reasons of motivation and camaraderie. Houses usually stretch across year groups.*. time or assemblies.
• Like subjects are often grouped together. For example, Expressive and Performing Arts can include Art, Dance, Drama and Music. Humanities may include Geography, History, REAlso known as ‘Religious Studies' (RS). RE, Religious Education, is a compulsory subject in state* schools., CitizenshipThe subject of citizenship equips young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding to play an effective role in public life. It is currently statutory at key stage 3 and 4* for schools which are required to teach the National Curriculum.* and PSHEPSHE, Personal, Social and Health Education, is the study and discussion of issues students will encounter in their personal and adult life..
• Sometimes subjects are offered on a termly carousel arrangement for example the combination of Art,TextilesTextiles is the study and practical use of fabrics in design and manufacture. It is part of the Design and Technology* subject group. and GraphicsGraphics is the study of aspects of design using drawing and computer technology. It is part of the Design and Technology* subject group but is often found as a separate subject at key stage 4*. It was traditionally known as technical drawing..
• Sometimes students study subjects in more depth, and some schools bring down Key Stage 4Key stage 4 is the learning stage from Year 10Fourth year of secondary school, 14 - 15 years old.* age 15 to Year 11Fifth year of secondary school, 15 - 16 years old.* age 16. At the end of key stage 4 students take GCSEs*, BTECs*, Diplomas*, or other qualifications appropriate to their ability. qualifications into Key Stage 3Key stage 3 is the learning stage from Year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old.* age 11/12 to Year 9Third year of secondary school, 13 - 14 years old.* age 14, at secondary school. At the end of key stage 3, students are given a key stage 3 level by their teacher in each subject. for gifted and talentedGifted and talented students are those considered to be the most academically able in the school. All schools should have a gifted and talented programme. pupils.
• It is important to find out about grouping arrangements at Key Stage 3Key stage 3 is the learning stage from Year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old.* age 11/12 to Year 9Third year of secondary school, 13 - 14 years old.* age 14, at secondary school. At the end of key stage 3, students are given a key stage 3 level by their teacher in each subject., whether subjects set, stream or teach in mixed abilityMixed ability is a system of organising students into teaching groups, with a range of academic abilities in one classroom. groups.
• Remember to find out how students access any additional subjects offered in Years 8 or 9. For example, sometimes only students who are in the top set for French are offered a second modern foreign language.
• The variations that schools offer within the statutory requirements of the National CurriculumThe National Curriculum consists of those subjects and programmes of study that schools are legally required to provide. AcademiesAcademies are privately sponsored, but are still state schools. Previously failing schools which have closed have been reAlso known as ‘Religious Studies' (RS). RE, Religious Education, is a compulsory subject in state* schools.-launched as Academies. Some Academies are new build with extensive resources.* and Free SchoolsFree Schools are all-ability state-funded schools set up in response to parental demand. At the time of writing, they are a new government initiative. Charities, universities, businesses, educational groups, teachers and groups of parents can set up free schools. * do are not required to deliver the National Curriculum. often depend on the expertise of the staff. For example an Art teacher’s specialism might mean that a school can offer more TextilesTextiles is the study and practical use of fabrics in design and manufacture. It is part of the Design and Technology* subject group. or Photography.

Key Stage 4Key stage 4 is the learning stage from Year 10Fourth year of secondary school, 14 - 15 years old.* age 15 to Year 11Fifth year of secondary school, 15 - 16 years old.* age 16. At the end of key stage 4 students take GCSEs*, BTECs*, Diplomas*, or other qualifications appropriate to their ability.

If your child wishes to specialise in a subject at Key Stage 4Key stage 4 is the learning stage from Year 10Fourth year of secondary school, 14 - 15 years old.* age 15 to Year 11Fifth year of secondary school, 15 - 16 years old.* age 16. At the end of key stage 4 students take GCSEs*, BTECs*, Diplomas*, or other qualifications appropriate to their ability. that is not part of the school’s core offer, then it is important to find out whether this subject is regularly offered and if students are guaranteed a place on the course.

