Pupils begin their GCSE journey in Year 8 when they pick their options and begin their programme of study in Year 9. This gives them three years to prepare for their GCSEs.

All pupils continue to study Maths and English for four hours a week. However, throughout KS4, there are six taught classes instead of five in the core curriculum.

This allows for smaller groups with more focused learning, so that all pupils are able to achieve the best grade possible in these key subjects.
All pupils are entered into subjects that form the English Baccalaureate and study the core curriculum for over 50% of their timetable. Each pupil is also able to choose two further subjects to study in KS4.

Optional subjects follow GCSE programmes of study so that all pupils have access to nine good GCSEs.

Extra GCSEs may be offered depending on the available skill sets of individual teachers.

More able pupils may be offered the opportunity to study further subjects as part of the enrichment programme where pupils are struggling with nine GCSEs the school may, if there is staffing available, reduce the number of subjects studied to concentrate more time on core curriculum subjects.

Our vision is that most pupils will go on to take A levels or T levels and that many pupils will progress to higher education. Throughout KS4 we arrange trips to Colleges and Universities so that pupils can get a taster of the options available to them.

For prospective parents requiring more information in respect of GCSE options please contact the school via [email protected] or call us on 01983 857641 and let us know what information you would like and a member of the team will get back to you.

If you are a parent of a pupil already at the school, please contact your child’s mentor who will answer any questions you may have.