In Ballyclare Secondary School we aim to provide a curriculum at Key Stage 4 which is broad and balanced with a wide range of courses all of which lead to qualifications recognised by the National Qualifications Framework. Below you will find a complete list of GCSE, Occupational Studies and BTech Level 2 courses available. Please click the links to find out more about each subject or browse through our Year 10 options booklet. The Options Sheet for 2026 will be available soon.
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Key Stage 4 Options Booklet 2026-28
GCSE Courses Available:
Agriculture and Land Use
Art and Design
Business Communication Systems
Business Studies
Child Development
Construction and Built Environment
Drama
English Language
English Literature
Food and Nutrition
French
Further Mathematics
Geography
History
Learning for Life and Work
Leisure, Travel and Tourism
Mathematics
Media Studies
Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies
Music
Physical Education
Psychology
Religious Studies
Science Single Award
Science Double Award
Technology and Design
BTEC Level 2
BTEC Level 2 qualifications in Digital Information Technology and Sport are available in Ballyclare Secondary school. These courses are rigorous and offer pathways to post 16 study here and in FE colleges. The main difference between BTEC and GCSE is that a larger proportion of the assessment in BTEC is portfolio-based.
BTEC Tech Award in Digital Information Technology
BTEC Level 2 First Award in Sport
Occupational Studies Courses Available:
Occupational Studies are designed to allow all learners access to progression pathways. They have an employability focus and help learners develop the transferable skills needed in an ever-changing work environment. As a school, it is our experience that Occupational Studies raise levels of achievement, motivation and self-esteem in our young people. Occupational Studies do not provide a suitable foundation for A-level study.
The assessment of Occupational Studies is 100% portfolio based.
Occupational Studies – Business and Services
Occupational Studies – Carpentry and Joinery
Occupational Studies - Child Care and the Play Environment
Occupational Studies – Food Preparation
Occupational Studies – Graphic Design and Website Development
Occupational Studies – Horticulture
Occupational Studies - Nail and Beauty
Occupational Studies – Photography and Ceramics
Occupational Studies - Sport and Leisure
Level 2 Certificates
Level 2 certificates are available via the Religious Studies (OCN NI), King’s Trust, Preparation for Adult Life
and the Reducing Carbon Footprint (OCN NI) and Creative & Digital Technologies (OCN NI) qualifications. These courses are graded as Pass or Fail. A pass is equivalent to GCSE Grade C. The King’s Trust certificate is equivalent to two GCSE grades.
The assessment of the courses listed below is 100% portfolio based.
Creative and Digital Technologies (Level 2 Certificate)
Preparation for Adult Life (Level 2 Certificate)
King’s Trust Achieve Programme (Level 2 Certificate)
Reducing Carbon Footprint (Level 2 Certificate)
OCN Religious Studies (Level 2 Certificate)
