Key Stage 3 Course Outlines

 

Business

Pupils will be helped to look after their own money, to write cheques and to understand interest rates. They will learn about the various types of businesses, and will work in groups to develop a business of their own. The members of each group will have to establish their own business identity and corporate image, as well as deciding on the products they wish to sell to the public. The groups will have to market themselves and their products, and try to make as much money as possible. The group with the biggest profit will win!

ICT

Here we are improving pupils' skills and confidence so that they can complete basic tasks independently. Emphasis is placed on producing quality work adapted to the demands of different target audiences. The KS3 National Strategy materials are used, and adapted to meet the needs of the different teaching groups.

 

Mathematics

Each year group is differentiated into two parts: Higher Mathematics, which can lead to SAT levels 5 – 8, and the Foundation syllabus leading to levels 3 – 6. Core teaching in Year 8 covers levels 5 and 6 of the National Curriculum, and moves on to level 7 in Year 9. The year’s work is split into four sections, which are tested with aural and written papers for which pupils are encouraged to revise, and which may help to justify set changes if it is felt that greater progress can be made in a different set. Each pupil has a textbook following the national numeracy strategy, and additional help is given where needed by learning support staff and with extra lessons at breaks and lunchtimes. Year 9 pupils have mock SATs in place of their spring assessment, and there is no summer assessment due to the SAT examination.

Technology

Pupils have the opportunity to design and make objects in the four curriculum areas: electronics, food, graphics and resistant materials. They make a simple timer in electronics; they make a variety of dishes and learn about the importance of healthy eating in food technology; they develop their designing and making techniques in resistant materials.