KS3 Curriculum

Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9)

Our broad and balanced curriculum builds on what students learn in Key Stage 2, providing challenge, sparking curiosity and subsequently preparing students for the demands of the courses they will study in Key Stage 4.

In Years 7 to 9, students follow the National curriculum. They study English, Maths and Science; History, Geography, Religious Education, IT and PSE. Students study one modern foreign language from Year 7 so that they can master it more completely than dividing the time by learning a second language. A choice of language is made from Spanish, French, and Punjabi. Having additional time in one language means they become more proficient at a faster pace but they can still pick up a second language in Year 10 and study it to GCSE level if they choose. Students also study practical and creative subjects: Technology (including Food, Resistant Materials and Craft as part of a carousel), PE, Drama, Art and Music lessons. Alongside the Coaching Programme, the PSE curriculum equips our students with the knowledge and skills to live healthily, to understand a range of SMSC issues and to reflect more deeply upon our school’s core values through working towards the Character Award.

Some students need a greater focus on literacy and numeracy when they arrive at Allerton. We withdraw these students from their usual classes on a rotational basis for focussed small group work on literacy and/or numeracy. We offer 1-1 handwriting workshops to some and the Accelerated Reader programme for all students in Y7 as we consider reading to be the key to success in the secondary curriculum. In Year 9 a small number of students are supported with additional literacy lessons in place of a Modern Foreign Language. Students are identified by the Year team, SEND, English and Language teams and withdrawal is done in consultation with families.