Our Key Stage 4 Study & Options Programme can be accessed here.
Please read this booklet for full information on your study programme at Key Stage 4.
1. Strand (Specialist Course)
This is the specialist creative area you have chosen to study at The BRIT School.
Please visit your chosen course page for Level 2 Curriculum here
Key Stage 4 GCSES
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Core Curriculum
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Upskiller is a targeted support program designed to offer tailored intervention
across all National Curriculum subjects, specifically for students who need
additional help to reach their full potential in GCSE English Literature, English
Language, Mathematics and Science. Students are selected on prior
attainment and induction test results.
As part of Upskiller, students will engage with Century Tech, an online
platform that delivers personalised learning and revision pathways, ensuring
they receive the support required to achieve their best possible GCSE
outcomes.
English
The BRIT School English department aims to equip all students with the skills to become confident, proficient writers and critics of language and literature, fostering both technical expertise and genuine enjoyment, regardless of background or prior experience. Students are challenged to develop their oracy and literacy, engage with critical theories such as feminism, Marxism and ecocriticism, and explore a diverse, inclusive range of texts that broaden cultural, social and political awareness. Our curriculum complements Strand studies by encouraging effective communication across forms and audiences, while preparing students for future success in the creative industries and higher education.
GCSE English Language
The AQA GCSE English Language qualification equips students with vital communication skills through a rich programme of reading, writing, and speaking. They explore a wide range of texts from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries—including literary works, journalism, and reviews—developing their ability to read critically, analyse language and structure, and compare ideas across texts.
Students also learn to write effectively for different audiences and purposes, using Standard English accurately and creatively. Speaking and listening tasks help build confidence in formal spoken communication. The course fosters independent thinking, a wide vocabulary, and strong literacy skills—preparing students for further study, employment, and life beyond the classroom.
Read our English Curriculum Map here.
English Literature
AQA GCSE English Literature:
The following texts are studied:
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My Name is Leon by Kit de Waal
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Macbeth by William Shakespeare
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The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
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GCSE English Literature Past and Present Poetry Anthology (Power and Conflict unit)
Students explore each text through a skills-based approach, developing their ability to analyse language, structure and themes while considering the social, historical and cultural contexts in which the texts were written. They also learn to communicate their ideas clearly and effectively, both in writing and speech, adapting their style to suit different audiences and purposes.
This course encourages a deep appreciation of literature and promotes critical thinking. The texts studied at GCSE are carefully chosen to build a strong foundation for A-level study, with clear links to the genres of Tragedy and Social and Political Protest explored in Year 12 and 13. This continuity supports students in developing a deeper, more nuanced understanding of literary themes and contexts, while nurturing a lifelong engagement with reading and analysis.
Read our English Curriculum Map here.
Mathematics
The Mathematics department at BRIT strives for excellence so that the students achieve the highest GCSE grades whilst understanding mathematics in context of their BRIT strand and the wider world. We believe that mathematics is a creative subject that supports individuals academic achievements and prepares them for their vocational ambitions. Our student’s enjoyment of Mathematics at BRIT is of paramount importance to their success. We understand the nuances of a creative BRIT student and dovetail every lesson to the individual's needs and aspirations.
Our highly skilled maths teachers support the BRIT students at every stage, however, we motivate them to think for themselves to become independent learners and develop their own problem-solving skills. We encourage all learners to have a very clear understanding of their own thinking and abilities and we use a variety of metacognition strategies to support this.
The average class size in the maths department is 17, with those who need extra support in classes as low as 6. We currently have 70% of students working towards the higher tier GCSE exam, with approximately 10% of students looking to achieve an additional qualification, Further Maths, to stretch the most able and prepare them for the potential to undertake Maths A level in Year 12. We work very closely with the BRIT’s AEN department to support students at all levels.
The BRIT school GCSE curriculum works towards the AQA examination. This qualification is for those in KS4 and those students who are resitting their GCSE examinations in Year 12/13. Students must achieve a Level 4, pass, or higher, or they will be asked to retake their GCSE in Year 12.
In discussion with the learner, their parents/carers and their teacher, students will be entered for either the Foundation or Higher tier paper. In 2017, the examination boards changed the grade denominations from letters, ABC etc… to numbers to allow for a higher level of maths to be taught at GCSE level to warrant a level 8 or 9 grade. A comparison of the two tiers can be seen below.
We complete teaching the content of the AQA curriculum at the end of Term 2 (Christmas) in Year 11. This gives all students the opportunity to spend their time between their mock exams in January and their final exams in May to focus on bespoke learning plans, revision techniques and exam practice.
GCSE Assessment
Each GCSE student will take three, 90 minute examinations as set out below, as part of their final assessment. Students will be assessed throughout their time at BRIT with formal mock exams in Year 10 and 11 so students are extremely well prepared.
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Maths |
Higher/Foundation |
Paper 1 |
90 mins* |
Non-Calculator |
Written Exam |
33.33% |
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Higher/Foundation |
Paper 2 |
90 mins* |
Calculator |
Written Exam |
33.33% |
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Higher/Foundation |
Paper 3 |
90 mins* |
Calculator |
Written Exam |
33.33% |
*Access arrangements, incl extra time, for students will be identified and managed by our AEN department.
