From September 2020 our current Year 9s continue to study a broad range of subjects at Key Stage 3 from our five personalised option routes are offered to students. Selection for each route is made from KS3 data. Each route is designed to meet the specific needs of those students and enhance their post 16 progression routes. KS4 is split into two sides T (Torch) and F (Flame) for timetable purposes.
All KS4 students study English Language, Maths and Combined Science as well as their options.
All students have 1 hour per fortnight studying Values and Citizenship. This course incorporates study of RS, careers/IAG for post 16 pathways, college applications as well as underpinning topics to enhance their personal development and welfare. You can click here to view a full list of qualifications studied at Key Stage 4 with links to subject content and specifications.
Torch Route A: approximately 150 students are identified for this route. It offers up to nine or 10 GCSEs including Maths, English Language and Literature and Combined Science. This route prepares students for Sixth Form College entry. Students choose four options. The options are organised in such a way to allow all students to study the Ebacc combination of subjects if they choose. Triple Science is available for the top science set on this route.
Torch B: approximately 90 students are identified for this route. It offers nine GCSEs and is very close in structure and choice to Torch A. However, where it differs is with the choice of option subject. Whilst it allows all students to choose the Ebacc combination of subjects if they wish, there is greater variety of subject on offer including a number of vocational qualifications.
Flame B: approximately 40 students are identified for this route. They are offered up to nine GCSE including English Language and Literature, Maths and Combined Science. This route shares many of the option choices with Torch B, however, the full suite of Ebacc subjects are not offered to these students. This is tailored for students who engage more with the vocational format of learning. Post-16 progression is to college to study vocational subjects.
Foundation Route (Supported Study and Foundation Learning Group): Approximately 20 students are identified for this route and they are split into two further focussed groups. The foundation route provides either 18 or 24 hours per fortnight with a dedicated teacher who works with their group on qualifications to meet specific needs of the individuals thus enhancing post-16 progression.
Supported Study: this route is for our weakest students as identified from KS3 data. Their 14 hours are tailored for entry level qualifications and support for the core subjects to ensure they gain a GCSE in English and Maths. They also study 1 option.
Foundation Learning Group: students within this group are those identified throughout KS3 as having barriers to learning who would benefit from the additional support of smaller class sizes and a more individualised curriculum. A clear group ethos is quickly developed and strong links with parents are made with their key teacher. These students follow a similar curriculum to supported study with the focus on best grades for their ability as some students within this route are able students. This option route allows us to keep these students in school and learning, whilst providing them with the skills and qualifications to move to post- 16.
