KS3 Curriculum

At The Chalk Hills Academy, our Key Stage 3 (KS3) curriculum is meticulously crafted to offer a comprehensive and enriching educational experience that lays a solid foundation for students' future academic and personal development. Our approach combines rigorous academic standards with a nurturing environment that supports each student's unique abilities and interests.

Our KS3 curriculum covers a broad spectrum of subjects to ensure a well-rounded education. Core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science form the backbone of our academic program. These subjects are taught by passionate and knowledgeable educators who utilize innovative teaching strategies to make learning engaging and effective.

In English, students explore a diverse range of literature, develop advanced writing skills, and enhance their understanding of language and communication. Mathematics focuses on critical thinking and problem-solving, ensuring that students build strong numerical and analytical skills. Our Science curriculum encourages curiosity and scientific inquiry through hands-on experiments and exploration of key concepts in biology, chemistry, and physics.

Beyond the core subjects, we offer an extensive range of disciplines that broaden our students' perspectives and skills. Humanities subjects, including History and Geography, help students understand the world and their place within it. These subjects promote critical thinking, analysis, and an appreciation for diverse cultures and historical contexts.

Language learning is a key component of our KS3 curriculum, with students having the opportunity to study modern foreign languages. This not only enhances communication skills but also fosters global awareness and cultural sensitivity.

The Arts are integral to our educational philosophy at The Chalk Hills Academy. Our students engage in Music, Drama, and Visual Arts, which encourage creativity, self-expression, and confidence. These subjects provide a platform for students to explore their artistic talents and develop a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

Technology and computing are also emphasized, preparing students for the digital age. Our curriculum includes ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and Design and Technology, equipping students with essential skills in coding, digital literacy, and innovative problem-solving.

At The Chalk Hills Academy, we recognize that each student is unique, with individual strengths, interests, and learning needs. Our dedicated staff provides personalized support to ensure that every student can achieve their full potential. Through differentiated instruction, targeted interventions, and enrichment activities, we cater to diverse learning styles and abilities.

We believe in the importance of holistic education, which extends beyond the classroom. Our extensive range of extra-curricular activities allows students to pursue their passions and develop new skills. From sports teams and clubs to music ensembles and drama productions, there is something for every student.

Students are assessed at the end of every unit and at the end of each term. Each assessment is bespoke to the subject to test your child’s understanding and identify where further support and development is needed. It is expected that your child prepares and revises for these assessments and will be given resources to aid their revision at home. Over the course of the academic year, your child’s performance is recorded and this is reported to you.

All Key Stage 3 subjects are assessed using five ‘Judgements’ which reflect the stage in which your child is working at in each subject:

Judgement

Description

Mastering

You demonstrate an excellent and conceptualised understanding of all concepts and can independently apply skills. You are exceeding age-related expectations.

Advancing

You demonstrate a thorough understanding of concepts and can independently apply skills taught. You are working above age related expectations.

Securing

You demonstrate a sound understanding of concepts and are able to independently apply the skills taught with very little guidance. You are working at age related expectations.

Developing

You demonstrate some understanding of concepts and application of skills but need further development opportunities. You are working towards age-related expectations.

Emerging

You are beginning to demonstrate some understanding of the foundation concepts and application of skills but need further support to close gaps in learning. You are working below age-related expectations.