Key Stage 4 & 5
Key Stage 4
Year 10: 14-15 years
Year 11: 15-16 years
Compulsory Subjects:
- English
- Greek
- Maths
- Science
- ICT
- PE
Elective Subjects:
- English Literature
- History
- Geography
- Child Development
- Physical Education
- French
- Spanish
- Art
Key Stage 5
Year 12: 16-17 years
Year 13: 17-18 years
A Level Subjects:
- Maths
- Biology, Physics, Chemistry
- History
- Psychology, Thinking Skills, General Studies
- Physical Education
- Art
- Greek
- English Literature
- French, Spanish
At Highgate, we follow the English National Curriculum. This may be quite different from the system you are used to. The most important facts are:
- IGCSE courses last two years (Years 10 & 11) For this reason it may be difficult to accept new students into year 11 because it is half-way through the IGCSE course.
- IGCSEs are assessed mainly on written exams, although in some subjects there are also elements of coursework. Some subjects, like Art & Design, have more coursework and fewer exams.
- For some subjects, everyone sits the same exam. For others, there is a choice of two tiers: 'higher' or 'foundation'. Each tier leads to a different range of grades. Subject teachers normally decide which tier is best for each student.
- Students normally need to pass five IGCSE exams at grades A* to C to be sure of a place in the 6th Form (Years 12 & 13).
- A booklet giving full information on subject selection is given to students.
A-level is a two-year course, with students normally specialising in three main subjects enabling them to study these in depth. In the first year of the course, students will study for the AS (Advanced Subsidiary) Level.
At the end of the AS year, there are two options:
- take the AS level as the final qualification or
- continue to the second year and go for the full A level
In year two of a full A level, students take the A2 - this is not a separate qualification, but the second half of the A level. The A2 is designed to deepen the knowledge gained during the AS level.
A study skills booklet is available for all students.