Key Stage 3 – Y7, 8 and 9
Our 3-year KS3 curriculum will deliver a depth and breadth of learning and experience that gives students the key knowledge, skills and understanding needed to make strong progress in their learning. It will both support their transition from primary school and provide the essential foundations required to successfully access accredited Programmes of Study in Key Stage 4, leading to the best academic outcomes possible at the end of Y11 and Y13. The curriculum will inspire all students to learn and deepen knowledge and understanding of the full range of subjects for all students.
The table below details the number of lessons per week in each subject in KS3.

KS3 Assessments
Each department has an appropriate curriculum plan to match the school Assessment. Recording and Reporting calendar. All subjects assess students to identify and address gaps in students’ learning and to best secure key concepts to ensure progression through the curriculum for all students. Students sit formal assessments in all subjects. These happen twice a year in Year 7 and 8 and three times a year in Year 9. The dates of these Assessment Windows are published at the start of each year, as detailed below. The results of these assessments, together with the teacher assessed grade, and an outline of how each student can improve, will be reported home three times a year.
In our KS3, all subjects have an overlapping pathway approach which challenges all students to achieve their full potential, whatever their prior attainment. Each subject uses a Progress Ladder to support assessment judgements that links into clear assessment criteria. We use the following system to categorise students’ progress and inform classroom-based interventions in the 1st instance.
1 = Exceeding expected progress
2 = Making expected progress
3 = Below expected progress
4 = Cause for concern
Our Assessment Policy states that formative feedback takes place in KS3:
- once a half-term for non-core subjects;
- twice a half-term for core subjects.
Formative assessments must reflect:
- the lesson objectives and learning outcomes from previous teaching;
- milestones in the student’s learning route;
- the rigour and challenge associated with students making outstanding progress.
In addition to formative assessment, teachers will use ‘day to day assessment’:
- This ‘live marking’ or ‘assessment at the point of learning’ feedback can be verbal or written.
- It must ensure that students’ work is well-presented, organised, of appropriate detail and quality and commensurate with the student making outstanding progress.