KS4 Curriculum & Qualification Information:
West Kirby School aims to offer a broad curriculum and range of qualifications to support pupils with varying needs to achieve their potential. We continue to provide for those more academically able individual, alongside complex young people with challenging areas of needs impacting on their ability to access and learn.
Our aim is that all students leave Key Stage 4 able to progress to a range of vocational or academic courses, or to further training linked to their chosen career. In order to achieve this, all students and their families will receive expert advice, guidance and support.
Curriculum at Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11)
Core curriculum: Students move into Key Stage 4 at the beginning of Year 10. At this point they will study the 'core' curriculum. The core curriculum at Key Stage 4 consists of English, Mathematics, Science, PSHE & Citizenship, Physical Education and Religious Studies.
Options: Students then select 4 'options' from the list of additional choices. Subjects offered include Art and Design, Computer Science, Drama, Geography, German, History, Music, 3d Art and design, Photography, Classics, Information Technology, Computer Science, Duke of Edinburgh, Engineering and Design, Creative i-media, Horticulture, Animal Care, Chinese, Graphics, Food Technology, Graphics and Life Skills.
Qualifications available
The qualifications offered provide academic, vocational or skills-related opportunities and are grouped into levels. Qualifications and certificates we offer are:
Entry Level Qualifications - These are for pupil who are not yet ready for the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). Entry Level Qualifications focus on a specific subject or area of learning, allowing the pupil to develop the basic knowledge and skills for work or to continue education. These include English, Maths, Geography and Computing.
Functional Skills - Functional Skills qualifications allow the learners to acquire practical skills. This includes Maths and Computing.
BTECs – BTECs are specialist work-related qualifications. They combine practical learning with subject and theory content. We offer Sport, Animal Husbandry and Food Tech.
Foundation Certificate (FCSEs) FCSE languages help students develop their ability to understand, write and speak in their chosen language. We currently offer qualification in Chinese and German
GSCEs Qualifications - GSCEs are taken by 14 to 16 year olds and graded from 1-9. These are assessed by examination at the end of a 2 year course. GCSE's on offer can include the following (subject to cohort):
- Maths
- English Language and English Literature
- Science (Dual Award)
- Art
- Drama
- Chinese
- 3Dmedia (DT)
- Photography
- Religious Education
- Music
- History
- Chinese
- Geography
- Photography
- Classics
A and AS Level Qualifications - These qualifications are intended for pupils who want to gain a deeper knowledge of a particular subject and are usually studied by 16 and 18 years olds who have completed the GSCEs. They are graded A – U. We also support students to study A-Levels in other subjects with local Sixth Form Colleges whilst within our provision.
Other qualifications and awards we offer are:
- Arts Award – Bronze, Silver and Gold
- Duke of Edinburgh Award – Bronze, Silver and Gold
- Cambridge Technical ICT
- Cambridge National ICT
- ASDAN Vocational Awards – Gardening, Personal and Social Development
* Qualifications offered may change each year according to the cohort
For further curriculum information please speak to Mr Flanagan, Deputy Head, Quality of Education.