The Key Stage 4 curriculum is designed to enable all students to achieve external qualifications in Maths, English, and a STEM subject. All students also study a creative option due to the many emotional benefits this brings and some may choose to develop this into an additional qualification. Tailoring the academic route to the emotional and language needs of the students (and their past educational history) is crucial and some students may study for their GCSEs over three years to maximise their chances of fulfilling their potential. A (minimum) two year KS4, provides an opportunity for students to select some specialist areas of interest to study further, leading to potential future career paths.
English and Literacy Students in in KS4 English consolidate and develop written and spoken language skills learned in KS3. We work to ensure that every student achieves a recognised qualification at an appropriate level: Step up Silver/Gold, Functional Skills or GCSE. GCSE English focuses on reading with understanding and inference, writing using Standard English displaying clear structure according to purpose and audience. Writing using a range of vocabulary and sentence structure to with engagement and flair. The Step Up courses are designed for those not quite ready for GCSE, whilst Functional Skills develops an awareness of style combined with the skills of communication and understanding required for the world of employment. Creative In KS4, students have an opportunity to engage in multiple creative options such as Art in both 2D and 3D form, Photography and Music. Students are able to explore a significant variety of practical methods with an emphasis on "exploration and sensory development". Every student is taught towards GCSE qualifications and this may lead onto AS and A-Level study, according to a student s’ interest, career path and ability.
Maths and Numeracy In KS4 Maths we prepare students for either Entry Level Certificate of GCSE according to their ability and readiness for external examinations. Those who complete the entry level certificate quickly, may continue onto the functional skills course if they are still not ready for GCSE. Students continue to consolidate their skills in number, algebra, ratio and proportion, geometry and statistics. They use appropriate technology to assist their work and we use games, puzzles and quizzes to help embed key rules and vocabulary. There is a focus on applying their skills to real life problems, communicating their methods and analysing the reliability of statistics they see in the media Pathways With a balance of classroom and community based tasks, students continue developing skills to manage money, access leisure facilities, budget and use public transport. As students progress, they are able to complete tasks with a greater level of independence. Careers and daily living skills are now of increased importance and students may visit job centres or local colleges and learn how to plan and cook meals and clean both their clothes and their future homes
STEM In KS4 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) students can study to achieve IGCSE or ELC Science, to aid their progress towards further Scientific qualifications. Students may take a Technology course such as BTEC Design & Technology or Food Studies if their individual pathway or onward studies requires it. Students are encouraged to relate scientific knowledge to the world around them and practical tasks and experiments are used to engage, explain and foster a curiosity to learn more. All KS4 courses are “combined sciences” containing elements of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Pastoral Pastoral time is valuable to build strong relationships between the pastoral teacher and students now that the majority of other lessons are taught by specialist teachers. The pastoral programme is designed to be flexible and respond to individual interests whilst also providing opportunities to maintain the focus on vital skills such as reading for pleasure, speaking and listening, numeracy and other bespoke targets. The PSHE programme is delivered with support and input from the therapists within the Key Team. Topics include: health and wellbeing, the environment, relationships, careers, the legal system and staying safe, both online and in the community. The focus and style of delivery is adapted to engage the students in each group and respond to their levels of knowledge and understanding. Pastoral tIme is also used for discussions on issues related to ethics, beliefs and our role as citizens both within Britain and in the wider world.
Physical Education Students experience a range of physical activities from individual fitness work in our gym to modified team games. A range of external activities such as trampolining, cycling, walking, canoeing and golf are included to enable students to find a sport that they enjoy and may continue with outside of school.
Enrichment: Our Enrichment programme offers our students the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of activities to “enrich” their lives and gain new experiences. Students select a course for 6 or 12 weeks and are encouraged to move onto a new activity for the following half term. Options can range from Car maintenance to woodwork and Local History, according to student interest and availability
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