KEY STAGE 4

Key Stage 4 covers Years 10 and 11. It marks an important time in a student’s education. At Park House, we help our students make academic choices and prepare for the exams that will give them access to top universities and their future goals.

Park House English School follows the National Curriculum for England in our Secondary School and at Key Stage 4, students enter the first period of official exams: IGCSE or International General Certificates of Secondary Education. IGCSEs are a key part of the National Curriculum and provide students with official qualifications at levels 2 and 3. This is the first opportunity our students have to really select and tailor their own curriculum strengths and their interests fusing these with core skills and knowledge required in the future.

In line with the British curriculum followed it is expected that students between the ages of 14-16 years study a 2-year course and gain qualifications in a minimum of 8 subject areas. These subjects include our core subjects and options subjects.

IGCSE at Park House

It is expected that all students study Mathematics, English Language, English Literature, Language (French, Spanish or Arabic – continued from their Key Stage 3 language choice) and at least two Sciences, chosen from Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

Students will then be expected to select their options subjects. The options process begins in Year 9 for all options subjects to begin at the start of their Year 10 academic year. Our enthusiastic and talented teaching team covers a broad range of subjects including Geography, History, Art, Music, Physical Education, Modern Foreign Languages, ICT, Computer Science, Economics, Sociology, and Business Studies. For further information, please read our Key Stage 4 Subject Options Booklet.

IGCSEs are precursors to further study and employment and can showcase an individual’s strengths and areas of interest. They are entry requirements for post-16 (A-level) study or further training.

The British government overhauled the grading system so GCSEs and IGCSEs are now awarded on a 1-9 scale. Grades 1-3 are considered level 1 and grades 4 and above are considered level 2 qualifications. Level 2 qualifications are an entry requirement for level 3 courses which include A-levels.

The pastoral team at Key Stage 4 includes Mrs Olivia Mason (Assistant Head – Key Stage 4) and Miss Shona Monaghan (Key Stage 4 Progress Leader).

Students can earn house points for following the PRiDE system in all areas of their school life. The progress leaders ensure that students are regularly monitored, and progress is tracked throughout the year so that a smooth transition can occur at the start of the next academic year.