Options
KS4 Pathways sets out the courses available to all students in Years 10 and 11 (Key Stage 4) and is designed to help students make the best decisions for breadth, challenge and success.
As students look forward to joining Year 10 and beginning their examination courses, it is important that they choose the courses which are right for them. They must think very carefully about choosing which route would best enable them to progress to the next stage of their education or training beyond Year 11, such as Sixth Form at St. Edward’s.
Having a genuine interest and enthusiasm in a subject is always a sound basis from which to start their selection. The choices are for students, parents and carers to make decisions together. Students should not choose a particular course because they get on well with a teacher or because a friend chooses it. The chances are that they will have different teachers and may not be in the same class as their friends.
As you may be aware the education system in this country has undergone a period of dramatic change. However, we remain focussed on providing a broad and balanced curriculum offer that allows personalisation for individual aspirations. The KS4 curriculum continues to provide vital skills and abilities preparing our students for adult life. It instils the expectations of high standards for all and provides the opportunity for academic excellence.
All students will study our core curriculum which includes English, Maths, Science, French or German and either History or Geography. Students gaining a grade 4 (standard pass), or grade 5 (strong pass) or better in these subjects will achieve the English Baccalaureate standard.
Each student receives a personalised pathway which helps guide their choices.
Please remember that our independent careers advisor is available to your child for advice and support; you may also like to investigate KS4 option choices online using trusted sources such as Career Pilot or ‘icould’.
If you have any questions at all regarding the curriculum model, please do not hesitate to contact Mr Keene (Assistant Headteacher) or your son or daughter’s Tutor using the enquiries email address, enquiries@st-edwards.poole.sch.uk.
For a small number of students, we have an alternative pathway consisting of ASDAN, additional literacy, numeracy or our BTEC in personal growth and wellbeing. Each of these choices would also take up one option block.