Key Stage 4 Plans

Information and guidance

2024 (for award in 2026)
 KEY STAGE 4 PLANS 2024 (for award in 2026)
All pupils are required to take courses in the core subjects:
Core subjects
No. of periods Notes
7 5c+2a Maths
7 5c+2a English Language & Literature See note 1
6 4c+2a MFL #1 French, German or Spanish See note 2
12 9c+3a
Triple, Double
or or Science
or Single
8 6c+2a
2 1c PSRE § See note 3

All pupils should select at least THREE options from the list below to make a complete programme :

Option subjects Notes

6 4c+2a Art (Fine Art or 3D)
6 4c+2a Business
6 4c+2a Classical Civilisation
6 4c+2a Computer Science
6 4c+2a Design & Technology
6 4c+2a Drama
6 4c+2a Geography
6 4c+2a History
6 4c+2a Latin
3c+1a See note 4. As determined
8 Latin & Greek by Head of Classics
3c+1a
6 4c+2a MFL #2 French/German/Spanish
5 4c+1a Music
6 4c+2a Physical Education
6 4c+2a Religious Studies
1 Instrument § Multiply per instrument Add to programme total
§ non-examined

The revised National Curriculum forms the basis for the curriculum in C and B. At Key Stage 4 most subjects culminate in
assessment at GCSE level. There is every expectation that, by the time these pupils complete GCSE/KS4 in the summer of 2024,
they will have been effectively prepared for the subjects for which they have been entered.

The entitlement or core curriculum here encompasses those subjects shown on the table as compulsory. All courses will lead to
a GCSE qualification, except PSRE. Pupils, parents and tutors should aim to produce a balanced programme, which can be
sustained by the pupil over the two years of KS4. Attention should be given to the varying rates at which pupils develop a
competence to handle loadings within the assignment system. It should also be noted that the nature of the sixth form courses,
which these pupils will follow in due course, has been significantly revised. Care needs to be taken that, where relevant, the
choices made for KS4 do not prejudice choosing the IB Diploma in the sixth form, although in practice most balanced programmes
at KS4 will not present a problem. If there is some concern, please contact the IBDP Coordinator.

Any programme in excess of 50 periods will necessitate the effective use of the time available, including free time. Thus, a tutor
is required to take account of the coursework expectations for a specific programme, and the impact of a pupil’s likely involvement
in sport, drama, and music. Thus the selections made must be realistic.

Pupils’ selections - guided by their tutor, Houseparents and parents - must be approved by the Deputy Head (Academic).

Total recommended 48-52 periods per week

No programme in excess of 52 periods can be guaranteed to be timetabled
 KEY STAGE 4 PLANS 2024 (for award in 2026)

ENGLISH
LANGUAGE
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990

All students will be entered for Paper 1, a two-hour paper which includes structured and extended writing tasks, based on
three passages of 500 – 700 words in length. Students will also submit a coursework portfolio comprising three written
assignments: writing to describe, writing to narrate, and writing to discuss, argue or persuade in response to a written text.
Coursework will be internally assessed and externally moderated. Having followed the course in English language and
literature, a small number of students may be entered for the English as a Second Language GCSE instead of, or as well
as, the language and literature examinations.

LITERATURE
Cambridge IGCSE 0992

The English Literature course is 100% examined comprising: Component 1 (Poetry and Prose – worth 50%) and
Component 2 (Drama – worth 50%).
GCSE English and IGCSE English Literature aim to develop speaking and listening, close reading and writing skills, and
to foster an appreciation of literature. Both GCSE English Language and IGCSE English Literature provide a firm
foundation for the further study of the subject.

MATHEMATICS
Pearson INTERNATIONAL GCSE 4MA1 (LINEAR)

The Pearson International GCSE in Mathematics A specification focuses on mathematical skills, techniques and concepts
and how to use them to solve problems. The content can be broadly separated into six areas, which are Number, Algebra,
Geometry, Measures, Probability and Statistics. Assessment is through two papers, sat at the end of the course, and whilst
the majority of pupils will sit the Higher Tier, in which they can earn grades 9-4, the expectation is that some pupils will sit
the Foundation Tier, in which they can earn grades 5-1. This course will provide the required foundations for further study
of Mathematics in the sixth form.

