Years 9, 10 and 11
Pupils begin their GCSE journey in Year 8 when they pick their option and begin their program of study in Year 9. This gives them three years to prepare for their GCSEs. All pupils continue to study Maths and English for four hours a week. However, throughout Key Stage 4, there are six taught classes instead of five in the core curriculum. This allows for smaller groups with more focused learning, so that all pupils are able to achieve the best grade possible in these key subjects.
All pupils are entered into subjects that form the English Baccalaureate and study the core curriculum for over 50% of their timetable. Each pupil is also able to choose two further subjects to study in Key Stage 4. Optional subjects follow GCSE programmes of study so that all pupils have access to at least eight good GCSEs.
Extra GCSEs (such as RE) may be offered depending on the skills sets of individual teachers appointed as the school grows year on year until 2018.
More able pupils are offered the opportunity to study further subjects as part of the extra-curricular programme whilst pupils who are struggling with eight GCSEs may have the number of subjects studied reduced to concentrate on the English Baccalaureate subjects.
Our vision is that every pupil will go on to take A levels and that many of them will progress to further education. Throughout KS4 we arrange trips to Colleges and Universities so that pupils can get a taster of the options available to them.
If you would like any further information in regard to our GCSE options please click the link below for our options booklet or, if you are a parent of a pupil already at the school contact your child’s mentor who will answer any questions you may have. For prospective parents requiring more information in respect of GCSE options please contact the school via admin@theislandfreeschool.org or call us on 01983 857641 and let us know what information you would like and a member of the team will get back to you.