UK National Curriculum - Key Stage 1 to 4
The UK National Curriculum sets out a clear, full and statutory entitlement to learning for all pupils up to the age of 16. It determines the content of what will be taught and sets attainment targets for learning. It also determines how performance will be assessed and reported. An effective National Curriculum gives teachers, pupils, parents, employers and the wider community a clear and shared understanding of the skills and knowledge that young people will gain at school.
The National Curriculum makes expectations for learning and attainment explicit to pupils, parents, teachers, governors, employers and the public, and establishes standards for the performance of all pupils in the subjects it includes. These standards can be used to set targets for improvement, measure progress towards those targets, and monitor and compare performance between individuals, groups and schools
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The National Curriculum is organised in to 4 Key Stages:
Key Stage 1 - Completed by the end of Year 2
Key Stage 2 - Completed by the end of Year 6
Key Stage 3 - Completed by the end of Year 9
Key Stage 4 - GCSE/IGCSE - Completed by the end of Year 11
At each key stage students study the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science. In addition to these core subjects non-core subjects including Art, Geography, History, ICT, Music, and Physical Education are also studied. In Year 6 students begin studying Modern Foreign Languages of French and Spanish.
This broad selection of subjects allows students to experience many subjects prior to having to make decisions on course choices both for I/GCSE (Year 10 and Year 11) and the International Baccalaureate (Year 12 and Year 13) and make informed decisions about what subjects they are best suited to for future college and career plans. Just as importantly, this broad entitlement curriculum prevents students from specialising at too early an age and therefore keeps a student's options open for as long as possible.
International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)
A two year course equivalent to the British GCSE, The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is the world's most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year-olds. It develops successful students, giving them excellent preparation for their next steps in education. At Warwick Academy, students study for the Cambridge IGCSE.
General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE)
The General Certificate of Education (GCSE) was first examined in the UK in 1988 and is the external assessment for Key Stage4 of the National Curriculum. At Warwick Academy students study for the Edexcel GCSE.
Both the IGCSE and the GCSE are tested externally at the end of Year 11 by written papers and by coursework completed internally over the 2 years of the course. Individual specifications vary from subject to subject and more detailed information on expectations and assessment can be found on individual departmental pages or on the examination boards' respective sites.
Both IGCSE and GCSE are recognised by universities and employers worldwide and provide an excellent foundation for progression to the International Baccalaureate.
Information on choosing subjects for study at I/GCSE can be found here.
IGCSE/GCSE RESULTS, CLASS OF 2009
A* - C: 89% of students (UK Average 66%)
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a demanding diploma programme designed for highly motivated sixth form students. The diploma provides an ideal pre-university course and is recognised by universities around the world. Since its creation in 1968 this practical qualification has earned a reputation for rigorous assessment and is highly regarded by the world’s leading universities. This two year course combines six subject groups with three additional features: theory of knowledge; creativity, action and service; and an extended essay. The six subject groups cover: English; a second language; individuals and society; experimental sciences; mathematics and computer science; and the arts. Students may select one subject from each group, three of which will be studied at the higher level and three at the standard level. We also offer certificate courses for those not following the diploma. More detailed information can be found at www.ibo.org
IB RESULTS, CLASS OF 2009
Graduation pass rate: 100%
Individual subject certificate pass rate: 100%
Candidates entered for IB Diploma: 23
70% of candidates received the internationally recognised IB Diploma
Warwick Academy IB Diploma points average: 28 points (World average: 29)