Curriculum Model

The Statutory Curriculum

The following subjects are compulsory: English; Mathematics; Science; Information and Communication Technology (ICT); Physical Education; Personal, Social Health & Citizenship Education (PSHCE); Religious Studies. All students will have to study GCSE English, Mathematics, Science and Religious Studies, where Religious Studies is examined in the Summer of Year 10. In addition all pupils will continue to study Physical Education, PSHCE and in Year 11 ICT Key Skills (level 2).

Key Stage 4 Progression Routes

Beyond the statutory curriculum above there are several different option routes to choose from and within each route there are several subject blocks. You need to select one route and make one subject choice in each block. We hope that you will secure your first choice but sometimes it may be necessary to re-select on the advice of subject teachers or others. Some subjects may have more pupils opting for them than there are places available. Other subjects may be under subscribed and may have to be withdrawn. You will be asked to make a reserve choice to cover these eventualities.
The Government recognises that one route for all pupils at Key Stage 4 is not the best way to enable all pupils to progress and have encouraged schools to offer a variety of progression routes to cater for all the abilities of pupils. At the Bishops' Blue Coat High School we are keen to ensure that all our pupils have access to a range of courses that best suits their individual needs and provide encouragement to continue with their education beyond Key Stage 4.
For some pupils, studying so many subjects is too demanding and they do not achieve what they could if they studied fewer subjects. Therefore we offer a variety of routes that range from 5 GCSE's to a maximum of 12. In addition to the more traditional GCSE's (route 1) we are offering pupils the opportunity to follow different types of courses and qualifications, more suited to their individual needs. These include BTEC, ASDAN, The Institute of Leadership Management and OCR Certificates. Some of these courses are focused on work related learning and have clear progression paths into employment or Higher Education. All these courses are accepted as GCSE equivalents and if studied at level 2, which many of our pupils do, are equal to two GCSE passess at grades A*-C.

Key Stage 4 Course Information Booklet

www.wayahead.uk.com - Cheshire & Warrington's Online Prospectus.

'Providing young people aged 14-19 with a comprehensive online guide to all courses and training opportunities in the area.'

www.fasttomato.com - 'Fast Tomato is a fully integrated careers education and guidance system, designed for all individuals aged 13 upwards who are considering their future career options.'