Key Stage 4 Pathways

Welcome to Your Pathways Information Page

Here you will find information about the key events in your KS4 pathways process. Selecting the courses that you will study at GCSE is the exciting first step in your journey towards your chosen career or vocation.

Over the coming months, we will provide you with a range of careers education, information and guidance to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the future education, training and employment opportunities that await you at Swanshurst and beyond.

The timeline of these events is shown below.

The pathways booklet is the starting point for your course selection. You should read it all carefully to learn about the wide range of courses that we offer.

The first pages outline the details of the core subjects, studied by all students. English Language, English Literature, mathematics and science (combined or triple science) are compulsory GCSEs.

You will also continue to study computing, RS, PE, citizenship and health and wellbeing as non-examined national curriculum subjects.

In addition to the core subjects, you can choose 4 option block subjects. There are some restrictions to your choices and these are identified on the pathways form. For example, all students must study either history or geography. We also encourage as many students as possible to study a modern foreign language (French, Spanish, German or Urdu), to maximise the number of students who achieve the EBacc.

The EBacc is a suite of subjects that ‘keeps young people’s options open for further study and future careers’ https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/english-baccalaureate-ebacc/english-baccalaureate-ebacc.

The decisions that you make may have significant implications for your future. We will support you throughout the pathways process. You have already had some careers information through your personal development curriculum (PSHE). There is a pathways section on our website so you and your parents can find out more. There will also be an opportunity to talk to teachers through an online parents evening.

Take time to talk to your parents and teachers before you make your final decision. In the end you should choose subjects that you enjoy and can succeed in. Remember you can always ask for help and guidance.

Good Luck!