MODERN LANGUAGES
FRENCH – Pearson INTERNATIONAL GCSE 4FR1
GERMAN – Pearson INTERNATIONAL GCSE 4GN1
SPANISH – Pearson INTERNATIONAL GCSE 4SP1

Assessment criteria:
Listening 25%
Reading and Writing 50%
Speaking 25%
(100% externally and terminally assessed)
The IGCSE course develops the ability to communicate effectively and confidently in the foreign language and an
awareness and understanding of countries and communities where the language is spoken. A stay in a target language
country is highly recommended. Pupils are required to sit 3 examinations at the end of the two-year course – a listening
comprehension paper, a reading and writing paper and a 10 minute oral test. Pupils learn to understand the language in a
wide variety of contexts. Major themes of study include Home and Abroad, Education and Employment, Personal Life and
Relationships, The World Around Us and Social Activities, Fitness and Health. A secure knowledge of grammar is required
to achieve the highest grades. The department aims to provide linguists with a firm foundation for study at A level and IB.
 KEY STAGE 4 PLANS 2024 (for award in 2026)

SCIENCE
Pupils will study one of three options at GCSE:
• IGCSE Triple Award is a course for the most able scientists and contains extension material beyond other courses.
It leads to three separate qualifications in the sciences of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
• IGCSE Double Award will be the course for the majority of students and leads to a double IGCSE qualification.
• IGCSE Single Award is a course for students who want to minimize the science content of their GCSE programme
because they would be better focusing on a smaller amount of curriculum material, possibly as a response to weaker
scores in tests and exams. This option will become available to qualifying pupils at the start of the B year following
internal examination results.

Details of the courses follow:

TRIPLE AWARD
BIOLOGY – Pearson INTERNATIONAL GCSE 4BI1
CHEMISTRY – Pearson INTERNATIONAL GCSE 4CH1
PHYSICS – Pearson INTERNATIONAL GCSE 4PH1

Physics, Chemistry and Biology will be studied and examined separately, covering the Double Award specification plus
extension material. Two examinations (120 minutes and 75 minutes) are taken in each of the sciences. There is no
coursework or controlled assessment component. The class and assignment timings for Triple and Double options are the
same so a faster pace and less revision time is possible due to the extended and more difficult material in this course. As
such it should be the choice for only the most able and committed students. The course produces three individual science
IGCSEs. The course content is suitable for any candidate wishing to continue with a science subject at either A level or for
IB.

DOUBLE AWARD
Pearson INTERNATIONAL GCSE Double Science 4SD0

Physics, Chemistry and Biology will be studied and examined separately. One 2 hour examination is taken in each of the
three sciences. There is no coursework or controlled assessment component. The course produces two combined Science
IGCSEs. The course content is suitable for any candidate wishing to continue with a science subject at either A level or for
IB, however we would recommend the triple award option for those electing to study a Higher Level science for IB.

SINGLE AWARD (for qualifying pupils at the start of B Year)

Cambridge INTERNATIONAL GCSE Science (Single Award) 0653

Physics, Chemistry and Biology will be studied together. The syllabus content is approximately half of that for the Double
Award course. Pupils will sit 3 papers, all of which contain Biology, Chemistry and Physics questions. Paper 1 is
comprised of multiple-choice questions, Paper 3 short answer questions and Paper 6 questions on practical skills. The
course produces one combined Science IGCSE. The course content is not suitable for any candidate wishing to continue
with a science subject at either A level or for IB.
 KEY STAGE 4 PLANS 2024 (for award in 2026)

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS – Optional Subjects

ART & DESIGN

FINE ART – AQA 8202
3D DESIGN – AQA 8205

The GCSE Art & Design course is a practically based programme comprising a range of art and design specialisms such
as fine art painting, sculpture, printing or ceramics, as well as three dimensional studies. Students develop their
observational and making skills during the two years through their explorations of the visual potential of the world around
them. As students’ progress, they are expected to develop their own ideas and working methods, taking responsibility for
developing their own Art or Design practice. The course comprises 60% coursework produced in lessons with guidance
(minimum of two projects) and an externally set project taken at the end of the course which is worth 40% of the marks.
All work is internally marked and externally moderated.

