Key Stage 4
Materials and guidance relating to the secondary frameworks at Key Stage 4 are available from the 'Secondary' section of the DCSF National Strategies website. The National Strategies website includes support and guidance for:
- the development, planning, teaching and assessment of the secondary English, mathematics, ICT and science frameworks;
- Foundation subjects (including design and technology, modern languages and music); and
- whole-school approaches to learning.
The National Strategies: Secondary
The following sources of information provide support and guidance relating to
14 to 19 learning and the reform of the secondary curriculum, and examples
of general support available to practitioners and young people.
14 to 19 Reform
The DCSF 14 to 19 Reform website is aimed at schools and colleges, local authorities and partnerships, universities, employers, and parents and carers. It contains the latest news, information and developments relating to the reform of the secondary curriculum and the introduction and delivery of 14 to 19 Diplomas.
14 to 19 Workforce Support
Aimed at those delivering the 14 to 19 reforms, this website gives access to sources of information and support.
QCDA: 14 to 19 learning
The '14 to 19 learning' section of the QCDA (Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency) website links to all QCDA content relevant to 14 to 19 learning, including information about the secondary curriculum, the Key Stage 4 engagement programme and the ongoing revision of GCSEs.
Transition to Key Stage 4
The Bridging plans from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 4 series of booklets suggests teaching and learning plans that bridge the key stages and help pupils make a confident start to Key Stage 4. Booklets in the series are available to download from the National Strategies website.
- Bridging plans from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 4: Information and communication technology
- Bridging plans from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 4: Mathematics
- Bridging plans from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 4: Science
- Bridging plans from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 4: Modern foreign languages
- Bridging plans from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 4: English
Study leave
The National Strategies website contains links to publications that provide guidance and case studies to help schools improve on traditional study leave and give each student the most appropriate support.
- Seeking alternatives to GCSE study leave: Case studies
- Key Stage 4: Guide to GCSE pupil study leave options
Special educational needs
The special educational needs (SEN) section of the TeacherNet website includes information on strategies for helping learners with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) to access the curriculum at Key Stages 3 and 4.
ASD: Strategies for accessing the curriculum at Key Stages 3 and 4
Connexions
Connexions provides impartial information, advice and guidance (including careers advice and guidance), together with access to personal-development opportunities, to help remove barriers to learning and progression and ensure young people make a smooth transition to adulthood and working life. Connexions is designed to help all young people aged 13 to 19 regardless of need, and those aged up to 24 with a learning difficulty or disability.
Every Child Matters: Connexions
National Council for Voluntary Youth Services (NCVYS)
NCVYS is a network of national organisations and regional and local networks that work with and for young people. Its mission is to work with voluntary and community organisations to build thriving communities and sustainable networks that help all young people achieve their potential.
Last updated: 19 January 2010
