Key Stage 4
The KS4 curriculum is based on a pathways approach. It is designed to allow students to choose subjects that are relevant to their aptitude and abilities; lead to courses at post 16; be motivating and lead to maximum overall achievement.
There are three pathways: these different routes aim to give students the best chance of achieving their potential. These are:
The Extended Pathway: students on this pathway will take English Language alongside English Literature, Mathematics and Double Award Science (Biology, Chemistry & Physics). These students will need to choose a Modern Foreign Language (French or Spanish) and a Humanity (Geography or History) and will have two further subject choices. They have the Triple Science option available to them which would mean they take a separate GCSE in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
The Open Pathway: students on this pathway will take English Language alongside English Literature, Mathematics and Double Award Science (Biology, Chemistry & Physics). Students can choose four subjects from the range available but will need to remember that some Vocational choices will count as two options. To ensure a broad and balanced curriculum they must choose at least one of the following subjects:
- Geography
- History
- French
- Spanish
The Vocational Pathway: Students on the Vocational Pathway will take English Language alongside English Literature, Mathematics and Double Award Science (Biology, Chemistry & Physics). These students will also study a Skills Centre course as one option but will have a free choice for the remaining two options. They will have priority on the Vocational courses. These courses will include Hairdressing, Construction and Motor Vehicle studies.
All students will also study non examined courses in Ethics, Philosophy and Religion (EPR) and Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE).
A full programme of information and guidance is in place to help students make appropriate choices and to allow parents to support them in this. In order to help curriculum planning for the new courses, each student will complete a straw poll survey of possible option choices at the end of January. Students do not have to confirm their options choices formally until after the options evening.
Please see our Year 9 Options Page for further details.
For more information regarding our KS4 Curriculum, please email Sammy Atkinson (Samantha.atkinson@teignmouthschool.co.uk).
Click on the links below to find out more about the curriculum at Key Stage 4.
Alternatively, please contact the Head of Faculty by email. Email addresses can be found on our staff list.