Key Stage 3

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)

Eggbuckland Community College understands that the curriculum is a progression model and should build on that learning that was achieved at Key Stage 2. To support this, we endeavour to work closely with our primary feeder schools, and throughout transition to the College to ensure effective continuity into the secondary phase of their education, this includes an enhances transition programme for some of our SEND students.

Students in Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) study the following academic subjects: English, Mathematics, History, Geography, Religious Education, Science, Technology (food and workshop), Modern languages (French or Spanish), Art, Drama, Music, Physical Education, ICT and PSHE.

Across a fortnightly timetable, the number of sessions comprise of the following:

NOTES:

Technology follow a carousel approach, so students gain an experience of both food and workshop technologies throughout the year.
Some students who require additional support in literacy and/or numeracy may receive this support during DEAR time, we will endeavour that this does not impact on their wider curriculum offer.

Setting and organisation of classes:

Year groups are divided into populations for some subjects, others are blocked against each other to ensure our students get to experience the entire curriculum and use of our facilities. Students are organised into a combination of mixed and ability groups. All students receive the same broad curriculum, that is then adapted to meet their needs.

English, Maths and Science

Through Key Stage 3 our cohorts are taught in year group blocks in English, Maths and Science, this gives our curriculum team leaders and subject teachers the flexibility to organise and set within their own subjects, without it impacting on other year groups and subjects.

Science is set on entry to the College based on their combined Key Stage 2 Maths and English SAT scores, setting is then regularly reviewed throughout the year starting in October from Year 7.
Maths is set on entry using the Key Stage 2 Maths scores, this is regularly reviewed throughout the year to ensure students are in the correct group.
English is set on entry in the first instance according to transition data from primary schools (which includes their SAT data). This is then reviewed upon completion of our baseline reading and writing tests. Each group is taught the same curriculum adapted to their needs; we have a traditional ‘top set’, 5/6 mixed ability groups and a smaller group for those with the biggest obstacles to their learning. Groupings are flexible and subject to change throughout the year depending on the needs of our students.

Geography and History

These subjects are split into two separate (x and y) populations. Within these populations the students are set into groups based on their combined English and Maths SAT results. Movement between sets are regularly discussed between Geography and History staff within the humanities faculty, and moves are made periodically throughout the year. (please note: movement in History would have an implication for Geography, and students cannot move in one subject and not the other).

Art, ICT, Drama, Languages and Music

These subjects are set against each other, and again are divided into two separate (x and y) populations. These groups are delivered in mixed ability groups, set changes made in one subject will mean the student moves in all subjects in this block, so changes are made rarely, and only if a move is in the best interest of the student across all subjects in this block.

Physical Education, Religious Education and PSHE

These subjects are set against each other, and again are divided into two separate (x and y) populations. These groups are delivered in mixed ability groups, set changes made in one subject will mean the student moves in all subjects in this block, so changes are made rarely, and only if a move is in the best interest of the student across all subjects in this block.