English, Maths, Science, ICTICT, Information and Communication Technology is the aspect of the curriculum where students work with and learn about computers and related technology. It was previously known as IT., REAlso known as ‘Religious Studies' (RS). RE, Religious Education, is a compulsory subject in state* schools.,  PE, CitizenshipThe subject of citizenship equips young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding to play an effective role in public life. It is currently statutory at key stage 3 and 4* for schools which are required to teach the National Curriculum.*, Personal, social, health and economic education (PSHEPSHE, Personal, Social and Health Education, is the study and discussion of issues students will encounter in their personal and adult life.)  are obligatory subjects in all schools at Key Stage 4Key stage 4 is the learning stage from Year 10Fourth year of secondary school, 14 - 15 years old.* age 15 to Year 11Fifth year of secondary school, 15 - 16 years old.* age 16. At the end of key stage 4 students take GCSEs*, BTECs*, Diplomas*, or other qualifications appropriate to their ability.. In most schools, however, they are not all examination subjects. English, Maths and Science certainly will be. However, individual schools will have differing arrangements for which of the other core subjectsCore subjects at secondary school are those which must be studied by all students, for example, English, Maths and Science. students are studied to examination level.

• Individual schools have a variety of additional compulsory subjects. For example, faithschools normally have REAlso known as ‘Religious Studies' (RS). RE, Religious Education, is a compulsory subject in state* schools. as a compulsory examination subject.
• A specialistSpecialist Schools specialise in a particular curriculum area. In the past, they had to apply to the DfES* to be designated as specialist, and they were given extra money to develop resources in their specialist area. These schools can also prioritise 10% of their places for students with a particular aptitude in the specialism, although few do. Specialist schools are often called colleges, for example, Science and Technology Colleges. language college is likely to make at least one language compulsory.
• SpecialistSpecialist Schools specialise in a particular curriculum area. In the past, they had to apply to the DfES* to be designated as specialist, and they were given extra money to develop resources in their specialist area. These schools can also prioritise 10% of their places for students with a particular aptitude in the specialism, although few do. Specialist schools are often called colleges, for example, Science and Technology Colleges. schoolsSpecialistSpecialist Schools specialise in a particular curriculum area. In the past, they had to apply to the DfES* to be designated as specialist, and they were given extra money to develop resources in their specialist area. These schools can also prioritise 10% of their places for students with a particular aptitude in the specialism, although few do. Specialist schools are often called colleges, for example, Science and Technology Colleges. Schools specialise in a particular curriculum area. In the past, they had to apply to the DfES* to be designated as specialistSpecialist Schools specialise in a particular curriculum area. In the past, they had to apply to the DfES* to be designated as specialist, and they were given extra money to develop resources in their specialist area. These schools can also prioritise 10% of their places for students with a particular aptitude in the specialism, although few do. Specialist schools are often called colleges, for example, Science and Technology Colleges., and they were given extra money to develop resources in their specialistSpecialist Schools specialise in a particular curriculum area. In the past, they had to apply to the DfES* to be designated as specialist, and they were given extra money to develop resources in their specialist area. These schools can also prioritise 10% of their places for students with a particular aptitude in the specialism, although few do. Specialist schools are often called colleges, for example, Science and Technology Colleges. area. These schools can also prioritise 10% of their places for students with a particular aptitude in the specialism, although few do. SpecialistSpecialist Schools specialise in a particular curriculum area. In the past, they had to apply to the DfES* to be designated as specialist, and they were given extra money to develop resources in their specialist area. These schools can also prioritise 10% of their places for students with a particular aptitude in the specialism, although few do. Specialist schools are often called colleges, for example, Science and Technology Colleges. schools are often called colleges, for example, Science and Technology Colleges. are likely to have more Key Stage 4Key stage 4 is the learning stage from Year 10Fourth year of secondary school, 14 - 15 years old.* age 15 to Year 11Fifth year of secondary school, 15 - 16 years old.* age 16. At the end of key stage 4 students take GCSEs*, BTECs*, Diplomas*, or other qualifications appropriate to their ability. optionsTaking place in Year 9* options is the process where students choose which subjects they wish to study at key stage 4*. English, Maths, Science, RE*, Citizenship* and ICT* are not normally optional. Students can normally opt for a number of other subjects depending on the school’s curriculum. There is normally no guarantee that students will be given the subjects they opt for. in their specialistSpecialist Schools specialise in a particular curriculum area. In the past, they had to apply to the DfES* to be designated as specialist, and they were given extra money to develop resources in their specialist area. These schools can also prioritise 10% of their places for students with a particular aptitude in the specialism, although few do. Specialist schools are often called colleges, for example, Science and Technology Colleges. area than other schools which do not share their specialism.
• A good school should try to develop a flexible curriculum that meets the diverse needs of its pupils.  As a parent, you are looking for a school which will meet the individual needs of your child, bearing in mind that their needs will change.  Every child needs, as much as possible, a curriculum suited to them, to succeed, not suited to the school.
• The more flexible the curriculum is, the better.
