Key Stage 4 Course Outlines

Business

At Key Stage 4, pupils can choose to expand their knowledge and understanding of business, learning further key concepts and ideas.

ICT

There are no final examinations at the end of the new Dida course; the grades are based solely on coursework. Pupils produce work on the computers which is submitted to the examiners in the form of an e-portfolio. Some pupils will be taking one unit, others two units and a few students four units.

Mathematics

Each year group is differentiated into two parts: Higher Mathematics, which can lead to GCSE grades D – A*, and Foundation Level, which leads to grades G – C. (Pupils who fail to qualify for a grade at their chosen level are given a "U" classification.) Core teaching follows the National Curriculum material set out for each level of GCSE entry, and all pupils have a textbook relevant to the appropriate level.

Year 10 is split into 3½ sections, which are tested with written papers only. The work covered after the end-of-year test in May is tested early in Year 11. After this, there is another section of work which completes the required syllabus before mock GCSE in January. Set changes in Year 11 are very rare. Revision of all appropriate material, including past papers, takes place in the run-up to the public examinations, and additional help with individual problems and extra lessons is given wherever needed.

Coursework makes up 20% of the GCSE mark. 10% is awarded to a "Data Handling" piece, which is undertaken after the May test in Year 10. The other 10% is for "Using and Applying" coursework, which is done after the Year 11 mock GCSE examination. The coursework can be given back to pupils with comments, and can be improved on while remaining within the

Route 4

The Route 4 course is an alternative curriculum for young people in years 10 and 11 with an emphasis on work related learning.

There are FOUR aspects to the course:

  • A college course
  • A work placement
  • AQA Unit Award Scheme
  • GCSEs in the core subjects (English, Mathematics and Science)
  • Students follow a course at Great Yarmouth College, which they attend on a Wednesday morning.  The school provides transport to and from the college, but students must provide the clothing required for their particular course.  The courses are run over two years and students who complete their course gain automatic entry into the college when they leave school.  Courses currently available for 14 –16 year olds are Hairdressing, Catering, Construction, Horticulture and Motor Vehicle Maintenance.
  • Students attend a work placement one day a week that is set up through the Connexions service. They can express a preference as to what sort of work they would like to do. Students are required to fill in a work experience journal, which is assessed, and a pass certificate is awarded if the student has met all the requirements.
  • Route 4 lessons in school try to offer a wide range of activities both written and practical.  These activities are run in conjunction with the AQA Unit Award Scheme, where candidates work through a number of units and are awarded certification at the completion of each unit.  In year 10 citizenship, group work and team building are explored.  In Year 11 units based on post-16 planning and practical life skills are investigated, which will help the student after leaving school.

The course is designed to offer a broader curriculum that will meet the individual educational needs of those who may find academic subjects challenging.  It looks to encourage and motivate students, and to give them confidence and focus with regard to their schooling and career plans.

Technology

At Key Stage 4, pupils can choose to follow a full GCSE course in electronics, food, graphics or resistant materials.