The Key Stage 4 curriculum model offered incorporates the best aspects learnt from previous years and reflects further modifications and improvements which we believe will result in dynamic challenging courses to meet the needs and aspirations of all pupils.
We have a full range of abilities and we are determined to deliver a curriculum that is ambitious and appropriate for all abilities. This ambition of a wholly inclusive curriculum model is reflected in our consistently outstanding outcomes ‘achieved together’ at KS4 and the extremely high percentage of successful destinations post-Broughton.
For Year 9 pupils, although the options process begins earlier in the year, we feel allowing pupils to submit their option choices late in the academic year (end of half-term 5), we believe that they are better equipped to make an informed choice about which subjects and courses they wish to pursue at KS4.
The option choices made at the end of Year 9 ensure all pupils continue to follow a broad and balanced curriculum that is suited to their individual needs. Pupils study a sensible number of qualifications, thereby allowing appropriate curriculum time to be devoted to all subject areas. All our pupils, including disadvantaged and SEND, can pursue qualifications in each of the four National Curriculum entitlement areas.
At Key Stage 4, pupils work towards predominantly GCSE qualifications. We offer a traditional curriculum based on the core subjects, which provides every pupil the opportunity to study a Modern Foreign Language and Geography or History as part of our commitment to Ebacc (English Baccalaureate). The EBacc plays a strong role in our curriculum and is an inclusive pathway, available to all pupils. However, we also recognise the importance of delivering high quality performing arts, technology and vocational subjects, so our curriculum is flexible to respond to the needs, talents and aspirations of our pupils, and can be personalised for the individual.
We also offer a range of other approved high value 11-16 qualifications, both GCSE and Technical Award, that meet the destination profiles of our pupils, and broaden the curriculum and pathways available.
Details of these can be found in the Options Booklet available on the school website. The opportunity to follow some Level 1 qualifications is appropriate for some of our pupils and although not all these are included in progress data, they are invaluable in supporting the needs of these particular pupils.
Further details about the technical award qualifications and other vocational courses we offer can be found in the 'Curriculum' section of our website under the tab 'Technical Awards & Vocational Courses'.
GCSE or equivalent qualification grading structure
New GCSEs in English Language, English Literature and Maths commenced in England from September 2015. September 2016 and 2017 saw the introduction of new GCSEs in other subject areas.
These 'new' GCSEs are graded 1 to 9, with 9 being the top grade. Below is a diagram produced by Ofqual indicating how the grading scale compares with the legacy GCSEs using the A*-G grading system.
The vast majority of subjects taught at Broughton will follow 9-1 GCSE specifications. However, GCSE equivalent technical awards and vocational courses are Level 1/2 Pass, Merit, Distinction, Distinction* awards.
In short, this means your son/daughter’s progress reports over the next two years and final GCSE/Technical Award grades achieved and published at the end of Year 11, could be a mixture of grading systems.