The curriculum at Key Stage 4

When students move into Key Stage 4 they do not all follow exactly the same curriculum. Students need to make some choices, which will mean that they give up some subjects to spend more time on others. There are a number of subjects that the government say that all students must study.

Before students choose their options for Key Stage 4 they are divided into learning routes which are designed to match each student’s needs and abilities. The learning route a student is in is based upon teacher assessments during Key Stage 3, and will ensure that they are given the best possible opportunity to achieve during Key Stage 4. Many Key Stage 4 courses will start in year 9 to give our students the best opportunity to achieve well by the end of year 11.

In Key Stage 4 all students study English, mathematics, science, ICT, PE, citizenship and religious studies as part of our core curriculum. In addition they can study from a range of choices including subjects such as art, languages, humanities, drama, music, media studies and design technology. There are a number of applied learning courses for students in Key Stage 4. These courses focus on learning which is directly associated with the world of work. This ensures that we provide opportunities for different kinds of learning to suit the interests and abilities of individual students. We aim to give as many students as possible the opportunity to achieve the English Baccalaureate by the end of year 11 and have a strong focus on achieving good grades for all in GCSE English and mathematics.

Campus Luton

Campus Luton involves all secondary schools in Luton, as well as Barnfield and Luton Sixth Form colleges working together to provide wider opportunities for Key Stage 4 students. These courses focus on learning which is directly associated with the world of work and include diplomas, young apprenticeships and vocational courses such as hairdressing and engineering.