Key Stage 4

This section tells you about the subjects available to pupils during their next two years at Baysgarth. It is the period of education known as Key Stage 4 and it is the time when some limited choice of subjects is available to pupils. It is also the two years when most pupils follow courses which lead to GCSE examinations.

Pupils in Year 10 will follow one of three pathways. The curriculum offered on each pathway is similar. In some subjects teaching sets will be made up of pupils following all three pathways. However, there are some differences which the school feels will best meet the differing needs of pupils. Current Year 9 pupils will be advised on an individual basis as to which pathway is considered to be most suitable for them.

The Traditional pathway

This is for pupils who currently achieve the highest levels in their studies. It is a traditional all GCSE route. The courses followed will be challenging and the aim is to go for the higher grades at GCSE level. All pupils will take full GCSE examinations in 10 subjects. A GCSE C grade in all their subjects should be regarded as a minimum target but for most pupils A and B target grades will be more appropriate in many of their subjects.

The Flexible pathway

Much of the curriculum on this pathway is just the same as for the traditional pathway. The aim is to achieve as many GCSE grade Cs as possible. All will have the opportunity to get the equivalent of up to 9 GCSEs as well as short course GCSEs in Religious Studies and ICT. Pupils must choose a main subject with this pathway which is either a Full GNVQ subject (worth 4 GCSE grade Cs) or an Applied GCSE subject (worth 2 GCSEs).

The Work-Related pathway

Some pupils find pure academic work very demanding and Baysgarth is attempting to provide a more balanced, more appropriate and more interesting curriculum for them. One emphasis will be to continue to develop basic skills in literacy and numeracy to prepare them adequately for when they leave school. Much of their basic curriculum will be similar to that of the other pupils. However, they will miss some option subjects to work for the ASDAN award and they will experience some Work-Related Learning. There will be some choice with these areas in September.