Key Stage 4 (Y10 - 11) Curriculum

Key Stage 4 (Y10 - 11) Curriculum

Year 9 GCSE options

Key Stage 4 Options Booklet 2023-24

NKS offers a strongly academic curriculum with all students studying for the EBacc suite of subjects:

• English Language and English Literature
• Mathematics
• Triple Science
• A Humanity (Geography or History)
• A Language (Chosen in Year 7)

Additionally, students select two from the following Option subjects:

• Art
• Business Studies
• Classics
• Computer Science
• Design Technology
• Drama
• Music
• Physical Education
• Religious Studies
• Sociology

Students also study Personal Development and Core PE, which are non-examinable subjects, within their timetabled lessons.

We pride ourselves on providing opportunities for sporting, musical and theatrical achievements. Our students’ participation in our extra-curricular programme enriches and deepens their academic learning as well as developing responsible, active, aware and kind citizens, fully prepared for the world of further study and employment.

GCSE Curriculum Maps

(This information applies to current year 9 students and below; i.e. Students who will sit their GCSE exams from Summer 2026 and onwards).

Below, you will find links to our subject Curriculum “Maps”. The documents show our curriculum intent and vision as students progress through the key stages. These curriculum maps apply to our new two year approach to Key Stage 4 and are relevant to our current year 9's who will be going into Year 10 next year.

Art	Biology	Chemistry
Classics	Computer Science	Design & Technology
Drama	English	French
Geography	History	Mathematics
Music	Personal Development	Physical Education
Physical Education (Core)	Physics	Religious Studies
Sociology	Spanish

 

GCSE Subject Videos

Inclusion Department: PUttin@nks.kent.sch.uk

Extend and Excel

Students at NKS are encouraged to explore their interests in a variety of fields.  As their aspirations develop, they are supported to reach their chosen destinations through a varied programme of support.  A range of visitors and external speakers offer inspiration to students across a broad spectrum of topics, including working as a paramedic and the ergonomic design of tanks. With the aim to directly inspire and motivate students in their career ambitions.  Students have also been able to participate in medicine experience days facilitated by Meducators, and online discussions through ‘I’m a Scientist Get me Out of Here’ with scientists from a range of fields such as psychology, genetics and space. 

Support increases as students move up through the school with the super-curricular club at Key Stage 4, which builds on the foundations laid by the Knatchbull Baccalaureate, Academic, Extra-Curricular, Community and Excel and Extend.  This encourages students to broaden and deepen their interests through personal study and develop their research and presentation skills.  This culminates in a celebration of their work, shared with parents.  Students may choose to develop their interest further in the Sixth Form by undertaking an Extended Project Qualification.