Key Stage 3 (Year 7 & 8)

●        All subjects promote a knowledge approach to the curriculum. The knowledge students are expected to know is specified in all subjects. This knowledge forms the foundations for curriculum planning including the schemes of work, the knowledge organisers, home learning and assessments.

●        We will not cover GCSE material, or use GCSE style assessment, in Years 7 or 8 as we believe this reduces the quality of the provision.

●        A knowledge-based approach to the curriculum is accessible for all learners and therefore we do not expect to see differentiated tasks or objectives in lessons. Instead we keep scaffolding in place for longer whilst maintaining our high standards so that the students can master the essential elements of the curriculum.

●        We firmly believe that improving students’ reading, building their vocabulary and their knowledge of language is a prerequisite of success. If students cannot read to a minimum of their chronological age then they are not able to access the curriculum in its entirety. Literacy is a focus across the curriculum through being promoted in all subjects as well as explicitly during reading lessons and tutorials.

●        Pupils are taught in G, O, S, P, E or L groups for RE, English, maths, science, computer science, geography, history and PE.

●        Pupils are also taught in Creative Technology groups (1-8) for art, dance, drama, food technology and music.

●        All teaching groups are mixed ability, except our G group which is smaller in number with a permanent teaching assistant. 

●        The SAINT programme is designed to develop students’ spiritual, moral, social, cultural and vocational development as well as understanding British values and culture.

●        The extra-curricular programme enriches students’ learning, opening opportunities to experiences that broaden students’ horizons.

●        At Key Stage 3 we do not narrow the curriculum. We expect students to learn arts and technology-based subjects alongside the core curriculum offer. The timetable for Key Stage 3 is based on a two-week cycle and comprises of a 25 period week with 5 one-hour periods per day.