Key Stage 3 Curriculum

The Key Stage 3 curriculum is designed to provide students with an excellent education through the study of a broad range of subjects. Each subject provides children with the core knowledge and skills needed for them to keep their pathways for the future open and to prepare them for specialisation at the next stage.

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 – all students will study French or German, and in addition some will get the opportunity to also study Spanish.)

Personal Development

Throughout Years 7, 8 and 9, all students take part in a Personal Development programme
which includes:

  • Personal, Social and Health Education

  • Sex and Relationship Education

  • Citizenship

  • British Values

  • Introduction to the World of Work.

See our dedicated page on Personal Development.

Learning and Asessment 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.