KEY STAGE 4 (YEARS 10 & 11)

KEY STAGE 4 (YEARS 10 & 11)

Home > KEY STAGE 4 (YEARS 10 & 11)

Our educational philosophy is centred around what we call The Hartland Way. This is an incredibly strong and unwavering focus on the very best learning and teaching experience and high academic standards coupled with exceptional pastoral care and an extensive range of enrichment opportunities to ensure that our students grow and develop personally as well as academically.

Academics

Students in Key Stage 4 engage in a rigorous academic programme designed to prepare them for GCSE and IGCSE examinations. They follow a core curriculum that includes English, Mathematics, and Sciences, alongside a range of elective subjects tailored to their interests and future aspirations. Elective subjects offered include History, Geography, Business Studies, Computer Science, Art and Design, Drama, Music, Physical Education, and Modern Foreign Languages (to check all available subjects, please check our GCSE Options Booklet for 2025-2026). This stage emphasizes the development of independent learning skills, critical thinking, and a global perspective. The dedicated faculties, renowned for their subject knowledge and pedagogical skills, ensure that students are well-supported and challenged to achieve their highest potential. Furthermore, students benefit from a structured programme that helps them make informed decisions regarding their subject choices and future educational pathways​.

Enrichment

As students' progress into KS4, they have the opportunity to delve deeper into the passions nurtured in earlier years. Senior Junk Kouture and F1 in Schools allow students to advance their skills, while LAMDA and Theatre Under the Stars offer platforms to express creativity and build confidence. Sports such as athletics, football, and netball enable students to represent the school and compete against their peers from around the city. With an increased focus on academics, there are also regular opportunities for students to participate in supported study sessions and focussed groups to further support high performance in GCSE subjects.

Pastoral Care

Each student is supported by a cohesive pastoral team, which includes form tutors and Heads of Year who monitor progress, general wellbeing, and set challenging targets. Form tutor groups are mixed and work closely with the House System, which promotes a competitive yet encouraging reward system. This approach not only recognises students' hard work and achievements within the school but also celebrates their accomplishments outside of it.

High expectations are set for effort, commitment, behaviour, uniform, and appearance, fostering a positive work ethic among students. Additionally, student leadership pathways, such as the Student Council, Diversity Working Party, and Executive Student Leadership Team, are integral features of life at Hartland, encouraging a sense of responsibility and community spirit among students.

Examination Results

50 %
Grade 9 - 7
A* - A
72 %
Grade 9 - 6
A* - B
91 %
Grade 9 - 5
A* - C
97 %
Grade 9 - 4
A* - E

Ambition

This is nurtured through a challenging academic curriculum and a broad range of elective subjects, preparing them for future academic and career success. Students are also encouraged to pursue their passions in various extra-curricular activities, fostering a drive to achieve their full potential and become well-rounded individuals.

Challenge

Our students are consistently challenged through a rigorous academic curriculum and a variety of elective subjects that push them to excel. Additionally, they are encouraged to participate in diverse extra-curricular activities that test their abilities and help them develop resilience and adaptability.

Care

Our care encompasses a holistic approach, integrating rigorous academics, diverse extra-curricular activities, and comprehensive pastoral support. The supportive environment, fostered through mixed form tutor groups and the House System, helps students feel secure, valued, and part of a close-knit community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Key Stage 4 at Hartland International School?

Key Stage 4 at Hartland International School covers Years 10 and 11, leading to final examinations at the end of Year 11 that are externally written by UK and other global examination boards. The two-year course focusses on academic content but also on preparing students for the rigours of examinations in a supportive and guided way.

How many GCSE courses can students choose from?

Students can choose from a range of over 20 GCSE courses,allowing them to tailor their education to their interests and career aspirations. The core subjects of English, Mathematics and the Sciences alongside PSHE, Social and Moral Education and Physical Education continue through this key stage. Students are also required to study Arabic through to the end of Year 10 and GCC passport holders will continue with Arabic to the end of Year 13.

How are students supported in making their GCSE choices?

Students receive full support and guidance from experienced staff to help them make informed decisions about their GCSE subjects. The school has a highly skilled and experienced Careers Advisor who works alongside the teachers to guide students.

Where can I find more information about the GCSE courses offered?

The specific subjects available can be found in the GCSE Options Booklet for 2025-2026, which details the comprehensive range of courses offered and is available for download on the school's website.

Accreditations & Affiliations

ENQUIRE NOW