September 1st 2024Key Stage 4 Subjects
At Key Stage 4, our students have the exciting opportunity to shape their own learning journey by choosing from a broad range of option subjects alongside the core curriculum. This is an important stage in their education, where they can begin to focus on the areas that inspire them most, build on their strengths, and explore pathways that connect to future ambitions.
Whether their interests lie in the creative arts, humanities, sciences, technology, or practical vocational studies, our diverse curriculum ensures there is something for everyone. Each subject is carefully designed to develop knowledge, skills, and confidence, while opening doors to further study, training, or employment.
Choosing options is not just about picking subjects- it’s about discovering passions, setting goals, and taking the next step towards a successful future. At Meridian High School, we provide guidance, support, and inspiration to help every student make the choices that are right for them.
All KS4 subjects have the following learning hours:
| Year group | 10 | 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Learning hours per week | 2 | 2 |
Sociology
Intent
To enable students to better understand the world they live in and will work in. Sociology is the study of society. Our curriculum increases students understanding of the social world and places the individual within a social context. Sociology students will have an enthusiasm for studying society; they will be curious to explore the world around them and be able to make connections to their sociological knowledge in all aspects of life. They will also develop as individuals, becoming well-rounded human beings with an awareness of their own behaviour as individuals and why as a society people act the way they do.
Knowledge, Understanding and Skills
In Year 10, students will be able to use and develop skills acquired in other subject areas. The study of sociology will begin with learning about the process of cultural transmission. They will use this knowledge to explain where we learn our culture from and how. Students will then build upon this knowledge and be able to make connections to it through studying the topics of family and education. They will be able to articulate the changes and debates connected to family life and the reasons for differential achievement between social groups within education. Students will know a range of sociological theories and evidence. They will be able to apply this to each topic and construct logical explanations and debates in order to reach a reasoned conclusion. Students will then complete Year 10 by studying research methods so that they can identify the issues that researchers may face when conducting research and be able to explain the strengths and weaknesses of a range of research methods. At the end of Year 10 students will have gained crucial knowledge of human behaviour in contemporary society today and how it is studied.
Year 11 students build upon their prior knowledge with an in-depth study of social differentiation and stratification. They will be able to answer exam questions drawing upon examples from topic studied in Year 10. Through examining this topic students will be able to demonstrate links between topics and develop their critical thinking with application of their knowledge to a range of new concepts. Students will study differences between social groups and how this can impact life chances. In addition, they will examine patterns in crime rates and be able to articulate a range of reasons for the differences between these among different social groups. Students will be able to draw upon prior knowledge of research methods to identify potential problems with official statistics and use a source to interpret graphs and identify trends within research. By the end of Y11 students will be able to use sociological knowledge to describe, explain and evaluate a range of ideas and reach a reasoned conclusion.
2 year learning journey
Specification
https://www.eduqas.co.uk/media/jk2duibm/eduqas-gcse-sociology-spec-from-2017-eng.pdf
Careers
- Social Worker
- Youth Worker
- Probation Officer
- Policy Advisor
- Market Researcher
- Human Resources Officer
- Community Development Officer
- Journalist / Social Researcher
Citizenship
Intent
Citizenship is designed to develp knowledge and understanding of the structure that givern everyday life. It is designed to make us aware of our moral rights and responsibilities in places such as school, the workplace and the local community. Students will become knowledgeable about politics, law and the media and will be given the opportunity to explore current issues of debate. Students will have the opportunity to engage in their own campaign, concerning an issue they think is important.
Knowledge, Understanding and Skills
OCR GCSE Citizenship equips students with essential knowledge and skills in areas such as democracy, government, and society. Students explore the structure of the UK legal system, human rights, social justice, and the importance of active citizenship. They study economic and financial education, alongside key issues related to identity, diversity, and migration. Through these topics, students develop their understanding of the political, legal, and social systems, while strengthening their ability to engage with important issues affecting society today.
The course encourages critical thinking by prompting students to evaluate different viewpoints on social, political, and ethical issues. They also focus on research, communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, which are vital for understanding and analysing complex topics. Students examine the role of individuals and groups in influencing decisions through voting, activism, and pressure groups.
Additionally, they consider the balance between rights, responsibilities, and the law, alongside the impact of government policies on people's lives and the function of democracy. To apply their learning, students take part in an active citizenship project, which allows them to investigate a real-world issue and take action. This project encourages teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving abilities while providing a platform for students to make a tangible impact on their communities. By participating in this project, students not only demonstrate their understanding of the course content but also gain practical experience in engaging with and addressing societal issue
2 year learning journey
Specification
https://www.ocr.org.uk/images/234735-specification-accredited-gcse-citizenship-studies-j270.pdf
Careers
- Lawyer
- Journalist
- Police Officer
- Civil servant
- Social worker
- Politician
- Teacher
- Reporter
Health and Social Care
Intent
The aim of studying Health and Social Care is to provide a solid foundation for entry in healthcare. The knowledge gained during the course can be applied in different healthcare settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities and other healthcare organisations. It provides an opportunity to specialise in a specific area of healthcare.
Knowledge, Understanding and Skills
he BTEC Tech Level 1/2 Health and Social Care course offers a practical introduction to life and work in the health and social care sector. It gives students the opportunity to develop knowledge and technical skills necessary to be efficient in a care environment. The course focuses on key skills relevant to the sector, such as research techniques and how to measure someone's physical health.
