KS4 Curriculum Overview

Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11) Curriculum Intent

At ILM High School, our Key Stage 4 curriculum builds on the strong foundations established in Key Stage 3, guiding pupils towards academic excellence, spiritual growth, and moral purpose as they prepare for their GCSE examinations and life beyond school.

Our aim is to ensure every pupil leaves ILM as a confident, principled, and capable young person—grounded in Islamic values and equipped with the knowledge, skills, and character to make a meaningful contribution to society.

Through a carefully structured and balanced programme of study, pupils are supported to reach their potential across both core and option subjects, developing independence, resilience, and a deep sense of responsibility before progressing to further education or vocational pathways.

Curriculum Aims

At Key Stage 4, we aim to:

• Strengthen pupils’ understanding and mastery of key academic disciplines, with a focus on literacy, numeracy, and scientific reasoning.
  
  
• Provide a strong moral and spiritual framework through Islamic Studies, Qur’anic Studies, and daily reflection, helping pupils to align their ambitions with their faith.
  
  
• Offer high-quality teaching in GCSE subjects that prepare pupils for higher education and future careers.
  
  
• Nurture leadership, collaboration, and critical thinking through project work, enrichment, and enterprise opportunities.
  
  
• Develop effective revision, organisation, and study habits to promote independence and lifelong learning.
  
  
• Encourage excellence through self-discipline, motivation, and sincere effort (ihsan) in every aspect of school life.

Subjects Offered

All pupils at ILM High School study a broad and balanced combination of core and optional GCSE subjects:

Core Subjects:

• English Language and Literature (AQA) - 5 Hours
  
  
• Mathematics (WJEC) - 5 Hours
  
  
• Combined Science (WJEC) - 6 Hours
• Islamic Studies
  
  
• Physical Education (non-examined) 2 hours
  
  
• Personal, Social, and Health Education (PSE)  - 1 Hour

Optional GCSE Subjects:

• Business Studies (WJEC) - 3 Hours
  
  
• History (Edexcel) - 3 Hours
  
  
• ICT (Edexcel) - 3 Hours
  
  
• Arabic (Edexcel) - 3 Hours
• Quran / Tajweed -  2 Hours 

Learning Environment

Our Key Stage 4 classrooms are places of focus, faith, and aspiration. Pupils are encouraged to:

• Take responsibility for their own learning.
  
  
• Engage critically and creatively with challenging ideas.
  
  
• Apply their learning through real-world contexts and Islamic ethics.
  
  
• Reflect on their progress and set personal goals for continuous improvement.
  
  

Character and Faith Development

Alongside their academic studies, pupils continue their journey of tarbiyyah—spiritual and moral growth—through assemblies, mentoring, and faith-based enrichment. We seek to nurture young Muslims who embody integrity, humility, and service to others, balancing worldly success with spiritual purpose.

Assessment and Support

Pupils’ progress is regularly monitored through formative and summative assessments, mock exams, and personalised feedback. Targeted support is provided through:

• Focused intervention sessions and study support.
  
  
• Mentoring and pastoral guidance.
  
  
• Revision workshops and study skill sessions.
  
  
• Academic mentoring meetings with subject leads.
  
  

Our Vision for Key Stage 4

We believe that success at GCSE is not only about results, but about developing resilient, reflective, and righteous individuals who can think critically, act ethically, and aspire confidently—guided by the light of Islamic values.