Grade descriptors can be found here
Resources
We use maths online websites and applications to help students learn in a variety of ways. These resources are used in lessons, as part of independent learning and have been extremely popular during home learning.
The BRIT school subscribes to the following sites.
MyMaths - www.mymaths.co.uk
Providing complete curriculum coverage from Key Stage 1 to A Level, MyMaths offers interactive lessons, “booster packs” for revision, and assignable homeworks and worksheets, along with a wealth of resources that will help you deliver your teaching in the classroom and at home to develop your students’ confidence and fluency in maths.
Kerboodle - www.kerboodle.com
Kerboodle is an online version of the textbook we use which can be accessed remotely. Each topic has links to further resources.
GCSE Maths Past Papers
Past papers can be accessed through Maths Genie: https://www.mathsgenie.co.uk/AQApapers.html
Other useful resources:
https://www.jaggersmaths.co.uk/
Maths Tutor: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCStPzCGyt5tlwdpDXffobxA
Science
Combined Science
Awarding Body: AQA QAN: 601/8758/X Specification: 8464F/8464H
At KS4 all BRIT students study AQA GCSE Combined Science - Trilogy 8464. a double award, equal to two GCSE’s. This qualification is linear so students sit all their exams at the end of the 2 year course.
The GCSE in Combined Science should enable students to:
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develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
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develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science, through different types of scientific enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
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develop and learn to apply observational, practical, modeling, enquiry and problem solving skills in the laboratory, in the field and in other learning environments
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develop their ability to evaluate claims based on science through critical analysis of the methodology, evidence and conclusions, both qualitatively and quantitatively.
You can download a list of student text books, revision guides and workbooks here.
Online resources:
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Cognito - tutorials, quizzes and exam questions topic specific or whole papers
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Doddlelearn - quizzes / presentations / interactive activities; used for class and homework
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Free science lessons - tutorials for all science qualifications
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Kerboodle - student ebooks for all courses at GCSE and AS Level
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Padlet.com - web papers with topic specific questions covering GCSE Science
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Seneca learning - quizzes, exam style questions
Physical Education (PE)- BRIT FIT
Empowering Student's Health and Wellbeing
This year we are launching a brand new physical education initiative. Designed specifically for KS4 students, BRIT FIT goes beyond traditional PE, encouraging the all rounded benefits of physical activity and creating a foundation for lifelong health.
Each Wednesday afternoon, students will dedicate one hour to BRIT FIT. This program will be a dynamic mix of exciting activities, from team sports and adventurous challenges to individual pursuits. Through the suite of activity on offer, students will discover activities they enjoy, develop their physical literacy and skills, and gain valuable knowledge about the importance of healthy living.
BRIT FIT prioritises both personal growth and teamwork, aligning perfectly with the BRIT School ethos. The program incorporates regular self-evaluation alongside teacher assessments, allowing students to track their progress, celebrate achievements, and become match fit for their future careers.
Ethics, Beliefs, and Culture (EBC) - (Religious Education)
The BRIT School offers Religious Education through integrating Ethics, Beliefs, and Culture (EBC) seamlessly into students' creative curriculum journey and student experience. Across the Personal Professional Development (PPD) Programme, students explore the five major religions and other perspectives, engaging in ethical dialogues on crime, punishment, life after death and life's value. Cultural celebration is integral, with immersive experiences through performance and creative art forms, fostering cross-cultural representation. Whole-school workshops and events serve as platforms for interdisciplinary collaboration, incubating creativity and inspiring positive social change.
Personal Development (PD)
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BRIT Certified All Key Stage 4 students will follow a weekly rolling programme of PD; this is where students have the opportunity to consider and reflect upon their personal values, beliefs and attitudes; they are challenged to explore their morality, to develop their political ideas and to grow into responsible citizens. Throughout the two years, students will engage in relationships education, sexuality and gender identity education, drugs and alcohol education, safety education, mental health awareness, citizenship education, and healthy life-styles education. The will also experience a wide variety of assemblies including the annual Black History, LGBTQ+ and Neurodiveristy assemblies, which celebrate our school ethos of kindness and inclusion. Student achievement is affirmed; work is celebrated in assemblies; we hold termly certificate assemblies noting excellence and progress including celebrating attendance and punctuality. Assessment - Non-Examined |
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Professional Skills (PS)
BRIT Certified
The Professional Skills (PS) course guides you to develop essential tools and knowledge to support you to succeed in the creative industries and you'll explore three key areas through expert talks and exciting project work. You' l be developing your digital skills and understanding on essential topics like creative software application, AI work tools and social media. You'll be exploring your potential career by discovering the diverse range of job opportunities in the arts and developing key employability skills to support your career journey. Alongside this you'll be gaining a strong foundation in business and entrepreneurship by learning about topics including personal finance and freelance skills. This course is designed to prepare you for your future steps in the dynamic world of the arts.