• Often, because of staffing or curriculum changes, schools will have a popular option subject when your child arrives in Year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old. which may not exist by the time they reach Year 10Fourth year of secondary school, 14 - 15 years old..
• Most schools will not run an option subject if there is not enough take up from students.
• Some schools run a ‘blocked’ curriculum at Key Stage 4Key stage 4 is the learning stage from Year 10Fourth year of secondary school, 14 - 15 years old.* age 15 to Year 11Fifth year of secondary school, 15 - 16 years old.* age 16. At the end of key stage 4 students take GCSEs*, BTECs*, Diplomas*, or other qualifications appropriate to their ability., from which pupils have the freedom to choose only certain combinations of subjects.
• The range of vocationalNormally found at key stages 4 and 5*, a vocational course has a strong work related focus. and appliedApplied learning is learning that is applied to the world of work. optionsTaking place in Year 9* options is the process where students choose which subjects they wish to study at key stage 4*. English, Maths, Science, RE*, Citizenship* and ICT* are not normally optional. Students can normally opt for a number of other subjects depending on the school’s curriculum. There is normally no guarantee that students will be given the subjects they opt for. varies greatly from school to school. Some schools will offer two qualifications in one subject area, for example, both a GCSEGCSEs, (General Certificate of Secondary Education) are the key qualification students take at key stage 4* when they are 16.They replaced ‘O’ Levels. Most schools make English, Maths and Science GCSEs obligatory. GCSEs have grades from A*–U. In the eyes of schools, colleges and the government, a ‘C’ grade is in effect a pass, a ‘D’ grade or below is a fail. Many further education* courses demand that students achieve five GCSEs at grades A*–C. and a BTECA BTEC is a vocational* qualification which is usually completed at Key Stage 4* or 5* and can be equivalent to GCSEs or 'A' levelsAt key stage 2* and key stage 3* students are awarded National Curriculum levels to measure academic progressSchools are measured nationally according to attainment and progress. Progress is how well pupils have done given their starting points. For example, pupils' progress from key stage 2 to key stage 4 is measured.. The levels go from level 1 to level 8. In Year 9*, level 5 is the average nationally.. in Science. Sometimes, only high ability students can follow the GCSEGCSEs, (General Certificate of Secondary Education) are the key qualification students take at key stage 4* when they are 16.They replaced ‘O’ Levels. Most schools make English, Maths and Science GCSEs obligatory. GCSEs have grades from A*–U. In the eyes of schools, colleges and the government, a ‘C’ grade is in effect a pass, a ‘D’ grade or below is a fail. Many further education* courses demand that students achieve five GCSEs at grades A*–C. in a subject area where there are two qualifications offered, and these same students cannot take the vocationalNormally found at key stages 4 and 5*, a vocational course has a strong work related focus. option. Other schools leave the choice between vocationalNormally found at key stages 4 and 5*, a vocational course has a strong work related focus. and academic courses up to the student and their parents.
• Some schools provide a skills based qualification, sometimes involving a college placement, at Key Stage 4Key stage 4 is the learning stage from Year 10Fourth year of secondary school, 14 - 15 years old.* age 15 to Year 11Fifth year of secondary school, 15 - 16 years old.* age 16. At the end of key stage 4 students take GCSEs*, BTECs*, Diplomas*, or other qualifications appropriate to their ability. for students who might find it difficult to access the full examination curriculum.
• For learners who find GCSEs and BTECS difficult, a school should offer FoundationFoundation schools are broadly the same as trust schools. The governing body is the employer and admissionsAdmissions is the department in the local education authority responsible for allocating children to schools. authority, rather than the local authority, as is the case for maintained schools. Faith schools are often trust schools. LearningFoundationFoundation schools are broadly the same as trust schools. The governing body is the employer and admissionsAdmissions is the department in the local education authority responsible for allocating children to schools. authority, rather than the local authority, as is the case for maintained schools. Faith schools are often trust schools. learning is learning and qualifications for pupils who are not likely to achieve a GCSEGCSEs, (General Certificate of Secondary Education) are the key qualification students take at key stage 4* when they are 16.They replaced ‘O’ Levels. Most schools make English, Maths and Science GCSEs obligatory. GCSEs have grades from A*–U. In the eyes of schools, colleges and the government, a ‘C’ grade is in effect a pass, a ‘D’ grade or below is a fail. Many further education* courses demand that students achieve five GCSEs at grades A*–C.* above a grade D., which are flexible courses for pupils who feel challenged by learning.
• Some schools will work with a group of other schools, colleges, private providers, or businesses to deliver their Key Stage 4Key stage 4 is the learning stage from Year 10Fourth year of secondary school, 14 - 15 years old.* age 15 to Year 11Fifth year of secondary school, 15 - 16 years old.* age 16. At the end of key stage 4 students take GCSEs*, BTECs*, Diplomas*, or other qualifications appropriate to their ability. curriculum.
• Some schools will have an ‘age not stage’ approach to qualifications at Key Stage 4Key stage 4 is the learning stage from Year 10Fourth year of secondary school, 14 - 15 years old.* age 15 to Year 11Fifth year of secondary school, 15 - 16 years old.* age 16. At the end of key stage 4 students take GCSEs*, BTECs*, Diplomas*, or other qualifications appropriate to their ability., with, for example, pupils completing examinations at the end of Year 10Fourth year of secondary school, 14 - 15 years old. if they are ready for it.
• Don’t be put off by qualifications you are unfamiliar with.  Most parents’ knowledge about examinations is at least ten years out of date.  You need a curriculum that suits your child, that has high success rates, and that has currency beyond the school.

