Options at KS 3
This KS3 Curriculum handbook gives you details about the curriculum that is provided to all students in Key Stage 3 at Hartsdown Technology College for students beginning Year 7 in September 2006.
Key Stage 3 is a very important transition phase that builds on skills, knowledge and understanding gained in Primary school and develops this so that students can be fully prepared to take their Key Stage 4 courses (GCSE, BTEC etc)
Traditionally Key Stage 3 is from Years 7 to 9. However at Hartsdown we provide a Pathways approach allowing students to complete Key Stage at a pace and design that suits them best. This is described in more detail later.
Like All schools in England Key Stage 3 at Hartsdown has to follow the National Curriculum as designed by the DfES. A summary of the curriculum is as follows:
National Curriculum core subjects
English: Speaking and listening; Reading; Writing
Mathematics: Using and applying mathematics; Number and algebra; Shape, space and measures; Handling data
Science: Scientific enquiry; Life processes and living things; Materials and their properties; Physical processes
National Curriculum non-core foundation subjects
Design and technology: Designing; Making
Information and communication technology: Exploring and discussing experiences of ICT; Developing ideas; Presenting ideas; Exchanging information
History: Chronology; Historical knowledge and understanding; Historical interpretation; Historical enquiry; Organisation and communication
Geography: Geographical skills; Countries; Themes
Modern foreign languages: Listening and responding; Speaking; Reading; Writing
Art: Exploring and developing ideas; Investigating and making; Evaluating and developing work; Knowledge and understanding.
Music: Performing skills; Composing skills; Appraising skills; Listening and applying knowledge and understanding
Physical education: Four from the following Dance; Games activities; Gymnastic activities; Swimming and water safety; Athletic activities; Outdoor and adventurous activities
Citizenship: Knowledge and understanding; Enquiry and communication; Participation and responsible action
Personal, Social and Health Education
Religious Education
Careers
It is expected that students will stay in education until they are 18 or 19. As part of the process of choosing courses, they also need to start considering the choices open to them at 14+, 16+ and at the end of school.
Andy Williamson
Assistant Principal (Curriculum)
The whole college pathways document shows the stucture of the curriculum for years 7 to 11. It has a list and brief explanation of the KS3 Learning skills.