Additionally, students develop written communication skills, which are vital for creating health and wellbeing plans for individuals with specific needs. Through this qualification, students gain a thorough understanding of various aspects of the health and social care sector, equipping them with the skills needed for future roles. The course is divided into three components. The first component, Human Lifespan and Development, allows students to study how people grow and develop from infancy to old age. They will learn about the factors that may affect growth and development throughout the lifespan, including life-changing events such as marriage or the death of a partner.
The final section of this component explores how individuals cope with these changes and investigates the types of support available to help them navigate through life’s challenges. The second component, Health and Social Care Services, focuses on the services available to meet the needs of individuals, including those with specific needs. Students will investigate common services and explore how they work together to meet these needs. They will also examine barriers to accessing services and strategies to overcome them. Furthermore, students will learn about the skills, attributes, and values essential in health and social care, ensuring they understand how these elements contribute to providing the necessary care for individuals.
Lastly, Health and Wellbeing, the third component, examines the factors influencing an individual's health and wellbeing, including physiological and lifestyle indicators. Students will learn to interpret these indicators and design plans to improve someone's health and wellbeing, setting both short- and long-term goals while addressing the challenges that may arise when trying to make these changes.
Specification
Careers
- Social worker
- Counsellor
- Care worker
- Public health officer
- Nursery nurse
- Dietician
- Nurse
- Teacher
Statistics
Intent
In GCSE Statistics we aim to develop the analytical and enquiring minds of our students, as well as providing an insight into the crucial role of statistics in the modern world. Students will learn about the reliability of the sources of information in today’s society; how manufacturers use Quality Assurance to comply with regulations; how new medicines are trialled and how reliable the results of those trials are; key economic indicators such as Retail Price Index and Consumer Price Index and how these impact on their everyday lives. Statistics students also learn how and why the government uses complex calculations like standardised birth, death and unemployment rates. Additionally, several units of the two-year course will broaden, deepen and support students’ statistical knowledge in their compulsory Mathematics GCSE. Throughout the two-year course, students will be required to consider “the bigger picture” as they examine the role of statistics in industry and economics to gain skills they can transfer to a wide range of disciplines and careers.
Knowledge, Understanding and Skills
In KS4 Statistics, students learn the importance of carefully planning a strategy for collecting, recording, and processing data to address an identified question or hypothesis. This involves understanding how to design primary data collection techniques or select appropriate secondary data sources, ensuring that the research remains unbiased and reliable. Students are taught to recognise the opportunities, constraints, and implications for mathematical analysis, emphasising the need for accurate data collection and the careful application of statistical methods. By carefully designing their data collection strategy, students can ensure that their results are meaningful and applicable to the real-world problems they are investigating.
Students will also explore how to generate data visualisations using both technology and manual construction methods. They will learn the mathematics required to interpret and create clear, informative visual representations of data. This includes calculating statistical measures to compare different sets of data, such as mean, median, mode, and range. By using these visualisations and calculations, students will interpret their results in the context of the problem they are addressing. Additionally, they will evaluate the validity and reliability of their findings, considering potential sources of error and the limitations of their data. This critical thinking ensures that students can draw accurate conclusions and make well-supported inferences from their statistical analysis.
Specification
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/mathematics/gcse/mathematics-8382/specification
Careers
- Forensic analyst
- Data scientist
- Economist
- Biostatistician
- Operations researcher
- Ecologist
- Analyst
- Researcher
- Computational biologist
Travel and Toursim
Intent
The BTEC Travel and Tourism curriculum aims to develop students' understanding of the UK travel and tourism industry, key visitor destinations, and customer needs. Learners explore how organisations identify trends, cater to diverse customer preferences, and respond to global influences. The course examines the impact of tourism, sustainability and destination management, promoting responsible travel practices. Through real-word case studies, students gain valuable indsutry knowledge, preparing them for careers in travel, hospitality and tourism management. By developing analytical, research and communication skills, learners are equipped to navigate this dynamic and growing sector with confidence and professionalism.
Knowledge, Understanding and Skills
The BTEC Travel and Tourism course equips students with essential knowledge and skills to succeed in the travel and tourism industry. They develop a deep understanding of the UK travel and tourism sector, exploring key organisations, popular visitor destinations, and customer needs. Through the study of global travel trends, students also examine the factors influencing the tourism industry, including sustainability and its impact on economies and communities. This foundation prepares students to better understand the complexities of the industry and the challenges it faces. In addition to theoretical knowledge, students gain practical skills through a range of activities that enhance their research, problem-solving, and customer service abilities. They learn how to identify and meet customer preferences, which is vital in the tourism and hospitality industries.
By engaging with case studies and real-world industry tasks, students develop critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing them to handle diverse situations in the sector. These practical applications also allow students to develop effective communication and teamwork skills, which are highly valued in the industry. Through this course, students are not only prepared for careers in travel, tourism, and hospitality but also for further study in related fields. The course provides a comprehensive foundation that opens doors to various career opportunities, whether they pursue roles in customer service, tour management, or hospitality. By the end of the course, students are equipped with both the theoretical knowledge and practical experience to navigate the challenges of the travel and tourism sector and excel in their chosen career paths.
2 year learning journey
Specification
Careers
- Travel agent
- Tour guide
- Hotel manager
- Sustainable tourism
- Event planner
- Cabin crew
- Marketing
- Cruise ship director
