Curriculum justification & provision Years 7-9

Curriculum Justification for KS3 (Years 7 – 9)

On entry to the Sandon School students are arranged into tutor groups of approximately 28. These groups aim to reflect a range of academic abilities and are designed to create a secure and social base for the students. Students meet in tutor groups for registration and assemblies throughout their school career.

“A broad and balanced curriculum”

Throughout Years 7-9 all students follow the same programme of study, experiencing a full range of subjects, including all those outlined in the national curriculum.

We believe this is important as learners have opportunities to enjoy and develop knowledge and skills in subjects they have not experienced before and may not take qualifications in. It also allows them to discover new talents and interests.

This ensures option choices at the end of year 9 are open to all students, and students are well informed, giving learners the best opportunities to maximize their potential.

We have not allocated excessive amounts of curriculum time to some subjects at the expense of others to ensure equal status is given to learning within all the disciplines.

“Learning is fun and engaging, instilling a love for learning”

We believe learning should be fun. Enjoyment fosters a love for learning where students feel safe to explore new ideas, grow in self-confidence and develop resilience and perseverance.

The KS3 curriculum is both content and mastery based; this ensures students learn a range of concepts and themes in each subject whilst being supported in applying what they know to a range of problems and scenarios.

All lessons are carefully planned with tasks designed to help students to learn to think for themselves, and to solve problems. There are opportunities to stretch and challenge the most able and to provide additional support for those who might experience barriers to learning. As a result, students become engrossed in their work and make excellent progress.

“Opportunities that develop the whole person”

Alongside the academic, we place equal value on the development of the whole child, promoting positive behavior and mutual respect, developing qualities of self-reliance and confidence in our students, alongside an understanding, care and tolerance of others.

Enrichment activities take place both within and outside the curriculum, enhancing personal growth and development.

An extensive range of extracurricular activities is provided and students also have many opportunities to participate in a variety of trips and visits, charity work and work within the local community.  

Curriculum Provision for KS3 (Years 7 – 9)

There are 50 x 1 hour lessons in a fortnight timetable cycle.

Numbers below refer to the numbers of lessons allocated to each subject per cycle

Options are selected in the Spring Term of Year 9, to be started in the September of Year 10

Religious Education

Religious education is taught throughout the School and forms part of the common core in all years. A multi-faith, non-denominational approach is taken to the subject which emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge and the development of skills such as understanding, care and tolerance of others. Parent/carers have the right to withdraw their children from religious education and should consult the Headteacher if they wish to exercise this right. Students who have been withdrawn for all or part of the programme of Religious Education may undertake private supervised study.

Citizenship, Personal, social, moral and health education (PSHE) and Careers

Citizenship and Personal, Social, Moral and Health Education is delivered through assemblies and through events such as theatre-in-education performances, workshops and guest speakers. These events take place throughout the year and the timetable may be suspended to facilitate them.