Curriculum: Key Stage 4 (KS4)
Consolidation, Application and Preparation for Adulthood
Our Key Stage 4 curriculum focuses on deepening core knowledge, applying learning in real contexts and securing pathways to adult hood. Planning continues to take account of each student’s aptitude, interests and strengths, building on the personalised foundations established in Key Stage 3.
Baseline and formative assessments ensure that teaching closes remaining gaps and supports meaningful progress in literacy, numeracy and communication. Students cognitive and emotional readiness is central to curriculum sequencing, with continued emphasis on regulation, independence and self-efficacy.
Each programme of study is directly informed by EHCP outcomes and transition planning, and sharing qualifications and experiences are purposeful and relevant. The curriculum skilfully integrates vocational, creative and outdoor learning alongside accredited academic roots, recognising varied learning styles and destinations.
Finally, curriculum pathways are shaped by individual aspirations for adulthood, whether continued education, training or employment, so that every student leaves our school equipped for the next step and confidence in their identity as a learner and a citizen.
KS4: Curriculum Overview
Academic pillar
Linguistic
Functional Skills; Literacy, reading, and writing skills.
English GCSE.
Timetabled as: English
Mathematic
Functional skills: skills related to numbers, counting, and understanding mathematical concepts.
Maths GCSE.
Timetabled as: Numeracy
Scientific
STEM on Track
BTEC Combined Science.
Science GCSE.
Timetabled as: Science
Creative & Aesthetic
Activities that foster aesthetic appreciation and creative expression.
Arts Award Bronze & Silver (Art & design, Music & Media, photography etc)
STEM
Timetabled as: Art & design
Physical
Physical education and development.
BTEC PE & Sports.
Timetabled as: PE
Technological
Preparation for working life, careers & exploring work, practical skills for work.
BTEC introductory entry to level 1 Awards and NCFE occupational studies Entry level to level 1.
Functional Skills (Digital): Exposure to and experience with technology through digital skills, media, food tech, STEM on Track.
Timetabled as: Vocational (practical learning & preparation for working life); Digital Skills
Human & Social
Education related to human societies, social structures, and personal development.
PSHE & RSE are taught using a spiral curriculum leading from key stages Get Ripped and relationships education using the Succeeding in Education, Employment & Training (SWEET – BTEC in PGW).
Citizenship GCSE.
Revisited and developed topics within Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)
Timetabled as: Personal Growth & Wellbeing (PGW); Citizenship.
Support Pillars
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Form group time
Nurture, RUOK, Social emotional aspects of learning, Thrive, Votes for schools, Zones of regulation.
Personal development
EHCP targeted outcomes (Cognition and Learning, Communication and Interaction, SEMH, Sensory and Physical). Careers: Xello and Practitioners support.
Therapeutic support
EHCP targeted outcomes four areas of SEND. Thrive, sensory spaces and interventions. Wilderness Therapy, Art Therapy, Equine Therapy, Psychological support services. SALT and OT.
Enrichment
Extra-curricular activities that promote and develop social skills; Social Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL); play, curiosity and personal interests; self-confidence and motivation; healthy relationships; group participation and community involvement.
Vocational learning
In recognition of our student’s career goals, and in the context of local skills shortages, we offer a range of vocational learning opportunities. They are delivered by qualified teachers and tutors with extensive sector-specific experience and knowledge and are accredited up to Level 2. Our current offer includes construction, graphic design, art and design, media and music, dance, and health and social care.
Beginning in year 9, students receive independent careers advice and guidance including the use of CASCAID – Xello, an online platform that identifies the numerous pathways and opportunities available to them. With support, this helps them to navigate complex academic and career landscapes and to create career plans. Read more about Xello.
Our KS4 Provision places additional emphasis upon building skills and knowledge for future learning and emotional resilience, promoting good emotional health and improving STUDENTS’ ability to self-regulate. Clear learning pathways are enhanced by structured, evidence-based interventions and frequent monitoring and reviewing of the impact. This is achieved through detailed assessments and learning assessments as detailed below.
Personal development
In Key Stage 4, personal development builds on the secure foundations established earlier, with a stronger focus on independence, responsibility, and preparation for adulthood. Personal development progress and outcomes are carefully mapped against EHCP outcomes. The PSHE, SEAL and SMSC curriculum support students to explore pathways into further education, employment and training, while also addressing real-world themes such as mental health, consent, online safety, finance, and citizenship. Students are encouraged to apply their learning in discussions, reflection and practical experiences that develop confidence, self-advocacy and resilience.
Therapeutic and enrichment opportunities continue to underpin the key stage for experience. Students benefit from tailored support that helps them manage transitions, making form choices, and sustained positive relationships. Vocational and community-based learning are key components, offering meaningful contexts in which students can practise problem solving, teamwork and leadership. The school’s holistic approach ensures that personal development remains central to progress, equipping students not only with qualifications, but with the character, empathy and emotional readiness to successfully move into adult life.
“The school’s curriculum for personal, social, health and economic education is exceedingly comprehensive. Pupils learn a wealth of information to prepare them for adult life. For example, they develop an understanding of topics such as finance, nutrition and healthy relationships. There is a strong emphasis on teaching pupils
about how to look after their mental health and well-being, as well as how to conduct themselves appropriately in society. Pupils are prepared incredibly well to become safe, healthy and responsible citizens.”
(Ofsted, Feb 2025)
Personal Growth and Wellbeing
The SWEET PGW resource and qualification is everything students need to know about the world around them. It creates engaging conversation about big issues, develops life skills and promotes progression to further study and future employment.
By completing this course students will gain the equivalent of 1 or 2 GCSEs, depending on the pathway chosen. This will provide them with a solid foundation for further education, training, or employment in their chosen field. The course is structured around completing 5 or 8 units, depending on the pathway chosen by the student. There are no exams; instead, students are assessed on their coursework and assignments throughout the course. The pass rate is an impressive 100%.
1. Fitter, Healthier, Happier: Physical Health & Wellbeing
2. I've Got A Feeling: Emotional Wellbeing
3. Skills For Social Success: Social Health & Wellbeing
4. Let's Talk About...: Sexual Health & Wellbeing
5. This Is Me!: Personal Identity
6. Our World, Our Future: Environmental Awareness
7. Making Money Work for Me!: Financial Awareness
8. Future Roles and Setting Goals: Personal Progress
SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning)
SEAL aims to provide a curriculum that develops social and emotional skills within a structured and progressive framework, and supports KS3 and KS4 students to develop self-awareness, managing feelings, self-motivation, empathy, and social skills.
These interpersonal and intrapersonal skills have been shown to improve learning and promote emotional health and wellbeing, alongside a range of other benefits to students, families and colleges.
You can read more about SEAL here.
The Provision places additional emphasis upon building emotional resilience, promoting good emotional health and improving students’ ability to self-regulate.
This is achieved through detailed assessments, including learning assessments (currently WRAT 4) – which measure reading, spelling, comprehension, and math skills – and IDL, Lexia Power Up and MY Maths. Emotional wellbeing assessments include Motional, Thrive, PASS (students’ attitude to self and college) and OutcomeStars. Clear learning pathways are enhanced by structured, evidence-based interventions and frequent monitoring and reviewing of the impact.