Options Portal

Key Stage 4 overview 

At Key Stage 4, our aim is to provide students with a broad and balanced curriculum that ensures a wide breadth of learning. This approach keeps all pathways open—whether students choose to continue into Post-16 education or enter the world of work. To support this, students will study a combination of compulsory ‘core’ subjects and a selection of optional subjects.

We believe this blend of core and chosen subjects equips our young people with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to lead lives full of choice and opportunity.

Core curriculum

All students will study the following core subjects:

• English (both Language and Literature)
• Mathematics
• Science

To support students’ holistic development—socially, morally, spiritually, and culturally—they will also take part in:

• Personal Development (including Religious Studies and PSHE)
• Core PE

These lessons are non-examined but play a vital role in shaping well-rounded, confident young adults.

Optional subjects

In addition to the core curriculum, students will choose three optional subjects:

• One subject from the Directed Choices
• Two subjects from the Free Choices

All courses offered are Level 2 qualifications, equivalent to GCSEs, regardless of the awarding body. This ensures that students can access Post-16 education, no matter the combination of qualifications they pursue.

Support for student with additional needs

For students with additional needs, the SEND department will work closely with students and their parents/carers to determine the most appropriate and supportive curriculum. In some cases, students may be directed to study Functional Skills in English and/or Mathematics as an alternative qualification.

A Vocational Studies course will also be available on an invite-only basis, tailored to individual needs. If we believe this route would benefit your child, our SEND team will contact you directly.

Science pathways

Most students will study Double Award Science, covering Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, and will receive two GCSE grades. Some students may be selected to study Triple Science, where each science is examined separately, resulting in three individual GCSE grades. The appropriate pathway will be determined by the Head of Science in consultation with parents/carers.

Subject choices and availability

While we aim to accommodate as many first-choice subjects as possible, some courses may not run if they are not viable. In rare cases, it may not be possible for a student to study all of their initial choices. If this happens, we will contact you to discuss alternative options.

To support this process, we ask all students to select a 4th reserve choice.

For a detailed breakdown of each subject, please refer to our Options Booklet.