KS4 Curriculum Overview
For every student, regardless of background or circumstance, to acquire the knowledge and develop the qualities which will open the door to the future of their choice.
Laurus Trust schools provide an excellent and rounded education for all their students, regardless of their individual backgrounds, preparing them well for their future careers.
Our curriculum ensures that every student recognises what it takes to succeed, sets aspirational goals and works hard to achieve them with the support of a highly qualified and dedicated team of education professionals. It is shaped by the students as it responds to their individual needs and is underpinned by the Cornerstones of the Laurus Trust: Academic Aspiration, Leadership and Service, Competition and Physical Endeavour and Culture, Creativity and Rhetoric.
Our approach to the curriculum also complies with the Equality Act 2010 and the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice 2014. For further information on how we ensure the curriculum is accessible to those with disabilities or special educational needs please see the Laurus Trust Equality Policy and our SEND Information Report, which can be found under the policies and useful documents section of our SEND webpage.
We operate a one week, 29-lesson timetable. All lessons are 55 minutes long. Please click here to see the structure of the school day.
Key Stage 4 Overview
The information contained below relates to students who are currently in KS4 and those in Year 9 who are currently going through the options process.
Year 10
Students are taught in ability sets for Mathematics, English and Science on a half year group basis. Whilst option subjects are in principle of mixed ability, there are strict guidelines in operation to ensure appropriate option choices.
Each student must continue with the compulsory core curriculum:
- Mathematics
- English
- Science
- Physical Education
- Beliefs and Values (PSHE, RS & CZ)
Students complete their Core curriculum at KS4 with three further option subjects. Their choices will reflect their preferred approach as well as academic or skills based ability. We offer a range of qualifications to suit a variety of learning needs.
View the Year 10 Knowledge and Skills Guide for more information.
View the KS4 Options Booklet 2022 – 24 for more information about option subjects.
Year 11
Students are taught in ability sets for Mathematics, English and Science on a half year group basis. Whilst option subjects are in principle of mixed ability, there are strict guidelines in operation to ensure appropriate option choices.
Each student must continue with the compulsory core curriculum:
- Mathematics
- English
- Science
- Physical Education
- Beliefs and Values (PSHE, RS & CZ)
Students complete their Core curriculum at KS4 with an additional core choice and three further option subjects. Their choices will reflect their preferred approach as well as academic or skills based ability. We offer a range of qualifications to suit a variety of learning needs.
View the Year 11 Knowledge and Skills Guide for more information.
View the KS4 Options Booklet 2021 – 23 for more information about option subjects.
The English Baccalaureate
Students have the opportunity to study the subjects at KS4 which will allow them to achieve the English Baccalaureate: A GCSE in a Modern Foreign Language (which they may already have achieved in Year 9), Computing, History or Geography and, of course, the core subjects of Mathematics, English and Science.
Curriculum Structure
| Subject | Year 10 | Year 11 |
| English | 5 | 5 |
| Maths | 5 | 5 |
| Science | 5 | 5 |
| Beliefs & Values (PSHE/RS) | 1 | 1 |
| Core PE | 1 | 1 |
| Option 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Option 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Option 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Total | 29 | 29 |
Useful Resources
Further Information
Religious Studies
Parents/carers have the right to withdraw their child from Religious Studies, this is in accordance with the 1988 Education Reform Act. Parents/carers considering withdrawal from RS should contact the head teacher to arrange a discussion. (Parents/carers can only withdraw their child from RS, not other curriculum areas. For example, students can’t be withdrawn from a study of religious art in an Art lesson, or parts of the History curriculum such as the study of Christian conversions).