Key Stage 4 and IGCSE

The move from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 4 involves some important changes both in the structure of the timetable and in the nature of the lessons. By the end of Key Stage 3 students will have followed up to fifteen subjects and they now begin the process of selecting areas of specialism.

The Key Stage 4 programme provides students with opportunities to engage with increasingly complex and challenging issues which are relevant to their daily lives. Students are encouraged to apply their knowledge and use their creativity. It is important that education doesn't just focus on the academic in isolation but also embraces the social, physical, emotional, cognitive, and ethical dimensions of the individual.

In Key Stage 4 students study a focused range of IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) subjects, with the exception of Art which is assessed via GCSE, and have specialist teachers for each course they select.

Prior to making their subject choices, students in Year 9 receive advice and assistance from teachers about the subjects on offer. Students have the chance to play a positive, pro-active role in making decisions that could influence their future opportunities in life.

The Core subjects

• English Language (IGCSE)
• English Literature (IGCSE)

• Mathematics (IGCSE)

All students must select a balanced programme of subjects, including:

• A Science pathway — Biology, Chemistry and Physics, studied as either Triple Award Science (3 IGCSEs) or Co-ordinated Sciences / Double Award (2 IGCSEs)

• A Language — Italian, French or Spanish (IGCSE)

• A Humanity — Geography or History (IGCSE)

• Additional subjects to complete their programme

Students who choose Triple Award Science select 1 additional subject; students who choose Co-ordinated Sciences select 2 additional subjects. This brings the total to 9 IGCSEs. The additional subject choices may be drawn from the Arts (Art (GCSE), Drama, Music), Humanities, or Languages — allowing students to broaden or deepen their studies according to their interests and future plans.

The non-examination subjects

All students also follow two non-examined courses throughout Key Stage 4:

• Physical Education
• PSHE — a planned programme of learning through which students acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to manage their lives now and in the future.

Looking ahead

Towards the end of their time in Key Stage 4, students are offered a structured transition towards the Sixth Form. The vast majority of our students stay on to study the IB Diploma Programme at the school, and subject choices at IGCSE are made with this progression in mind.