Key Stage 4 Curriculum

Key Stage 4 – Years 10 and 11

Through the options process towards the end of Year 9, we meet the statutory
national requirements and aim to provide a bespoke curriculum. For us, this means
giving our students as much choice and flexibility as possible, whilst ensuring they
follow examination courses that lead to positive outcomes and give them access to
Post-16 opportunities at the correct level. At Holmesdale we do not dictate by
pathways, however, we ensure student aspirations are not contained by subject
choices. Guidance is given to all students to ensure they study a suite of subjects
that allows them to realise their ambitions
The options process gives students the opportunity to select three subjects based on
their attainment, interests and future studies or career aspirations. There is a range
of Vocational Qualifications available, allowing students the experience of exciting
and relevant work-based projects alongside the assessed content. Students in the
top set are encouraged to take the English Baccalaureate route, opting for a
language in one of their option choices, as well as a Humanities subject.
SMSC is embedded within curriculum lessons, PSCHE and character education,
assemblies, enrichment opportunities and internal/external workshops. Staff are
involved in meetings and professional development training regularly, in order to
ensure the highest quality and up to date provision for all of our students. 
Each department is responsible for ensuring that elements of Spiritual, Moral, Social
and Cultural aspects of their subjects are visible within their curriculum responsibility.
In addition to this, we are proud to advocate the four British Values within each
department and across the school.

The Four British values are: 

• The rule of law. 
• Democracy. 
• Mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for
• Those without faith. 
• Individual liberty.

Each curriculum area has their own intent which supports the whole school
intent detailed above. Included as part of this curriculum intent document is an
example of a Long Term Plan which maps National Curriculum stands as well
as the PSHE curriculum. 
These are frequently reviewed within curriculum areas to ensure the National
Curriculum and changing curriculum content meets the needs of our students
so are subject to change.
Please visit the subject pages of our website to see an overview of subject
intent documents and overview of the topics of study as part of this.

Alternatively, please contact the school office should you wish to hear more
details about our curriculum.