average. Curriculum Pupils choose their "learning pathways" for Key Stage 4 during Year Nine. As part of the "core curriculum" all pupils must complete a General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) course in English, English literature, mathematics, and science, plus enrol on a National Certificate course in information communication technology (ICT) or religious studies (RS). A physical education (PE) course must also be completed, though these may not contain an end qualification. Beyond the "core curriculum" pupils can then choose four further options to study. These courses can contain a GCSE, National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), or a Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) qualification. Some courses are run externally at Sparsholt College Hampshire, Oakmoor School, Bohunt School, Alton College, and Staunton Park School. Further optional "after school" courses are available at Havant College. The Petersfield School's GCSE exam results have improved from 2007 to 2010. In 2007 the number of pupils gaining five or more GCSEs with the grades C to A* was 64%, which had risen to 85% by 2010. The number of pupils gaining five or more GCSEs with the grades C to A*, including English and mathematics, has risen from 54% in 2007 to 67% in 2010. Since the school has been granted academy status, it has been permitted to deviate from the National Curriculum. Nigel Poole, the head teacher, had commented that “The National Curriculum is about to change and not necessarily for the better, in my opinion". References External links The Petersfield School website TPS Studio website 1958 establishments in England Academies in Hampshire Educational institutions established in 1958 Petersfield Secondary schools in Hampshire