KS4 Options

The Charles Dickens School’s Key Stage 4 curriculum consists of the following subjects, and aims to ensure that pupils have a breadth of both academic and technical courses at KS4.

Core subjects

• English (Language and Literature)
• Mathematics
• Combined Science
• RE (core)/PSHE/Citizenship taught through PSHE drop down, Bitesize and Cultural Capital days

Humanities (pupils choose at least one of the following)

• Geography
• History
• RE

Academic breadth (pupils choose at least one of the following)

• Art
• Design Technology
• French
• Graphics
• Music
• Photography
• Spanish
• Textiles
• Triple Science (delivered in conjunction with Combined Science, awarding separate GCSEs

Other options (pupils choose up to two of the following)

• Art
• Biology, Chemistry and Physics) Business Studies
• Child Development
• Dance
• Design Technology
• Drama
• French
• Geography
• Graphics
• Health & Social Care
• History
• Hospitality
• Information Technology
• Media
• Music
• Photography
• RE
• Sociology
• Spanish
• Sport
• Textiles
• Travel & Tourism
• Triple Science (separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry and Physics)

The examination board has been chosen by each Curriculum Leader to give the pupils the best possible chance of accessing the highest grades and making good progress. All examination boards used have equal weighting and all provide pathways for further study at Post-16.

The technical courses are equivalent to, and as challenging as, GCSE courses but the learning is structured slightly differently with an emphasis on portfolio and practical based learning. All Technical courses have some external examination at the end of the course. It is essential to realise that work completed during Years 9, 10 and 11 will play a crucial part in determining the final grade awarded at the end of each course.