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MAKING CHOICES FOR THE FUTURE
KEY STAGE 4 AND 5
The UK education system in the secondary phase is organised into Key Stages based on the students’ age range:
SECONDARY PHASE
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Key Stage 3 (KS3)
Years 7, 8 and 9
Students in the age range 11 to 14 years
•
Key Stage 4 (KS4)
Years 10 and 11
Students in the age range 14 to 16 years
•
Key Stage 5 (KS5, also referred to as the Sixth Form/Post 16/Years 12 and 13
Students in the age range 16 to 18 years
BROAD AND BALANCED CURRICULUM
At FirstPoint School, we believe that a broad, balanced education is essential and this ethos is reflected in
our GCSE option format. Our aim is to prepare students thoroughly for future studies in whichever system of
education they enter. It will also give them the diversity of subject matter essential for future employment.
To ensure breadth and balance in each student’s curriculum, we do insist that all students take English
Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Science Double Award and five further subjects to GCSE level
from the option boxes. Students also take Physical Education as a non-GCSE subject. Those students who
wish to develop their physical education skills to a higher level may do so within the option choices. For
the majority of students this can mean a total of ten GCSE subjects. For our Arabic A students this will be
nine GCSE subjects, as if a student holds an Arab passport they MUST select Arabic A in one of the option
blocks in order to follow the compulsory course prescribed by the Ministry of Education in the UAE. Students
will also follow a course in either Cultural Studies (for non-Muslims) or Islamic Studies (for our Muslim
students).
THINKING AHEAD
During Year 9, students are given the opportunity to decide upon their options for the critical two years of
KS4. The choice of subjects is particularly important because it will have a significant bearing on what they
will be able to do when they complete their GCSE studies at the end of Year 11.
Students need to think ahead, as, although it may be tempting to discontinue studying particular subjects at
the end of Year 9, they need to take into account the range of subjects that will allow them to access the
opportunities for taking up certain careers, vocational training or entry to AS and A-level courses, whether
at FirstPoint School or another educational establishment in the UAE, the UK or beyond.
Access can be limited if a student does not continue a particular subject to GCSE level. It is important for
students to keep their options open when they make their decisions. This generally means that students
should choose a wide range of subjects.
Many 13 or 14 year olds will have no fixed idea about what they want to do for a career. Even if they do, it is
still advisable to be flexible. Minds are often changed!
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