KS3 Curriculum Overview
We have a two-year Key Stage 3. During Years 7 and 8 all students follow the same courses. All students study: English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, French, German, Art, Music, Dance, Personal Development, Physical Education (PE), IT, Technology and Religious Education (RE). Some classes are set according to ability (Mathematics, English, Science and MFL) with other subjects taught in mixed ability classes.
Our students in Years 7 & 8 will follow the United Learning ‘Mastery Curriculum’ in English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, Computing, Music and PE. A mastery curriculum breaks the key knowledge relating to each subject area into units with clearly specified objectives, which are pursued until each Key Performance Indicator (KPI) is achieved. Students work through each block of content in a series of sequential steps and must demonstrate a high level of success on tests. Typically, about 80% of our students are expected to have mastered the threshold concepts before progressing to new content. Retention of this knowledge is then assessed in future testing and any gaps which emerge are addressed.
At the end of Year 8, students choose their options and begin to study their GCSE subjects from Year 9. The options process begins in March with assemblies and then a Parents evening to explain the options process. Subject options are made by Easter.