West Hill School
KS4 Curriculum Pathways 2023
Contents General Information ........1-15 Introduction ................................1-2 Key dates ....................................3-4 A look at the exams ....................5-6 Coursework- what’s involved? ...7 Personal development ...............8 Support and Careers ...................9-10 Your timetable ............................11-13
Parents guide ..............................14-15
Compulsory Subjects ......16-23 English.........................................17 Mathematics ...............................18
Aiming High—Pathways to Success
Biology (Separate Science) .........19
Congratulations! You’ve made it halfway through your time at West Hill. Think about how differ-
Chemistry (Separate Science) .....20
ent you are now from that person who stood in the yard in September 2020 There’s a good
Physics (Separate Science)..........21
chance you’ll feel similar changes by the time you leave us in July 2025.
Combined Science (Trilogy) ........22
You’re about to start the final terms of Key Stage 3 and turn your thoughts to what happens to
Optional Subjects ..............24-40
you in Years 10 and 11. In reality many of you will already be working on GCSE materials in some
Art ...............................................25
subjects and have actually started Key Stage 4, however Years 10 and 11 will differ in several
Business and Enterprise .............26
ways: new subjects may be started, you will begin examination coursework in some subjects and the preparation for examinations begins in earnest. However, we want you to think a bit beyond even Years 10 and 11 because what you choose to do in KS4 might affect your opportunities after West Hill. This is called post-16 or 14-19 education and can last until you are 19 or older. The vast majority of you reading this booklet will continue in further education in one way or
Business Studies .........................27 Computer Science .......................28 Design Technology …………………. 29 Electronics ..................................30 Food Preparation and Nutrition .31
another after you are 16 – on A levels or vocational courses, apprenticeships or work based training. You will have many more choices about what you do after school than your parents had
Geography ..................................32
– and sometimes the choice can be a bit bewildering.
German Language .......................33
It’s important, therefore, that we help you prepare for this in Year 9, to make sure that you’re on
History ........................................34
the right pathway for you. That’s why you’ve already started a programme of guidance to help
Music ..........................................35
you decide on your priorities. PE ................................................36
The purpose of this booklet is to help you and your parents give careful thought and consideration to your choices. You will receive lots of information – from your form teacher, subject
Spanish………………………………….. 37
teachers and Miss Largey. For advice about your future careers, you can ask Mrs Appleby Re-
Religious Studies.........................38
member that success in any subject requires effort, and that the more effort you put into your
Sport Studies …………………………. 39
work, the more successful you will be.
Mr P Butterworth (Assistant Head)