Key Stage 4 Academic Curriculum

Purpose of the curriculum
We aim for all Biddenham students to leave us well prepared for future success in all aspects of their lives. We are committed to developing a learning community where students are motivated, question, strive to understand and organise their learning in a location which is safe, purposeful, challenging and fosters mutual respect.
High quality teaching enables students to play an active role in their learning, to understand the purpose of their lessons and to develop as individuals. Opportunities will be provided for all students to receive appropriate levels of challenge and support, to broaden their cultural, social, sporting, creative and technological horizons, to develop independence and to be prepared for living and working in a diverse 21st Century society.
Organisation of the curriculum
At Biddenham we believe in:
Personalisation: Providing a rich and varied curriculum ensuring breadth of experience for all. Our curriculum is designed with consideration of the aspirations and needs of our students and the local and national economic community to which we belong.  This allows us to offer maximum choice and facilitate the provision of inspiring and relevant learning experiences.
Inclusion: We strive to identify and tackle the barriers preventing access to education for every student.
Success: We believe that every student should have the opportunity to enjoy their learning and achieve at the highest level so that they feel proud of what they have accomplished during their time at Biddenham.
Three year Key Stage 4
At Biddenham, when students begin year 9 they enter a seven week ‘Carousel’ where they will experience every option subject on offer alongside their core curriculum. By October half term, they will choose four option subjects to study, alongside their core curriculum. There is a comprehensive programme of ‘Careers, Information, Advice and Guidance’ which runs alongside the carousel, to ensure students are fully supported in making personalised option choices. Students will then follow their core curriculum and option subjects for years 9, 10 and 11.
Core Curriculum- all students will study:
GCSE English Language
GCSE English Literature
GCSE Mathematics
GCSE Combined Science or Single Sciences
GCSE Religious Studies
Core Physical Education
Since September 2019 the majority of GCSE subjects have been reformed.
GCSEs: The main changes to affect students are around how these courses will be assessed, grades have changed from letters (A*-G) to numbers (9-1), with 9 being the highest and 1 being the lowest.
BTEC
BTEC Business, BTEC Digital Applications (ICT) and OCR Cambridge Nationals Health and Social Care, are assessed through both examination and controlled assessment, the grading for these subjects will stay the same (Distinction* – Pass).

Option Choices

Support and Interventions

Assessments