Curriculum guidance
Additional guidance for students and families is available. Experience shows that when students play to their strengths, they succeed. Therefore, some subjects have entry requirements, and you may be restricted from certain subjects if you have not demonstrated the minimum required skill level since joining the Academy.
Target Grades
The Department for Education has established a measure called Progress 8 to assess schools and students based on their attainment at the start of their time at the Academy. We use this measure to set a challenging target grade for each student. These targets are not set in stone; with dedication and hard work, they can be raised. Your Progress Report will show your target grade and your most recent judgements, which are based on government predictions and staff assessments of your performance. Academic subjects are graded on a 9-1 scale, which has replaced the old A*-G system. If you need an explanation of the 9-1 system, please speak to a member of staff. You are also assessed on your progress in Literacy for Life competencies. Each department uses its own methods to determine if students are on track to achieve their targets, based on test data, classwork, end-of-year exams, and staff judgement.
Specific Pathways
Some students working closely with the Inclusion Team may be asked to consider specific programmes to maximise their chances of success. Each student’s options are carefully considered to ensure the best chance of achievement.
The Key Stage 4 Curriculum
curriculum compulsory qualifications
The following qualifications are compulsory and are taken by most students as part of the KS4 curriculum:
- English Language
- English Literature
- Maths
- Combined Science (or Separate Sciences, if chosen)
- Music
No matter which subjects you take, you should achieve the equivalent of five GCSE grades from the core offering. You will also have an hour of non-examined Physical Education, as well as PSHE and RE sessions during Personal Development Form Time. ‘Core time’ will take up around 18 hours per week, to include 3 hours of music.
tiers of entry
Most subjects have a single tier of entry. However, Science, Maths, and Languages offer higher and foundation tiers. Teaching staff will determine the most appropriate tier for each student; this is not part of the choices students make.
the English baccalaureate (EBacc)
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) consists of the core subjects: English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, and at least Combined Science. Additionally, students must study either Geography or History and a language. For most, the language will be French, though a Community Language may be chosen. The Government encourages as many students as possible to follow the EBacc to ensure a strong academic base and to keep future career paths open. The EBacc may also be advantageous when applying to certain universities. Despite its benefits, it is not compulsory for students to follow the EBacc.
If you wish to pursue the EBacc, your options choices must include:
- History OR Geography
- French OR a Community Language
Community Languages
Many students speak an additional language at home and we aim to support as many as possible in achieving a qualification in their home language. To take a community language GCSE, you must be competent in Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening. We need to be confident in your ability to achieve a good grade in the exam before entry is made. While we cannot provide tuition in these languages, we do offer mock examinations and feedback, and we will pay for and facilitate exam entries.
Languages available for GCSE include: Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese), French, Greek, Gujarati, Italian, Japanese, Panjabi, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, and Urdu.
Please note, these languages are not offered as taught classes. For further information about Community Languages, please email info@scbso.shirelandcat.net.
Options and careers
It is important to carefully consider the career field you wish to enter in the future. Think about which three A Level qualifications you would choose if you had to decide tomorrow—are these available as options now? If so, it may be worth choosing them as your options. Consider your strengths and talents; often, the subject you excel in is the one you enjoy most. Consider which subjects you are likely to achieve the best grades in, and whether any have a coursework component that may affect you. Some subjects may be new to you, so review the website carefully and consult staff if you are unsure.
Key Tips for Making Choices
DO:
- Visit the Options website and review each subject carefully
- Ask subject teachers, your L4L teacher, or Heads of Department if you have questions or need more information
- Think about all the subjects available to you
- Consider your educational and career future thoughtfully
- Discuss your ideas and choices with your parents or carers
- Speak with teachers of the subjects you are considering
- Ensure you are certain about your choices before submitting your final form
- If you are unsure about meeting entry requirements for a subject you want to do, consult the Head of Department
- Inform us if you think you may be able to take a Community Language
DON’T:
- Choose a subject just because your friends are choosing it; your needs may be different and you may not be in the same teaching group
- Pick a subject just because you like the teacher; you may have a different teacher next year
- Select a subject solely because it is new or sounds glamorous; check it out carefully first
