KS4 Curriculum

At Eltham Hill, our Key Stage 4 (Years 9-11) curriculum is designed to provide a balanced, engaging, and supportive learning experience that enables every student to succeed and prepares them for their future aspirations. 

Core Curriculum 

All students follow a core curriculum that ensures a strong academic foundation: 

• English Language & English Literature 

• Mathematics 
• Science  
• Core PE  
• PSHE (Personal, Social, Health & Economic Education) 

Personalised Learning Pathways 

To cater to different learning needs, students follow one of three pathways that help them maximise their potential: 

Pathways

The EBacc Pathway – Academic Excellence 

For students performing at or above age-related expectations, this pathway includes subjects that support access to Russell Group Universities. Student’s study: 

• A language (French, Spanish, or another offered language) 

• History or Geography 
• At least one creative subject This pathway ensures a broad and balanced curriculum, highly valued by universities and employers. 

The Flexible Pathway – Broad and Balanced 

This pathway offers flexibility, allowing students to tailor their learning while keeping future options open. Students can choose whether to pursue the full EBacc and select a wider range of subjects, including creative and vocational options. 

The Success Pathway – Support and Achievement 

Designed for students needing extra support, this pathway offers: 

• Fewer GCSE subjects to allow for focused learning 
• Additional vocational and BTEC qualifications to develop real-world skills 
• Greater support for students who find exams challenging, ensuring they achieve the best possible outcomes for future education and employment. 

Option Choices 

In addition to the core subjects, students will personalise their learning by selecting from the following: 

• One option from our Creativity and Action Block – including subjects such as Art, Dance, Drama, Food, Media, Music, PE, Product Design and Textiles. 
• Two or three additional option choices (depending on their pathway) from a variety of subjects that support their interests and  aspirations  

Triple Science Explained 

Students initially follow the Combined Science course in Year 9. Based on their progress and teacher assessments, some students may transition to Triple Science in Year 10, where they will study Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as separate subjects. 

• Triple Science covers a broader and more in-depth curriculum compared to Combined Science. 
• Students in Combined Science will receive two GCSE grades, while those taking Triple Science will earn three distinct GCSEs. 
• Triple Science requires a greater commitment, as the course includes additional content and longer exams. 
• Both pathways provide strong foundations for A-Level Science and science-related careers, with Triple Science offering a more specialised route for students considering further scientific study. 

Supporting Success 

We guide students through progress reviews, teacher recommendations, and career advice to help them make the best choices. Our curriculum not only challenges students academically but also nurtures their creativity, wellbeing, and ambitions. 

What are GCSEs, BTECs, and EBACC?

GCSEs: (General Certificate of Secondary Education)

These are the standard qualification taken by all 16-year-olds in the country. GCSEs are suitable for all abilities and are tested through examination and coursework. The grades awarded for GCSEs will be 1 – 9 for all GCSEs in 2018. 1 will be the lowest grading and 9 the highest. The Government have stated that 4 is the equivalent of a C grade.

Parent guide to GCSE grading and  performance measures

BTECs: (Business and Technical Education Council)

These are applied learning courses/work related qualifications that are available in a range of subjects. BTECs can be offered at 3 different levels. Level 2 is offered at this key stage at EHS. BTECs consist of coursework-based assignments, which are assessed by teachers in school. Under the new guidelines, at least 40% of the course will be externally assessed by exam. The tariff for BTECS has been reduced and they will now count for one GCSE each in a student’s score for Attainment and Progress 8. They are not grounding for ‘A’ level but are highly recommended for students wanting to pursue BTEC level 3 (equivalent to two A Levels).

EBacc: (English Baccalaureate)

The EBacc is awarded to students who score at least C grades in English, maths, two Sciences, history or geography and a modern foreign language at GCSE. There is no extra study or work to do outside of these GCSEs. The advantage of choosing to complete the courses leading to the EBaac is that it ensures students have followed a broad and balanced curriculum and will have a wide range of options available to them at Post 16.