All students at Rednock School study a core curriculum which includes English, Maths, Science, Physical Education, Digital Literacy and Life Skills & Ethics. This leads to the award of a minimum of 5 GCSE qualifications in:
- English Language
- English Literature
- Maths
- Science (Two GCSEs)
Life Skills & Ethics, Digital Literacy and Physical Education are non-examined subjects.
Selected students will also study qualifications in Level 1 English Functional Skills and Entry Level Certificates in Science and Maths. These qualifications provide appropriate academic challenge, time to consolidate foundation knowledge and the opportunity for students to experience success as they build up towards sitting the core GCSE qualifications.
In addition to the core curriculum, most students will study a further 4 subjects from a broad selection of GCSE and vocational qualifications. As part of the Year 9 options process, students are advised which subjects best suit their skills and support their desired progression pathway.
Option Subjects available:
Please click here to view the KS4 Options Booklet for 2024-2026.
Click here to view the presentation from the KS4 Options Information Evening 2024.
Click here to access the options form.
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A small number of students study 3 option subjects and complete an alternative study programme called ‘STEP UP’ during the 4th option curriculum time. As part of their studies, students work towards a skills based qualification, ASDAN Personal Development Programme – Bronze level. This programme helps develop students’ teamwork and communication skills to support their transition into the world of work.
We also work with a number of external providers to provide a bespoke curriculum as required e.g. Prospects Training Services, Bridge Training.
Time allocation (in hours per fortnight) for each subject in Key Stage 4:
| Subject | Year 10 | Year 11 |
| English | 8 hrs | 8 hrs |
| Mathematics | 7 hrs | 8 hrs |
| Science | 9 hrs | 9 hrs |
| Physical Education | 3 hrs | 3 hrs |
| Digital Literacy | 1 hrs | 0 hrs |
| Life Skills and Ethics | 2 hrs | 2 hrs |
| Option Choice A | 5 hrs | 5 hrs |
| Option Choice B | 5 hrs | 5 hrs |
| Option Choice C | 5 hrs | 5 hrs |
| Option Choice D | 5 hrs | 5 hrs |
| Total Hours | 50 hrs | 50 hrs |
Key Stage 4 Curriculum Guides
| Subject | Head of Department | Additional Info | Curriculum Guide |
| GCSE Art & Design | Mr A Wallis | Guide | |
| GCSE Biology | Mr C Griffiths | Guide | |
| GCSE Business Studies | Mr I Cole | Guide | |
| GCSE Chemistry | Mr C Griffiths | Guide | |
| GCSE Combined Science | Mr C Griffiths | Guide | |
| GCSE Computer Science | Mr R Wells | Guide | |
| GCSE Design & Technology | Mrs K Nelmes | Guide | |
| GCSE English Language and English Literature | Mrs S Melville Brown | Guide | |
| GCSE Geography | Mr M McCarthy | Guide | |
| GCSE History | Mr M McCarthy | Guide | |
| GCSE Mathematics | Mr M Hatch | Guide | |
| GCSE Modern Foreign Languages (French, German and Spanish) | Mr S Carter | Guide | |
| GCSE Music | Mr J Andrews | Year 10 ONLY | Guide |
| GCSE Philosophy & Ethics | Miss L Harris | Guide | |
| GCSE Photography | Mr A Wallis | ||
| GCSE Physical Education | Mr A Sykes | Guide | |
| GCSE Physics | Mr C Griffiths | Guide | |
| BTEC Digital Information Technology | Mr R Wells | Guide | |
| BTEC Tech Award Health & Social Care | Mr J Mitchell | Guide | |
Cambridge National Enterprise & Marketing | Mr I Cole | Guide | |
| Cambridge National Sport Studies | Mr A Sykes | Guide | |
| Vocational Award Hospitality & Catering | Mrs K Nelmes | Guide | |
| Level 1 Functional Skills English | Mrs S Melville Brown | Guide | |
| Entry Level Certificate Maths | Mr H Pugh | Guide | |
| Entry Level Certificate Science | Mr C Griffiths | ||
| Lifeskills & Ethics | Mr W Sanders | Non examined subject | Guide |
| Computing & Digital Literacy | Mr R Wells | Non examined subject | Guide |
| Core PE | Mr A Sykes | Non examined subject | Guide |
| STEP UP Programme | Mrs K Cole | Invitation only. Non examined subject but leads to certification of students’ skills. | Guide |
Grading for GCSE and Vocational qualifications explained
In 2017, the grading of GCSE qualifications changed from a system of letter grades (A* to G) to numbered grades (9 to 1 – with 9 being the highest grade). Please use this link for more details on the revised grading system.
Vocational courses do not use the same grading system of 9 – 1 like GCSEs. Instead they use a pass, merit, distinction grading system. The equivalence between these and GCSEs (old and new) are shown below.
