An Abbey boy and girl in school uniform standing under a tree in the school grounds

Abbey Community College

Key Stage 4Options 2027

Creating Better Futures

Five subjects every student studies, four you choose. Everything you need to pick the right courses for Years 11 and 12.

Explore the subjects Read the guide
Explore
5compulsory subjects for every student
4option subjects you choose
25option courses on offer
5types of Level 2 qualification
01
Start here

An exciting milestone

Dear Parent/Carer,

As your child approaches the important stage of choosing subjects for Key Stage 4, they are beginning a journey that will help shape their future learning, personal development and aspirations for life beyond school. This is an exciting milestone, and we are committed to supporting every student and family throughout the process.

At the heart of our work is a simple but powerful aim: Creating Better Futures. We believe every young person has unique strengths, talents and potential, and we want each student to feel confident in choosing a pathway that will allow them to flourish academically, personally and socially.

B KirkpatrickVice Principal
A group of Abbey students in uniform beside the college crest banner

Ambition

Pursue your goals and embrace new opportunities.

Respect

In your relationships and in the decisions you make.

Kindness

Support and encourage the people around you.

These values guide every choice students make about their future studies.

5 Compulsory+4 Options=Your Key Stage 4

Every student studies English, Mathematics, ICT, Learning for Life and Work and Religious Education. Tap any subject to see what it involves.

The qualification entered can differ from student to student. Each Head of Department decides the most appropriate course and level, in consultation with students and taking account of progress, attainment and individual learning needs, so every student has both challenge and the best chance of success.

Student shaping a sculpture in Art
Art
Student cooking in the food room
Hospitality
Student shooting a basketball in the sports hall
Sport
Two students using a microscope in Science
Science
Student playing drums in Music
Music
Students at the workbench in the technology workshop
Technology
02
Your personal guide

Reading your Subject Suitability Report

Every student receives a personalised Subject Suitability Report to support conversations between students, parents and staff.

It uses your child's PTE (Progress Test in English) and PTM (Progress Test in Mathematics) results. These give standardised scores that compare performance with a nationally representative group of students of the same age.

For each subject, those scores are compared with a recommended stanine level set by the school. These are not entry requirements. They show the level at which students have typically gone on to succeed comfortably in that subject.

The stanine scale

123456789
Below averageAverageAbove average

Standardised scores are grouped into nine bands called stanines. Most students nationally sit in stanines 4 to 6.

GreenStrong likelihood of success

Your child's current attainment profile suggests they have the skills and knowledge to access the course with confidence.

AmberSuccess is possible with commitment

Achievable, with extra effort, resilience and ambition. Strong attendance, steady study habits and a positive attitude help many students succeed here.

RedSuccess may be more challenging

The subject may be a significant challenge on current information. Success is not impossible, but think carefully about the demands and talk to teachers first.

Senior students studying together in the library

A guide, not a prediction. No test can capture a young person's determination, interests or potential for growth. Use the report alongside your child's interests, strengths, aspirations and teachers' advice.

03
Level 2 qualifications

Different routes to success

Every route can lead to further education, training, apprenticeships or employment. Think about your strengths, whether you prefer exams, coursework or practical learning, your career ideas, and the advice of teachers, parents and careers staff.

There is no single best pathway. Success comes from choosing qualifications that match your strengths, interests and ambitions, while keeping future doors open.

04
Option subjects

Explore all the options

Filter by qualification, by how a course is assessed, or by the kind of future you are interested in. Open any subject for the full details, then add your favourites to your shortlist.

ExaminationCoursework and portfolioPractical assessment
05
Plan your choices

Build your shortlist

My personal options planChoose all 4 options to unlock your plan.

Your plan lists your compulsory subjects, your four options with how each is assessed, and space for student and parent signatures.

1

Read together

Go through this guide at home and talk about what your child enjoys.

2

Check the report

Look at each subject's colour on the Subject Suitability Report.

3

Ask the experts

Talk to subject teachers, Heads of Department and careers staff.

4

Make four choices

Pick a balanced set that offers both challenge and opportunity.