What pupils study
Every pupil follows the same core. Select the language and two creative subjects chosen before joining to see the full week.
Chosen for this year only. Any of them can continue to (I)GCSE.
Lessons last 35 minutes, with five minutes to move between classes. Double periods are used where they suit the subject, eg practical sciences and the creative arts.
Sets
The year group is split into two halves of similar ability, each with pupils from a wide range of previous schools. Within each half, pupils are set in Mathematics, French, and Latin only. All other subjects are taught in mixed-ability groups.
Every set is taught the same material, and pupils develop at different rates at this age, so these sets are provisional. For (I)GCSE, Mathematics and French are re-set completely at the end of the fourth form.
Assessment and key dates
Autumn term
First tracking grades
Some subjects will have had only a few lessons by then.
Updated fifth form curriculum booklet on the parent portal
Tracking grades and a written report
Spring term
Tracking grades
Provisional (I)GCSE choices submitted
Parents' evening
Tracking grades
Summer term
A week of internal examinations
Parents confirm final (I)GCSE choices
After the examinations and a reflection afternoon.
Written report with examination results and tracking grades
Each pupil's tutor oversees their progress, working with heads of department, the head of fourth form, and the academic team.
Looking ahead to (I)GCSE
(I)GCSE courses start in the lower fifth (Year 10). The core is broad, so no pupil has to make irreversible choices this early.
Everyone takes
Mathematics, English Language, English Literature, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and French.
Pupils choose
Three options from 14 subjects. A subject must be studied now to be chosen, except Art, Drama, Music, and Design Engineering.
Strong classicists can take Gratin: Greek and Latin in one option, giving two (I)GCSEs. Strong musicians may be invited to take Accelerated Music as an extra (I)GCSE. Both use lunchtime lessons, so a pupil cannot take both.
The school decides, with families
Further Mathematics: about half of pupils, decided at the end of the lower fifth. Pupils who are keen should let us know.
IGCSE French a year early: most pupils, decided at the end of the fourth form.
Double Award science instead of three separate sciences: very occasionally, decided later.
Questions
Contact Mark Stables, Director of Studies, at mps@kcs.org.uk. Curriculum booklets are available on the parent portal.