We chose to reduce the number of GCSEs taken by students from 10 to 9 a number of years ago, after noticing that 30% of students gave up a GCSE they had started. This decision gave us the opportunity to give the students ‘Study Periods’ in Years 10 and 11. This gives them the opportunity to improve as independent learners in a controlled environment, but also gives them time to complete coursework/homework, revise for tests/exams and consolidate the work done in class. This means that they can participate in the range of extra-curricular activities available. It is interesting to note the dramatic increase in the percentage of students achieving A*/A grades since reducing the number of GCSEs.

 

The timetable for Key Stage 4 will be based on a two-week cycle. Each subject is allocated 7 periods in the cycle except for those listed below:

 

English	10 periods
Mathematics	9 periods
Languages	8 periods
Biology	5 periods
Chemistry	5 periods
Physics	5 periods

 

Non examination RE has an allocation of 2 periods in the cycle except for students who choose to study two languages in their curriculum: these students have one period. Non examination PE has an allocation of 2 periods in the cycle