Key Stage 3

Our Key Stage 3 curriculum follows a thematic approach, with topics explored across all curriculum areas. This allows learners to apply their learning in a range of creative, practical, and academic ways, helping them to make meaningful connections between subjects and the world around them. 

Creativity and hands-on learning are central to our approach. Lessons are designed to build confidence and motivation and re-engage pupils who may have found learning challenging in the past. Through varied teaching approaches and strong relationships, we support students to develop curiosity, resilience, and a positive attitude to learning. 

Half termly themes:

Strong Foundations 

Our theme of "Strong Foundations" is designed to equip students with the essential knowledge, skills, and values necessary for their academic and personal growth. By focusing on building robust foundations across all subject areas, we aim to foster a deep understanding and a love of learning that will serve as a springboard for future success. 
 
English: 
This unit develops Strong Foundations in reading, writing and discussion through contemporary and heritage short texts from the Diverse Shorts anthology. Pupils explore themes of power, justice, control and freedom through narrative voice and perspective,
developing empathy, critical literacy, and understanding of real-world social issues. 

Maths: 
This unit builds Strong Foundations in number and estimation, developing skills in rounding, significant figures, and truncation. Pupils explore rounding errors and inequalities, extending prior work with integers to decimals and building confidence in accuracy and problem-solving. 

STEM: 
This theme builds Strong Foundations in scientific thinking by sparking curiosity about the “hidden worlds” of science. Students explore microbiology, unseen forces and early scientific discoveries, developing their research skills and confidence in communicating scientific ideas. 

Science: 
This unit builds Strong Foundations in biology and scientific skills through the study of the human digestive system. Pupils explore tissues, organs, enzymes, and beneficial bacteria,while developing skills in data interpretation, risk evaluation, and improving investigations. 

PE: 
This unit builds Strong Foundations in physical skills and fitness. Pupils take part in individual and paired activities to develop agility, balance, coordination, endurance, strength,flexibility, power, and reaction time, with lessons designed to be active, engaging, and
inclusive. 

Art: 
This unit builds Strong Foundations in creativity and visual expression through the theme of Architecture. Pupils design and create a 30cm × 30cm card model of a real or fictional location, exploring foreground, mid-ground, and background features while developing
planning, composition, and artistic skills. 

RE: 
This unit builds Strong Foundations in understanding religion and history through the study of Christianity in the UK. Pupils explore the British Empire and historical attitudes to religion, developing knowledge, critical thinking, and the ability to consider different perspectives. 

PSHE: 
This unit builds Strong Foundations in health, wellbeing and resilience. Pupils explore physical and mental health through balanced diets, exercise and healthy lifestyles, while examining eating disorders and the influence of social media to help them recognise risks
and develop strategies for resilience.