The Curriculum

GCSE is the acronym for the General Certificate of Secondary Education. They are undertaken over the two years of Key Stage 4, i.e. Years 10 and 11 At SCS we offer GCSEs, IGCSEs and BTECs.

The GCSEs consist of a 2 year programme of study in Years 10 and 11 (in Key Stage 4). At SCS, students complete Key Stage 3 study (Year 7 to 9) and then move on to their GCSE Options in Year 10 – allowing them to select their own subjects in certain areas. All students will study the core subjects, optional GCSE subjects and non GCSE subjects. Which subject is most applicable to any individual student depends upon their academic ability, motivation and personal interests and options should be discussed with subject teachers.

In addition:

Students in Year 9 are at a pinnacle time in their education, where for the first time, they are able to really personalise their curriculum and select subjects which they wish to pursue to a greater depth.

As Head of Key Stage 3, my role is to support students with their decision-making process through personalised learning conversations. I discuss option choices with students and also facilitate 1:1 careers appointments with the careers advisor who is able to offer information regarding Universities, courses and careers.

I work closely with the Head of KS4 to ensure we take a triangulate approach to supporting students’ decision-making process, through data analysis, observations of attitude to learning and career aspirations.

Key stage 4 is the fourth phase of learning found in the secondary education system where GCSEs and BTECs are taught at this stage. GCSE Courses are two years long and GCSE examinations are held at the end of this period in Year 11. The BTEC curriculum offers a vocational pathway for students who wish to study some subjects without the academic pressures of external examinations at the end of Key Stage 4.

In Year 9, students go through a very supportive and streamlined process. During this time, students and parents will be advised on how to choose the correct GCSE / BTEC pathway based on a triangulated approach of data including attitude to learning, aptitude and attainment. Students will be supported furthermore by our Careers Team, the Pastoral Team and the Morrisby Careers test should you wish to utilise this.

Student Progress

SCS Students make exceptional progress

As a non-selective and inclusive school, we are proud of the results that our students achieve, particularly at GCSE and A-Level. To help us better understand the journey that our students are on we utilise the Value Added measurement platform provided by GL Education in partnership with Fischer Family Trust (FFT).

At SCS we use this analysis to give us a clear picture of how our students are performing internationally as well as in the UK, this gives us a clear benchmark to measure the impact we are having on student progress.

Choosing Your Courses

You should avoid selecting a subject because you like your teacher – they might not be teaching your class next year! You should not let your friends’ influence your options. Even-more-so, do not choose a subject because your friends are choosing it. Just because your friends enjoy it doesn’t mean you will. There is also no certainty that you will be in the same class or that you will even stay friends over the next two years. Remember, GCSE subjects are studied for two years. Make your choice based on what you enjoy, what you are interested in and what you want to do in the future.

GCSE Qualifications

Academic progress will also be reviewed regularly with teaching staff. Mock examinations are set prior to external examinations in both years and written reports will be sent to parents. Parents will be invited to meet subject staff and tutors to discuss progress at pertinent points during each academic year.