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. 

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Key Stage 4 GCSES 

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:

• My Name is Leon by Kit de Waal
• Macbeth by William Shakespeare
• The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
• GCSE English Literat ure 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. 

BRIT Curriculum    

The BRIT School GCSE curriculum works towards the Edexcel GCSE Maths qualification. In discussion with the learner, their parents/carers and their teacher, students will be entered for either the Foundation or Higher tier paper. Students must achieve a Grade 4 pass or higher, or they will be asked to retake their GCSE in Year 12.

The scheme of work has been designed to focus on essential numeracy and fluency skills at the start of Year 10 that are constantly interwoven into concepts taught later on. We complete teaching the content of the Edexcel curriculum at the end of Term 2 (Christmas) in Year 11. This gives all students the opportunity to spend their time leading up to their final exams in May to focus on bespoke learning plans, revision techniques and exam practice. Access arrangements, including extra time, for students will be identified and managed by our AEN department.

Curriculum map: BRIT Maths Curriculum Map

Resources

We use a number of online resources and applications to help students learn in a variety of ways. These resources are used in lessons and as part of independent learning at home.

The Maths department utilises MathsWatch as our online homework platform.

Designed to support students from Key Stage 4 through to Post-16, MathsWatch offers comprehensive video tutorials, exam-style questions, and fully assignable homework tasks aligned to the curriculum. With instant feedback, method-sensitive marking, and detailed progress tracking, it helps students consolidate their understanding and prepare effectively for GCSEs and post-16 assessments. Teachers benefit from powerful tools to monitor performance, target support, and reinforce key concepts both in class and independently.

The department also recommends the use of the following websites to support student learning at home:

• 1st Class Maths - https://www.1stclassmaths.com/
• Corbett Maths - https://corbettmaths.com/
• GCSE Maths Tutor - https://thegcsemathstutor.co.uk/
• Maths Genie - https://www.mathsgenie.co.uk/
• Maths Links - https://www.mathslinks.co.uk/
• Maths Made Easy - https://mmerevise.co.uk/
• Third Space Learning - https://thirdspacelearning.com/secondary-resources/

Science

GCSE Combined Science

Awarding Body: AQA  QAN: 601/8758/X   Specification: 8464F/8464H

At Key Stage 4, all BRIT students study AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy. This is a double GCSE qualification where students study biology, chemistry and physics, receiving two overall grades based on their performance across all three subjects. This is a linear qualification, so students sit their exams at the end of the 2 year course. You can view our curriculum map here. AQA Schemes of work are available here.

To support the engagement and progress of all students, we draw on a variety of teaching approaches, such as teacher-led, group work, independent study, practical work, and linking Science content to Strand areas, within a Quality First Teaching framework, working closely with the AEN Department to ensure specific needs are met.

The primary aims of AQA GCSE Combined Science are to develop:

Knowledge and Conceptual Understanding:
Students gain a broad understanding of the core concepts and principles of biology, chemistry, and physics. 
Scientific Enquiry:
The course emphasises understanding the nature, processes, and methods of science through different types of investigations and problem-solving. 
Practical Skills:
Students develop and apply observational, practical, modelling, and enquiry skills in various learning environments, including laboratories, field settings, and other contexts. 
Critical Thinking:
The course aims to equip students with the ability to evaluate scientific evidence, claims, and conclusions critically. 
Exploration and Explanation:
Students are encouraged to explore scientific concepts, explain phenomena, and develop models to understand the world around them. 
Foundation for Further Study:
The course provides a solid foundation for those who wish to pursue further studies in science at A-level or higher education. 

Online resources:
Cognito Science - tutorials, quizzes and exam questions by topic or whole exam papers.
Free Science Lessons - tutorials for all science topics.
Kerboodle - student ebooks for GCSE Combined Science.
Padlet.com - web papers with topic specific questions for GCSE Combined Science.
Seneca - quizzes, exam style questions.
Educake - online homework and revision for Science.
In addition, we have revision guides available for purchase at reduced cost.

GCSE Exam Assessment
Based on their performance across Y10 and Y11, and including discussion with the student and consultation with parents/carers, students will be entered for Higher or Foundation Tier. Higher Tier provides students with the opportunity to achieve grades from 9-9 to 4-4. Foundation Tier provides students with the opportunity to achieve grades from 5-5 to 1-1.

AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy assessments consist of six externally examined papers (each being 1hr 15mins), divided into two for Biology, two for Chemistry, and two for Physics. Each paper assesses knowledge and understanding from specific topic areas:
Biology - Paper 1 and Paper 2 cover topics like Cell Biology, Organisation, Infection and Response, and Bioenergetics. 
Chemistry - Paper 1 and Paper 2 cover topics like Bonding, Structure, and the Properties of Matter; Quantitative Chemistry; Chemical Changes; and Energy Changes. 
Physics - Paper 1 and Paper 2 cover topics like Forces, Energy, Matter, Waves, and Electricity. 

The assessments will include: multiple choice questions; structured questions, where answers are broken down into step-by-step responses; closed short answer questions, and open response 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)

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

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.