Skip to content ↓
  • Inspiring Individuals
  • Empowering Minds
  • Defining Futures

Key Stage 4 Curriculum

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11)

Students move into Key Stage 4 at the beginning of Year 10.  At this point they will have chosen the subjects they wish to specialise in, to supplement the compulsory or 'core' curriculum.

The core curriculum at Key Stage 4 consists of English Language and English Literature, Mathematics, Science (which includes Physics, Chemistry and Biology), PSHE & Citizenship, Physical Education and Religious Studies. 
As we run a two timetable (Week 1 and Week 2), over the two weeks, every student will study:

  • 9 lessons of English
  • 7 lessons of Mathematics
  • 9 lessons of Science
  • 2 lessons of PE
  • 1 lesson of Religious Studies 
  • 1 lesson PSHE and Citizenship (delivered on a fortnightly rota)

Students then select 4 'options' from the list of additional choices.  These currently include: Art and Design, 3D Design, Computer Science, Drama, French, Food Technology, Further Maths, Geography, History, Music, Physical Education, Photography and Spanish.  These are timetabled for five lessons per fortnight.

Our aim is that all students leave Key Stage 4 able to progress to a range of Vocational or Academic courses, or to further training linked to their chosen career.  In order to achieve this, all students and their families will receive expert advice, guidance and support.

Assessment at Key Stage 4

GCSE Examinations

All GCSE examinations use the 9-1 grading system with 9 being the highest grade. The majority of courses are assessed through external examinations at the end of Year 11, however, some courses a proportion of the examination grade is dependent upon Coursework - work done by the student during the two years of the course.

GCSE Options Process

As students approach the end of Year 9 it is time to make some decisions about future studies. They should also begin to think about what they would like to do in Year 12 and 13. Changes in government policy mean that all students must now stay in education, or work-based training, until they are 18.

At Queen’s Park High School we are committed to the concept of ‘breadth and balance’ in Year 10 and 11, which can then become more specialised in Years 12 and 13. We have found it is unnecessary for future career ambitions to specialise in specific subject areas too early and that it is better to keep a broader choice of subjects at this stage.

When choosing a subject it is more important to think about what you enjoy and what you have shown an aptitude for.

Curriculum Choices 

All students must study the core provision which includes GCSE in the following subjects:

  • English (Language and Literature)
  • Maths
  • Science (Combined)

Additionally, students study subjects which are non-examined:

  • Religious Studies
  • Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) and Citizenship
  • Core PE

We also recommend that all students consider studying a language and a humanities option.

Students choose four additional subjects from the following list:

Art & Design Geography
3D Design History
Computer Science Music
Drama Photography
Food Technology PE/Sports Studies
French Spanish

When to Make Option Choices 

Students will be asked to complete an Options Choices Application Form in March of Year 9. We ask that each student selects one option from each block, plus a reserve, which can be used if there is a problem with the combination of choices requested.

Whilst we make every effort to enable as many students as possible to study the subjects they have requested we cannot guarantee meeting the exact preferences of individual students. Clearly the running of courses is dependent upon whether they are sufficiently subscribed. If there are any issues students will be informed as soon as possible.

Further Information

For further details on all course information and subject options, key dates and the KS4 Options Form, please download the relevant documents below: