Read in conjunction with our curriculum guide.
- The National Curriculum for England sets out the subjects to be taught and the expected standards to be met by schools following a British style curriculum.
- In Key Stage 3 (Year 7-9, age 11-14), students study English, Mathematics, Science (core subjects), Computing, Design Technology, History, Geography, Art & Design, Music, Physical Education, Ancient & Modern Foreign Languages and Citizenship.
- In Key Stage 4 (Year 10&11, age 14-16), students work towards national qualifications called GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education). Students will usually choose 8-10 subjects to study, including 3 core subjects (English, Mathematics and Science (combined or one from Biology, Chemistry & Physics), three foundation subjects (Computing, Physical Education and Citizenship) and they must also be offered at least one subject from the following: Arts, Design & Technology, the Humanities (History & Geography), and Modern Foreign Languages (various languages).
- Key Stage 5 (Year 12&13, age 16-18) is not compulsory but those wishing to go on to higher education will stay on at school to study for AS or A Levels, the formal qualifications needed for university. Students can choose three or four subjects to study further which are most likely closely related to the university course they wish to apply for. AS Levels normally take one year and A Levels, two years.
- The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is an optional project that students can undertake in Key Stage 5. The EPQ is internally assessed and can take the form of a design, performance, report, dissertation or artefact. It is worth 50% of an ‘A’ level.