Curriculum

In Years 7 to 9, all students follow a curriculum designed to develop essential skills and knowledge in a broad range of subjects.  Each department offers a relevant, balanced and differentiated curriculum that has regard to the National Curriculum. 

During Years 7, 8 and 9 your son or daughter will have been following the programmes of study for Key Stage 3 of the National Curriculum. By Year 9 most students are ready to start making decisions about their courses for GCSE, and many have developing ideas about their future careers.

Choosing subjects to study in Key Stage 4 can be an exciting time, but it can also be difficult for some students. The most important feature of any course of study up to the age of 16 is that it provides balance and does not “close doors” to possible future careers. It is for this reason that we place some constraints on the option choices and so ensure that all students follow a basic core of subjects. However, we hope that the choice available allow individual students to follow their developing interests.

There is close co-operation between parents, pupils, teachers and the Careers Service. Parents should try to make sure that their children can answer “yes” to the following questions when deciding on subjects.

Have You:

• Consulted family, teachers, Careers Service and any others who may be able to help?
• Read the GCSE Options Booklet 2025-26 in the Document Folder at the end of this page.
• Attended the Year 9 Options Evening held on 4 December 2025 (copy of presentation above)
• Understood what is involved in the study of the subjects in terms of the topics to be covered, amount of coursework to be completed, meeting deadlines etc?
• Been interested and successful in these subjects lower down the school?  This, of course, is impossible to answer for totally new subjects.
• A need to study this subject because it may be helpful in your future career?
• Followed the rules concerning the choice of a balanced curriculum?

Further Information can be found on our Year 9 into 10 Options page.

In Years 10 & 11, students follow a curriculum designed to prepare them for GCSE examinations and post-16 opportunities.  The curriculum includes compulsory (core) and four optional subject areas; each element can be differentiated to suit the individual needs of students. 

Tring is committed to offering a broad range of optional subjects so students can pursue their areas of interest.  The core subjects are currently: English Language; English Literature; Mathematics; the Sciences and Philosophy & Religious Studies.  Parents/carers have the  right  Detailed guidance is offered to students and parents in order to ensure each student follows an appropriate curriculum, particularly in light of the recent major changes to GCSE specifications.

In Key Stage 4, students are generally taught in mixed-ability groups in their option areas; Art, Business, Creative Media, Catering, Drama, D&T, Geography, Health & Social Care, History, Music, Retail Business, PE (GCSE & BTEC) & Sociology.  Academic setting is used mainly in Maths.  English, PRS & Science currently have a blended model.

In Years 10 & 11 all students follow the Life Skills programme (non-examined), which is delivered over one hour per fortnight. The programme incorporates statutory sex and relationship education and includes other topics such as careers guidance, personal finance and political understanding.  Outside speakers are arranged as much as possible to give the students as broad an understanding as possible of the subject matter. All students participate in PE lessons at Key Stage 4.