BUSINESS
EDEXCEL 4BS1

Business is the driving force behind the changing of everyday life and entrepreneurs, those people that develop
businesses, are the leaders of that change. An IGCSE in Business will give you the opportunity to explore real business
issues and how businesses work, putting you in a better position to understand what drives the changes you see in the
world and giving you a taste of the skills you might need in order to be a driver of that change yourself. You will acquire an
appreciation of:
• How to structure your business legally
• Business objectives
• Marketing
• Financing expansion
• HR issues (such as motivating employees)
• The impact of external economic factors

It will be assessed by two written exams, both worth 50% of the total and both comprising a variety of question types from
multiple choice through to long form essay-style questions.

CLASSICS
CLASSICAL CIVILISATION – OCR J199

For students who wish to continue their study of ancient Greece and Rome, but without the linguistic aspects of Greek or
Latin. Students study for two equally weighted papers, one a thematic study of Myth and Religion, or Women in the Ancient
World; the other a literary and cultural study of the Homeric world, or Roman city life, or Warfare in the ancient world. There
is great variety of literary and visual sources to explore and interpret.
Students who opt for this GCSE will be invited to partake in a trip to Naples in October 2024.

LATIN - OCR J282

Students take a Language paper, worth 50% of the whole GCSE, and two Literature papers, a prose text and a verse text,
each worth 25% of the whole. For the literature papers, set texts are studied in Latin, and questions on content, literary
style and aspects of the ancient world are answered in English. Suitable for those who have made good progress with
Latin in D (including those who started Latin in D) and
who want to build on their linguistic knowledge while adding study of Latin literature and culture.
Students who opt for this GCSE will be invited to partake in a trip to Naples in October 2024.

CLASSICAL GREEK - OCR J292

The exam format is identical to Latin, but focuses on Classical Greek language and literature. This is a separate GCSE,
taken by those who have progressed sufficiently far with Greek as well as Latin during the D year. It is studied on short
time, three lessons plus one assignment each week, so is a challenging yet stimulating option, opening up this language
and culture which forms the root of European civilisation.
Students who opt for this GCSE will be invited to partake in a trip to Naples in October 2024.
 KEY STAGE 4 PLANS 2024 (for award in 2026)

COMPUTER SCIENCE
Pearson EDEXCEL GCSE 1CP2

GCSE Computer Science is a diverse and engaging course that equips students with the knowledge and practical skills to
thrive in the fast-changing world of digital technology. The qualification combines practical programming skills with the
theoretical foundations of data representation, logic and algorithms. Students will also learn about the workings of the
hardware components of computer systems, how computers communicate and the possible consequences to society of
emerging technologies.

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:
• understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction,
decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation.
• analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including
designing, writing and debugging programs.
• think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically.
• understand the components that make up digital systems and how they communicate with one another and with
other systems.
• understand the impact of digital technology on wider society, including issues of privacy and cybersecurity.
• apply mathematical skills relevant to computer science.

Assessment:
Paper 1: Principles of Computer Science. Written paper, 1 hour 30 minutes, 50% of the qualification. Topics include
algorithms, data representation, hardware, software, networks, impact of computers on society.
Paper 2: Application of Computational Thinking. On-screen examination, 2 hours, 50% of the qualification. Assesses
problem solving with programming, requires students to design, write, test and refine programs in order to solve problems

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

Cambridge International IGCSE 0979

In Design & Technology the syllabus aims to:

• develop creative thinking skills.
• apply a problem-solving approach.
• develop communication skills; including the use of CAD.
• apply knowledge & understanding of materials & processes.
• consider sustainability and the wider impact of design in society.
• develop an ability to make aesthetic, economic, moral and technical judgements.
Students take two exam papers: the first examines their design and problem-solving skills; the second focuses on materials
& processes.

Together the exam papers are worth 50% of the overall assessment.

During the latter part of the C year, students will select a project brief from a range of contexts. They then research, design,
manufacture and evaluate it. This controlled assessment project equates to 50% of the overall assessment.
 KEY STAGE 4 PLANS 2024 (for award in 2026)
DRAMA
EDEXCEL (1DR0)

This is an exciting, inspiring and practical GCSE course promoting involvement in and enjoyment of drama, as performers
and/or designers. Additionally, it provides opportunities to attend live theatre performances and to develop skills as
informed and thoughtful audience members. Students work collaboratively to produce and perform, or design for, a piece
of original devised theatre. They will also have the opportunity to perform in, or design for, a directed performance of
extracts from a play text. At the end of the course, they will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of drama in a
written examination. A passion for theatre, and of working practically and collaboratively is essential but also an interest in
the history and contexts of drama and theatre makers.

