Learning Pathways
Phase 1 - Our Offer and Resources
REMINDER: Pathways Evening - Wednesday 22nd February 4.30-6.30pm
When our students begin Year 10, they embark on an especially important phase of their education, namely the two years to GCSE (Key Stage 4). The pathway resources below will give you an overview of the Key Stage 4 curriculum and details about the individual subjects that students can study.
Most of the time for a Key Stage 4 student is spent on the Core Curriculum. It includes English, Mathematics, Science, Physical Education, Religious Studies and Humanities. Many of the subjects continue from Key Stage 3, but some new subjects such as Health & Social Care, Engineering, Business, Sport Science, IT also become available.
Pathways Process
Students must select from the range of pathway blocks. We ask for you to choose your preferences in this way because we aim to make sure everyone is able to study their preferences. Each choice must be something you do want to study for two years. At least ONE choice must be from History or Geography. You can of course choose both of these in your three pathway blocks.
Students must select 3 preferences, in each pathway block from the range of subjects. One of your 1st preferences must include History or Geography - Look at ‘B’ below.
Some examples of preferences could be:
| Pathway A | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|
| French | x | ||
| Geography | x | ||
| History | |||
| Health and Social care | x | ||
| Creative i-Media | |||
| Performing Arts |
| Pathway B | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art | x | ||
| Business Enterprise | |||
| French | |||
| Geography | |||
| History | x | ||
| Sports Studies | x |
| Pathway C | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triple (Separate) Science | x | ||
| Engineering | |||
| History | |||
| Information Technology | x | ||
| Performing Arts | x | ||
| Sports Studies |
Phase 2 - Subject Preferences
Choosing Courses
Please complete your separate pathways form, a copy of which is available at the back of the booklet you will be given during the pathways evening, and return to student reception, no later than Friday 17th March.
Phase 3 - Interview
Unfortunately, as some subjects are limited in size due to health and safety constraints and due to popularity, we may need to have students complete a statement of intent for the subject or hold interviews to speak directly to each student. This will ensure students are in the right groups based on their passion, commitment, and interest in the subject and specific topics/units that we would deliver. Towards the end of the process, usually at the end of June / start of July, final pathways offer letters are sent to students and their parents / carers.
Year 10 Subjects
| Key Stage 4 Compulsory Core Subjects | You Choose 3 Pathway Subjects |
| English Language / Literature | Pathway A |
| Mathematics | Pathway B |
| Science | Pathway C |
| Physical Education (Non-Certificated) | |
| Religious Education |
English Baccalaureate (EBacc)
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) is a set of subjects at GCSE that keeps young people’s options open for further study and future careers. This will be discussed further during the pathways guidance meeting that each pupil will receive before formalising pathways choices.
The EBacc is made up of:
- English Language and Literature
- Maths
- The Sciences
- Geography or History
- A Language
A study by the UCL Institute of Education shows that studying subjects included in the EBacc provides students with greater opportunities in further education and increases the likelihood that a pupil will stay on in full-time education.
Research also reveals that studying the EBacc can help improve a young person’s performance in English and Maths. The government’s ambition is to see 75% of pupils studying the EBacc subject combination at GCSE by 2022, and 90% by 2025, here at OAI we subscribe to that overarching ambition across the Oasis Community Learning family.
If you wish to choose to study the combination of subjects that are in the EBacc then one pathway choice must also include French (as well as History or Geography). See Student B or C above as this shows examples of student choices who have selected the EBacc route.
Thinking Ahead
During years 10 and 11 students will start exploring and applying for their chosen route post-16. This could include any of the following:
- Full-time education, such as continuing into a Post-16 (6th Form) college
- Work-based learning such as an apprenticeship
- Work with training
Students need to consider their chosen route when selecting their Key Stage 4 pathways. Whilst some students have made a decision on what career path they wish to follow, others are unsure on possible careers. Students who are unsure should choose a broad range of courses to 'keep their options open'.
KS4 Learning Pathways Document
Click on the link below to download the Key Stage 4 Learning Pathways Curriculum Choices booklet for 2023/24.