Key Stage 3 Curriculum

All students study an ambitious, broad and balanced curriculum that provides them with the essential knowledge and skills to underpin their learning at KS4 and also gives them a secure understanding of our world.

Key Stage 3 Subjects

 

During Years 7, 8 and 9 all students study the following subjects

  • English

  • Mathematics

  • Science

  • Geography

  • History

  • Religious Education

  • Modern Foreign Languages *

  • ICT

  • Physical Education

  • Design & Technology

  • Art

  • Music

  • Drama

(* Note – in Years 7 and 8 all students will study French and German, and then from Year 9 they will have the opportunity to focus on one of these in more depth.)

PAL (Preparation for Adult Life)

 

Throughout Years 7, 8 and 9, all students take part in a Preparation for Adult Life (PAL) programme that includes:

  • Personal, Social and Health Education

  • Sex and Relationship Education

  • Citizenship

  • British Values

  • Introduction to the World of Work

See our dedicated page on PAL

Learning and Assessment in KS3

 

During Key Stage 3, each subject’s curriculum is divided into yearly blocks each with its own set of knowledge and skills that students need to master.  The more fully they master this learning, the better their preparation for the following year’s work and the better equipped they will be for Key Stage 4 and beyond.

Students are assessed according to how well they have ‘mastered’ each subject’s learning for that particular year.  For example, in Year 7, students are graded from 7.9 up to 7.1, (where 7.9 indicates a totally mastery of the year’s work) and similarly in Year 8, students are graded from 8.9 to 8.1 and in Year 9 from 9.9 to 9.1.  Each subject publishes a series of descriptors that set out the knowledge, skills and understanding that students must demonstrate to achieve that grade.  Reports through the year provide information about the grade the student is expected to achieve at the end of the year.  Further information about KS3 assessment can be accessed from the links at the foot of the page.

KS4 Options

 

At the end of Year 9, a wide choice of subjects is made available to all students after careers advice and discussion with parents. These subjects are studied in Years 10 and 11 and usually lead to GCSE or an equivalent qualification.

Homework

 

Homework (consolidation, extension and enrichment activities outside the classroom) helps to develop independent learning, research skills and personal work disciplines (e.g. time management and planning to meet deadlines) and is set for all students.  However, the amount and frequency with which is set is balanced with other important features of a healthy life, such as physical exercise, membership of clubs and other out of school activities. 

Full details of the expectations for homework are given in the school’s Homework Policy (which is available in the 'Links' section below).

Links