Our Key Stage 4 Mantra:
“4s open doors, 5s change lives, 6s put you in the mix, 7–9s are sublime!”
Key Stage 4 Overview
On entering Years 10 and 11, pupils join Key Stage 4 (KS4). We aim to build on the knowledge and understanding the pupils have developed over their first 3 years at St Joseph’s. As you move from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 4, you will experience new ways of working and new subjects alongside familiar ones. It is exciting but also challenging: exciting because you have some choice in what you study, and challenging because we give you more responsibility over organising yourself and your time.
During this time, it is important you talk to people including parents and carers, teachers, and you’ll have several opportunities to discuss your options with Miss Gale, the school careers adviser. Please do not be shy about asking for advice as you are going to make some important decisions. We are all here to have discussions with you and your parents/carers, so that together we can make sure you find the best pathway for your future.
What You’ll Study
Everyone will study the following core subjects at GCSE: English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Science, Religious Education, PSHE and Physical Education.
In addition, you will then choose additional subjects to study outside of the core curriculum. You can learn more about these subjects in the It’s Your Future booklet which you can download below.
Here are a few pointers on how – and how not – to make the right choices:
- Choose your optional subjects because you think you’ll be good at them, and that they will interest you. You will be studying them for two years!
- If you’re not sure what you might want to do, ensure you’ve got a good mix of GCSE subjects that could take you in any direction.
- Don’t choose subjects because you want to be with a best friend or an inspirational teacher – your friendship may not last and the inspirational teacher may leave!
- If you’re already thinking about a particular type of course, take a look at the entry requirements for specific courses at university and work back from there.
It's your future...
As our pupils move towards Year 10, it is important that they consider the courses they would like to study for GCSE. We are dedicated to ensuring that each pupil is given the opportunity to develop knowledge and life skills as they gain the most appropriate qualifications for their post-16 career choices.
GCSE SUPPORT & GUIDANCE
Our It’s Your Future booklet aims to provide pupils and parents/carers with support and guidance regarding the GCSE courses available at St Joseph’s. It has also been designed so that it is clear what support is available to each pupil as they start their GCSE journey.
KS4 Course Directory
If you’d like to find out more about the Key Stage 4 courses we offer in more depth, please see our course directory for 2025-27. There is information on how each course is assessed, what pupils will learn, relevant post-16 career options, and more.
Explore Key Stage 4 Subjects
Resource Hub
Our Resource Hub is where you'll find information, guides and advice related to revision, exams, careers, and more, as well as other activities to support your learning. Explore the whole library, or use the filters to find exactly what you need.