Key Stage 4/GCSE
Key Stage 4 completes your compulsory education and you will study a mix of compulsory and optional subjects. Towards the end of the Year 9 you will be asked to decide which subjects to take forward.
Compulsory subjects:
- English & English Literature
- Maths
- Science
- ICT
- PE
- Citizenship
- RE
At the end of Year 11 you will sit GCSE exams in these subjects.
There are, on top of these, a range of optional subjects that your school may offer you. These may include:
- Modern Foreign Language
- Design & Technology
- Design
- History
- Geography
- Art
- Music
- Business Studies
- Health & Social Care
- Leisure & Tourism
If you already have a career in mind (like medicine, law or civil engineering, for example) a little research will tell you which subjects you need to be studying during Key Stage 4.
Many students choose to focus on a cluster of subjects that support their main goal. Those who study French might also take Spanish. Those studying English may opt for English Literature as well.
Although 90% of students sit GCSEs there are other options available at most schools. For instance, if you're looking at leaving school at 16 and learning a trade, think about vocational qualifications like GNVQs and NVQs.
For study advice and revision tips, we recommend you use the Letts Essentials Study Skills range.