Key Stage 3

year 7 – year 8 – year 9

Key Stage 3 : Year 7, 8 & 9

Key Stage 3 (KS3) is the part of the National Curriculum taught to children between the ages of 11 and 14 in the first 3 years of secondary school.

Main aim for teaching children in these year groups is to empower and help them to develop their potential as individuals. Thus, allowing them to make informed and responsible decisions for living and working in the 21^st century.

By using active learning methodologies our team will not only aim for deeper understanding of the issues involved, but our ambition is also that pupils’ motivation and enthusiasm is heightened.

The teacher educating Key Stage 3 takes on many roles. During each lesson our teacher could perform roles from “Ally” to “Challenger”, “Provocateur” and even “Devil’s advocate”. The attempt is to enhance the learning within the class, or to challenge their thinking in a new way.

Depending on subject taken pupils will be encouraged to communicate verbally their initial individual thoughts on the issue. Certain activity could focus more on developing clarity in communication and observation. Whilst others allow pupils to prioritise ideas and information and discuss justifications for their choices. This could then be easily transferred into different learning areas.

Teacher of English language and literature

Lesley Owusu

Tutor for Maths and Geometry

Nicole Cadinot

Interested to know what is covered in the national curriculum for key stage 3

English - Writing

Use prefixes & suffixes in spelling
Use dictionary to confirm spellings
Write simple dictated sentences
Use handwriting joins appropriately
Plan to write based on familiar forms
Rehearse sentences orally for writing
Use varied rich vocabulary
Create simple settings & plot
Assess effectiveness of own and others’ writing

English - Reading

Use knowledge to read ‘exception’ words
Read range of fiction & non-fiction
Use dictionaries to check meaning
Prepare poems & plays to perform
Check own understanding of reading
Draw inferences & make predictions
Retrieve & record information from non-fiction books
Discuss reading with others

English - Grammar

Use range of conjunctions
Use perfect tense
Use range of nouns & pronouns
Use time connectives
Introduce speech punctuation
Know language of clauses
Give structured descriptions
Participate activity in conversation
Consider & evaluate different viewpoints

Art and Design

Use sketchbooks to collect, record and evaluate ideas
Improve mastery of techniques such as drawing, painting and sculpture with varied materials
Learn about great artists, architects & designers

Design and Technology

Use research& criteria to develop products which are fit for purpose
Use annotated sketches and prototypes to explain ideas
Evaluate existing products and improve own work
Use mechanical systems in own work
Understand seasonality; prepare & cook mainly savoury dishes

Geography

Name & locate world’s continents and oceans
Compare local area to a non-European country
Use basic vocabulary to describe a less familiar area
Use aerial images and other models to create simple plans and maps, using symbols
Use simple fieldwork and observational skills to study the immediate environment

Modern Languages

Listen & engage
Ask & answer questions
Speak in sentences using familiar vocabulary
Develop appropriate pronunciation
Show understanding of words & phrases
Appreciate stories, songs, poems & rhymes
Broaden vocabulary

Mathematics - Number/Calculation

Learn 3, 4 & 8x tables
Secure place value to 100
Mentally add & subtract units, tens or hundreds to numbers of up to 3 digits
Written column addition & subtraction
Solve number problems, including multiplication & simple division and missing number problems
Use commutativity to help calculations

Mathematics - Geometry and Measures

Measure & calculate with metric measures
Measure simple perimeter
Add/subtract using money in context
Use Roman numerals up to XII; tell time
Calculate using simple time problems
Draw 2-d / Make 3-d shapes
Identify and use right angles
Identify horizontal, vertical, perpendicular and parallel lines

Mathematics - Fractions

Use & count in tenths
Recognise, find & write fractions
Recognise some equivalent fractions
Add/subtract fractions up to
Order fractions with common denominator
Interpret bar charts & pictograms

Science

Plants, incl. parts, lifecycle and requirements for life
Animals: skeletons & nutrition
Classification of rock types
Simple understanding of fossilisation
Sources of light; shadows & reflections
Simple forces, including magnetism

History

Stone Age to Iron Age Britain, including:
- hunter-gatherers and early farmers
- Bronze age religion, technology & travel
- Iron age hill forts
A local history study:
- A depth study linked to a studied period
- A study over a period of time
- A post-1066 study of relevant local history

Computing

Design & write programs to achieve specific goals, including solving problems
Use logical reasoning
Understand computer networks
Use internet safely and appropriately
Collect and present data appropriately

Music

Use voice & instruments with increasing accuracy, control and expression
Improvise & compose music
Listen with attention to detail
Appreciate wide range of live & recorded music
Begin to develop understanding of history

Every pupil and teacher brings with them a diversity of skills, experience, needs and expectations. These factors will play a large part in shaping the dynamics within each classroom, especially in Key Stage 3 age group.

Many pupils in this age group will be at different stages of experience, confidence, and skill development concerning active methodologies. With our teachers’ knowledge, we will aim to factor this into the planning of lessons. Your input in this new remote learning experience is therefore essential, especially at the beginning of this process.

Please feel free to share with us information about topics and subjects that you would like to see more of in our schedules and for our teachers to concentrate on. Please be specific for which year group within Key Stage 3 this should apply to.

We will compile the information, liaise with our team, and when possible, facilitate and add subjects and lessons that are the most in-demand. Please complete this form, and we’ll start collating your requests! Be assured that your information will be kept confidential and will be held in accordance with GDPR guidelines. For more details, please read our Privacy Policy.

Let’s get the minds of your children engaged and empowered.

See you in one of our classes!

We’ll handle your child with care!