Component 1: Devising 40% of qualification - 60 marks

Learners are assessed on either acting or design by creating, developing and performing a devised piece in response
to a stimulus. Learners must also produce a portfolio of supporting evidence on the project.
Component 2: Performing from Text 20% of qualification - 60 marks
An opportunity to perform two extracts from a performance text of our choice. These can be monologue, duologue or
group performances. Learners will be assessed on either acting or design.
Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice 40% of qualification 60 marks
Section A: Bringing Texts to Life. A series of questions on our set text explored as an actor, designer and director
Section B: Live Theatre Evaluation. Analysis and evaluation of one live theatre production seen during the course.

GEOGRAPHY
Pearson EDEXCEL IGCSE 4GE1

The Pearson International GCSE in Geography enables students to build on the fundamentals of geographical knowledge
that they have already gained and appreciate the relevance of the subject in our changing world. They will actively engage
in the process of geographical enquiry to develop as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective
thinkers, as well as developing their knowledge and understanding of geographical concepts.
There is no coursework component, but students will develop and apply practical geographical enquiry skills by undertaking
fieldwork and geographical investigations. In addition, they will develop their awareness of global issues and an
appreciation of the need for a sustainable future.
The course is examined through two separate exams:

Paper 1 (physical geography) - 1hr 10’ (40%) Paper 2 (human geography) - 1hr 45’ (60%)
- Coastal environments - Rural environments
- Hazardous environments - Economic activity and energy
- Development and human welfare.
Each paper will contain a section on fieldwork.

HISTORY
Pearson EDEXCEL IGCSE 4HI1

The design of the Pearson International GCSE in history aims to extend students’ knowledge and understanding by
broadening and deepening their skills. For example, students will:

• acquire knowledge and understanding of selected periods and aspects of history.

• use historical sources critically and reach conclusions.
• develop an awareness that there are different interpretations of events.
• organise and communicate their knowledge and understanding of history.
• draw conclusions and make historical judgements.

The course has a mostly twentieth century focus and comprises:

Paper 1, Depth studies (50%) Paper 2, Breadth studies (50%)

Germany: Development of a dictatorship, 1918-45 USA, 1918-41
A world divided: Superpower relations, 1943-72 Changes in medicine, c.1848-19
 KEY STAGE 4 PLANS 2024 (for award in 2026)

MUSIC
Pearson EDEXCEL GCSE 1MU0

In this wide-ranging course, candidates have the opportunity to perform, compose and analyse music. 60% of the
qualification is coursework, comprising two compositions and two performances (solo and ensemble).
Students will be encouraged to engage critically and creatively with a wide range of music, develop an understanding of
the place of music in different cultures and contexts, and reflect on how music is used in the expression of personal and
collective identities. There are 8 set works across 4 areas of study, from Killer Queen to Star Wars, to Beethoven’s
Pathetique Sonata.

Pupils should have attained a performing standard of at least Grade III (or equivalent) at the start of the course and should
be able to read music fluently from traditional western notation. Additionally, it is essential that pupils who elect to take
Music at GCSE have a good ear and thus, the D year Auralia assessment is used to help establish suitability for the course.
Although there is only one weekly assignment for GCSE Music, which will usually be related to academic topics examined
in the 'Appraising’ paper, students are also expected to progress their compositions, practise their instruments during spare
time and sing in choir.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
OCR J587

OCR GCSE Physical Educations equips students with knowledge, understanding and skills to develop their own
performance in sport. A 60% theory and 40% coursework split enhances students’ understanding of the applied anatomical
and physiological requirements and adaptations of sport, social cultural influences on participation in sport and the benefits
of physical activity to health, fitness and well-being.

The theoretical elements of GCSE Physical Education are examined through two separate papers; Component 1 and
Component 2.

Comp.1: Physical factors affecting performance, 1hr (30%)

- How the human body functions during physical exercise.
- Physiological adaptations that can occur due to diet and training.