Further Information

Open Evening

If your child is likely to be interested in a particular course at Key Stage 4Key stage 4 is the learning stage from Year 10Fourth year of secondary school, 14 - 15 years old.* age 15 to Year 11Fifth year of secondary school, 15 - 16 years old.* age 16. At the end of key stage 4 students take GCSEs*, BTECs*, Diplomas*, or other qualifications appropriate to their ability. make sure the school will be running it when your child reaches Year. Find out what the eligibility is for each Key Stage 4Key stage 4 is the learning stage from Year 10Fourth year of secondary school, 14 - 15 years old.* age 15 to Year 11Fifth year of secondary school, 15 - 16 years old.* age 16. At the end of key stage 4 students take GCSEs*, BTECs*, Diplomas*, or other qualifications appropriate to their ability. option. Find out what the school sees as a viable class size to run a Key Stage 4Key stage 4 is the learning stage from Year 10Fourth year of secondary school, 14 - 15 years old.* age 15 to Year 11Fifth year of secondary school, 15 - 16 years old.* age 16. At the end of key stage 4 students take GCSEs*, BTECs*, Diplomas*, or other qualifications appropriate to their ability. option. Find out what choice the pupils have at Key Stage 4Key stage 4 is the learning stage from Year 10Fourth year of secondary school, 14 - 15 years old.* age 15 to Year 11Fifth year of secondary school, 15 - 16 years old.* age 16. At the end of key stage 4 students take GCSEs*, BTECs*, Diplomas*, or other qualifications appropriate to their ability..  Do they, for example, have to choose certain combinations of subjects that might not suit your child?

If your child is likely to excel in an appliedApplied learning is learning that is applied to the world of work., vocationalNormally found at key stages 4 and 5*, a vocational course has a strong work related focus. curriculum then this is the area about which you must enquire.  If your child is likely to flourish with an academic curriculum, then this should be your focus for questions.

Prospectus

Check what the curriculum offer is for Key Stage 3Key stage 3 is the learning stage from Year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old.* age 11/12 to Year 9Third year of secondary school, 13 - 14 years old.* age 14, at secondary school. At the end of key stage 3, students are given a key stage 3 level by their teacher in each subject.. For example it might be that your child has been looking forward to taking Drama at secondary school but it is not offered as a separate subject until Year 9Third year of secondary school, 13 - 14 years old.. Your child might be interested in the school because they offer TextilesTextiles is the study and practical use of fabrics in design and manufacture. It is part of the Design and Technology* subject group., but they will only be able to access it one term per year. Check what the Key Stage 3Key stage 3 is the learning stage from Year 7First year of secondary school, 11 - 12 years old.* age 11/12 to Year 9Third year of secondary school, 13 - 14 years old.* age 14, at secondary school. At the end of key stage 3, students are given a key stage 3 level by their teacher in each subject. grouping arrangements are and the selection criteria for any additional subjects on offer.

There will usually be a list of Key Stage 4Key stage 4 is the learning stage from Year 10Fourth year of secondary school, 14 - 15 years old.* age 15 to Year 11Fifth year of secondary school, 15 - 16 years old.* age 16. At the end of key stage 4 students take GCSEs*, BTECs*, Diplomas*, or other qualifications appropriate to their ability. option subjects with their results. It is also worth finding out what the compulsory subjects are. You do not want your child saddled with a compulsory subject that you do not think is appropriate or useful.

School Publications

Ask for a copy of the option information for the current Year 9Third year of secondary school, 13 - 14 years old. group.

Summary