All our Year 9 students have been through Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 of the National Curriculum and studied a wide range of subjects. Right now they are at the ‘transfer point’ to Key Stage 4, which means they have to make their first set of choices. The first thing to realise is that these options choices are not too critical, because the Latymer core curriculum at Key Stage 4 provides a broad base for nearly all careers.

 

When the students reach Year 11, they will make choices about AS courses, choosing 4, or maybe 5 subjects. And by Year 13 they are choosing just 1 degree course. So as they move through the school their choices narrow and decisions become more significant. We would like to ensure that all our students are properly equipped to make these decisions, and happy once they have made them.

 

The Key Stage 4 core curriculum at Latymer consists of these subjects: English Language and Literature; Maths; Science and Additional Science (taught as Chemistry, Physics and Biology); a modern foreign language; and a humanity subject (humanity subjects are History, Geography and RE). Students will choose 2 other subjects and this makes 9 GCSE subjects. In addition to that we feel that it is vital they also study non-examination PE and RE. The core curriculum is designed to give all our students a broad base for nearly all careers and the opportunity to study a broad range of subjects. In doing so we hope they will develop a wide range of skills. We ask students to study:

 

·        a modern foreign language as there is increasingly more evidence that employers are looking for competence in languages in today’s globalised world; and

·        a humanity subject as essay writing skills are vitally important preparation for AS/A2 and university courses.

 

Citizenship: Opportunities to learn and put into practice the knowledge, skills and understanding that enable students to be active and well-informed citizens, are provided within and outside the taught curriculum.  Matters relating to human rights, laws, crime and punishment are addressed within the non-examination RE course and in form-time units of work on the legal system.  Form periods are also used to learn about the governmental system and political representation, and the world of work, with the help of our Careers Education and Guidance (CEG) staff and the Connexions Service.  During 'Citizenship week' in the summer term of Year 10, students have the opportunity to 'work shadow' and attend Enterprise, PSHE and Citizenship workshops.  The school's many extra-curricular activities, outward-bound opportunities, House activities and School Council, all foster active citizenship. Citizenship is not an assessed subject at Key Stage 4.

 

Information and Communications Technology (ICT): This is used to enhance the teaching in all subjects.