KS4 Options 2024

This course brochure has been put together to give you a clear understanding of the range of courses available to you as part of the Key Stage 4 Curriculum at Harris City Academy Crystal Palace. Our aim is to ensure that all students are put on pathways that will give them the greatest chance of success at GCSE and beyond. We have many years of experience in helping students secure the very best results so that they can confidently progress to the next stage of education or training. We know you well and have a wide range of data on your performance, expected progress and abilities.

The Year 9 Parents Evening and options event in February 2024 is an incredibly important event where aspects of the course programme will be explained. There will also be presentations from Subject Leaders, meetings with tutors and a Microsoft Forms Course Preference form to complete after the evening has concluded.

It is important that you read the information in this booklet very carefully and discuss all options with your parent/carer prior to completing your Key Stage 4 Course Preference form. Think carefully about what is right for you and discuss the subjects with as many people as you possibly can. Your parents/carers, teachers and Form tutors will help guide you to make choices to ensure you have the greatest chance of success. Think carefully about what you want-not the courses that your friends are doing. You should think about your future goals in life, what you are good at and what you enjoy. At GCSE, it’s important to pick a broad and balanced range of subjects. For this reason, we do strongly recommend that most pupils consider GCSE Citizenship as one of their GCSE options as it prepares pupils so well as global citizens.

As well as your Key Stage 4 Course Preference subjects there are some subjects called ‘Core Subjects’ that all students MUST study to exam level. These are GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature, GCSE Mathematics and GCSE Science. All students will also follow a non-examined course in Physical Education throughout their time in Key Stage 4.

• The English Baccalaureate (EBacc)

The EBacc is a ‘basket’ of subjects which the vast majority of students at Harris City Academy Crystal Palace follow. However, the EBacc courses are not always the most appropriate for everyone and there will be an opportunity to discuss different options with the Leadership team if necessary. The EBacc recognises students who have gained a grade 4-9 in the subjects from the following 5 categories:

• GCSE English (Language or Literature at Grade 4+)
• GCSE Mathematics
• GCSE Science
• GCSE French and/or Spanish and/or Mandarin
• GCSE History and/or Geography

This is now your chance to consider your own Key Stage 4 Course Preferences and identify those that you believe will give you the greatest chance of future success. Please do seek our advice and guidance along the way-and remember, you’ll take the grades you get at GCSE with you for the rest of your life, so choose subjects carefully with this in mind.