Comp.2: Socio-cult. issues in sports psychology, 1 hr (30%)

- Benefits of health, fitness and well-being of participating in physical activity.
- Influences of commercialisation, sponsorship and the media on sport.

Component 3: Performance in physical education (40%)

This coursework element of the qualification is examined through analysis of the candidates’ practical sporting performance
across three practical activities, which must be from the specification and played competitively to a good standard. We
expect at least 2 of 3 activities to be Bryanston “A Team” sports or equivalent/better. Candidates are also required to
demonstrate their ability to analyse and evaluate their own performance to produce an action plan for improvement.

RELIGIOUS STUDIES
AQA 8062

GCSE Religious Studies helps students develop their interest in, and enthusiasm for, the study of Religion and its relation
to the wider world. This two-unit specification requires students to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of
Religion.

In Paper One, pupils will systematically study the beliefs, sources of authority, practices and organisation of two of the 21st
century’s most influential religions: Christianity and Islam. This unit will be assessed by a 1 hour 45 minute exam which is
worth 50% of the GCSE.

In Paper Two pupils will also explore the philosophical and ethical responses of these faiths to everyday life issues ranging
from human rights, crime and punishment, conflict and peace and family life. This will be assessed by a 1 hour 45 minute
exam which is worth 50% of the GCSE.
 KEY STAGE 4 PLANS 2024 (for award in 2026)

NOTES:
Internal exams take place in the Summer term of C with mock examinations in the January of the B year. Adjustments to
programmes may be made in the light of these exams, or at other points during the course, but only after agreement has been
reached by the Heads of the relevant subjects, the Tutor, the Hsm, the parents and the Deputy Head (Academic).

1. English: pupils are entered for GCSE English and IGCSE English Literature and receive separate certification in each
subject. Classes are usually streamed as follows: 1 and 2 are parallel top sets; 3, 4 and 5 are parallel middle sets; 6 and 7
are parallel bottom sets.

2. MFL 1 could be any of French, Spanish or German.

3. All pupils must take PSRE to meet NC requirements in relation to Religious Education. PSRE presents moral and spiritual
issues. It allows pupils to take part in the process of questioning the grounds for the choices/judgments we make. Major issues
of social and personal concern are dealt with in a Christian context.

4. Latin is available for pupils who have made sufficient progress during the compulsory course in D. Latin and Greek is only
available for pupils who are well advanced in Latin, and who made sufficient progress with Greek in D set 1. Both GCSEs
are taken concurrently on a reduced time allocation (3 lessons and 1 assignment for each language per week), enabling two
separate GCSEs to be gained.

5. The details in this booklet are as accurate as they can be. It is expected that the courses described in it will run, subject to
there being sufficient demand. Nonetheless, there could be further amendments before September 2023.

EARLY GCSE SUBJECTS

No subject is assessed before the conclusion of the two years allotted to subjects at GCSE. In those subjects where pupils
are able to perform comfortably at the highest GCSE level, setting permits extension work to be done during the later stages
of the course.

LANGUAGES
MFL is a core subject, but, based on evidence available at the end of the Easter term (and only in a very small number of
cases) some students will be permitted to not study to IGCSE in a second language. Where appropriate, alternative
qualifications may be sought for a small minority of pupils if they are not able to make sufficient progress towards IGCSE.
Decisions about these two pathways are entirely at the discretion of the Head of Languages and the Deputy Head
(Academic).

THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM

Whilst the National Curriculum is not mandatory for Independent Schools, the implications are of interest to pupils, parents
and teachers in all schools. At Bryanston, we believe that pupils ought to meet all the requirements of the National Curriculum.
In many cases, pupils go beyond those requirements. English; mathematics; science; information and communications
technology; physical education; citizenship; religious education; sex education; careers education and work-related learning
are required in the National Curriculum. The arts, design and technology, the humanities and modern foreign languages should
also be available to pupils as entitlement areas.

SIXTH FORM ENTRY

It is the School’s policy that pupils entering the sixth form should achieve 40 points or more at GCSE. The tariff is based
directly on the 9-1 GCSE grade set: 9 = 9; 8 = 8; 7 = 7 and so on. The expectation is that almost everyone here will be able to
achieve the required number of points, and the majority will clear this hurdle by some margin.

Mark Deketelaere
Deputy Head (Academic)
February 2024