On this page you will find information about the different pathways students have been placed on, videos about the option subjects and FAQ’s around the curriculum choices process.

All students will continue to study for 3 mandatory examined subjects: GCSE English Language and Literature, Maths and Science and 2 mandatory unexamined subjects: PSHE and Core PE.

It is vitally important that the choices made at Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) are the correct ones, because all students must do one of the following until they are 18:

• stay in full-time education, for example at a college
• start an apprenticeship or traineeship
• spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, while in part-time education or training

With this in mind, we offer a broad and balanced Key Stage 4 Curriculum, which has been designed with the following aims in mind.

Breadth of Knowledge–to acquire a range of knowledge and skills relevant to a variety of career choices.  To develop knowledge and skills, including: literacy, numeracy, creativity, health and wellbeing.

Academic Challenge – to help every student reach their potential and ready for their next phase of life.

Empowering – providing subject choices that will help support enterprise and employability, making WHS students stand out in a competitive and changing world.

Pathways are sent to parents before the 13th February 2025. We look forward to welcoming year 9 parents/carers and students to our curriculum choices evening on the 13th February 2025.  Information about this event will be sent at the beginning of the spring term.

PATHWAYS

At Worthing High School we are committed to a broad, balanced and challenging curriculum.  We want to ensure students pick a range of subjects to help them build a variety of knowledge and skills to help them succeed beyond school and into future employment.  The pathways are assigned based on academic profiles and help make sure a range of challenging subjects are chosen as appropriate.

GREEN PATHWAY
This pathway is for students who we have identified as those who may benefit from additional support.  All parents and carers of students placed on the green pathway are invited to an information evening (February 12th).

ENGLISH BACCALAUREATE

The EBacc is made up of the subjects which are considered essential to many degrees and open up lots of doors.

A study by the UCL Institute of Education shows that studying subjects included in the EBacc provides students with greater opportunities in further education and increases the likelihood that a pupil will stay on in full-time education. Sutton Trust research reveals that studying the EBacc can help improve a young person’s performance in English and maths.

We have identified Blue pathway students as those who have the academic profile to complete the EBacc.  However, the EBacc is open to all students.

SCIENCE

Students will either study for Combined Science or Triple Science. Triple Science is selected by subject specialists and the Subject Leader for Science. This ensures that the correct students are selected for Biology, Physics and Chemistry as discrete subjects. Students that are selected for Triple Science MUST complete all three disciplines. Please be aware triple Science will not affect the number of other subjects a student can take.

As you already know the curriculum for GCSE Science changed in 2016 and as such we have moved to a three-year Science GCSE starting in year 9. This is to allow us to complete and review all the relevant content for the course and ensure all students are properly prepared for the exams at the end of year 11.

If you have any questions relating to the Science GCSE or course structure please email akent@worthinghigh.net

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       An updated Curriculum Choices booklet will be uploaded at the start of Spring Term.