Key Stage 3
Key Stage 3 Curriculum Overview >
At Key Stage 3 (ages 11- 14), the curriculum is deliberately broad so that the best possible schooling is combined with the latest National Curriculum initiatives.
At this stage, all of the Key Stage 2 subjects continue, but the separate sciences – Physics, Chemistry and Biology – replace General Science. Latin is introduced in Year 7 and Latin or Drama is offered for pupils in Year 8. Spanish is being offered as the second modern foreign language. The number of 55 minute periods studied over a two-week timetable by pupils at this stage is as follows:
| Year 7 | Year 8 | |
| English | 7 | 7 |
| Maths | 7 | 7 |
| French | 4 | 4 |
| Spanish | 0 | 2 |
| Physics | 3 | 3 |
| Chemistry | 3 | 3 |
| Biology | 3 | 3 |
| Geography | 3 | 3 |
| History | 3 | 3 |
| Latin | 2 | 0 |
| Latin/Drama | 0 | 2 |
| RE/PSE | 3 | 3 |
| IT | 3 | 2 |
| Art | 3 | 3 |
| Music | 3 | 2 |
| DT | 2 | 2 |
| PE | 6 | 6 |
Year 9 will have the opportunity to choose certain subjects from a pre-GCSE option list.
One main advantage in the new Year 9 curriculum structure is that there will be more time allocation for the subjects chosen compared to previous years. The core subjects will still be compulsory and a more comprehansive GCSE option system will still apply in Year 10.