Years 7-9 (Key Stage 3)

Key Stage 3 Curriculum
Years 7, 8 and 9 (Age 11 to 14 years)

As they make the move into the Senior School, and throughout Key Stage 3, pupils are encouraged to use more initiative in their learning, to develop critical thinking and reasoning ability, and to develop a self-disciplined approach to their studies. Lessons incorporate differentiated tasks appropriate to all abilities including Gifted and Talented students. Comprehensive library and computer facilities enable them to pursue special interests, carry out research and acquire a wide general knowledge, whilst being carefully monitored. For more extensive subject-specific information, please visit the Departmental sections of the website, or contact the school.

Year 7
In Year 7 we aim to give pupils a broad base of subjects so that the choices they will have to make later on in their education can be as informed as possible.  French and Mathematics are taught in ability sets.  In addition to the core subjects (Mathematics, English and Science) twelve other subjects are taught, including taster classes in Spanish and German together with a mix of cerebral, creative and more physical activities.  In addition, one lesson a week of PSCHE and four lessons of Physical Education are included as part of the curriculum.

Year 8
In Year 8 we continue to deliver a broad base of subjects.  In addition to learning French, pupils choose either German or Spanish as a second language.  In addition, four lessons of Physical Education are included on the curriculum and for one term pupils will go swimming in two of those periods.  In French, their second language, English (not set in Year 7) and Mathematics, students are taught in ability sets.  For Drama, Design & Technology, Art and Food & Nutrition, the year group is divided into four mixed groups to allow the students maximum practical experience.  PSCHE is timetabled as a regular weekly lesson and covers such areas as emotional welfare, my money, SRE and healthy lifestyle.

Year 9
In Year 9 we continue to deliver a broad base of subjects so that the choices pupils have to make for GCSE can be as informed as possible.  Science is now divided into three subjects: Biology, Chemistry and Physics.  Citizenship forms the focus of weekly PSCHE lessons.  In addition, four lessons of Physical Education are included on the curriculum.  Pupils are taught in ability sets for French and their second language, English and Mathematics, and in mixed sets for Drama, Design & Technology, Art and Food & Nutrition, for which the year group is divided into four classes.
In February, pupils are asked to make their choices for GCSE.  The option blocks are designed with a view to minimising clashes.  A consultation evening with parents is held prior to final decisions being made.

Homework
A homework timetable is issued during the first week of the Autumn term.  It is important that parents keep a copy of the timetable and check and sign their child’s homework diary each week. 

In Year 7, homework is given in English and Mathematics twice each week and once a week in other subjects. Each homework should last approximately 30 minutes. 
Year 7 Homework Timetables 2012/13
Click Here for Homework Timetable For Pupils In 7 Delta
Click Here for Homework Timetable For Pupils In 7 Gamma
Click Here for Homework Timetable For Pupils In 7 Sigma

In Year 8, homework is given in English, Mathematics and Science twice each week and once a week in other subjects. Each homework should last approximately 30 minutes. 
Year 8 Homework Timetables 2012/13
Click Here for Homework Timetable For Pupils In 8 Delta
Click Here for Homework Timetable For Pupils In 8 Gamma
Click Here for Homework Timetable For Pupils In 8 Sigma

In Year 9, homework is given in English and Mathematics twice each week and once a week in other subjects. Each homework should last approximately 30 - 40 minutes.  
Year 9 Homework Timetables 2012/13
Click Here for Homework Timetable For Pupils In 9 Delta
Click Here for Homework Timetable For Pupils In 9 Gamma
Click Here for Homework Timetable For Pupils In 9 Sigma


Assessment
Students are assessed regularly in all subjects. Progress is monitored and measured against nationally recognised standards. School tests/examinations take place in the Autumn and Summer terms. 

Grade Sheets and/or Reports are issued to parents according to the following schedule:

                          Autumn Term        Spring Term        Summer Term
        Year 7         Report                 Grade Sheet             Report
        Year 8         Grade Sheet            Report               Grade Sheet
        Year 9         Report                 Grade Sheet             Report

Consultation Evenings
Consultation evenings provide an opportunity for parents to meet and discuss progress with their child’s form tutor and subject teachers.
Year 7 have two parent/teacher consultation evenings per year, in October and May
Year 8 have a parent/teacher consultation evening in January
Year 9 have two parent/teacher consultation evenings, one in November and one in February

Year 7 Curriculum Booklet 2012/13
Year 8 Curriculum Outline Booklet 2012-13
Year 9 Curriculum Outline Booklet 2012-13