Key Stage 3 is a crucial time in a student’s school life – it is during these formative years that students experience a broad and balanced knowledge-rich curriculum that provides them with the cultural capital for later success, both in KS4 and KS5, but also in their adult life. We have a 3- year KS3 which ensures students experience a broad and balanced curriculum where creative subjects such as the visual and performing arts, as well as academic subjects are highly valued and protected.
In Year 7, 8 & 9 students are assessed in a variety of different ways, however assessment takes place continuously whether through teacher feedback on homework, whole-class feedback after a class assessment or question-level analysis following the end-of-year exams. Students are assessed verbally, practically and in written forms whether it be by their teacher, by their peers or through self-assessment, and this can be formative or summative. All Year 7s and in-year admissions in other year groups complete a reading and numeracy test when they start. This allows us to quickly identify any difficulties with reading and maths, especially where it is likely toimpact access to the curriculum, and swift intervention is put into place to address any gaps.
KS3 Exams
We currently do not sit formal exams in KS3. All summative assessment is done in class at appropriate points in the curriculum.
KS3 Progress report
We send an academic progress report home to parents 3 times per year which details the level students are achieving in each of their subjects – these are called ‘KS3 grades’ (Developing, Securing and Mastering) and are the grade a teacher (with professional judgement) believes that student will reach by the end of the academic year. KS3 grades that match the overall target of each subject indicate that they are on track – it’s important to remember a student might have made particularly strong progress in some subjects meaning they are above target and may find Another subject more difficult and be just below target. Students who make good progress in KS3 are likely to have the same target grade and a matching emerging grade throughout Year 7 to 9 because the criteria for each grade become increasingly harder/more complex each year.
Click here for information about looking at a progress report with your child.
KS3 Targets
Targets are set and reviewed each academic year and can be either Developing, securing and mastering. Targets are created using data from the KS2 SATs taking into account students with similar profiles in previous cohorts. For year groups affected by the pandemic when KS2 tests did not take place, we have used progress report data, exam scores, CAT test scores and teacher judgements to set targets. All targets are reviewed at the end of each academic year and can be increased where students have consistently surpassed them in order to stretch and challenge.
KS4 Exams and mocks
Having made their options choices at the end of KS3, students study these subjects for 2 yearsbefore sitting external examinations at the end of Year 11. We currently run a wide variety ofcourses in KS4, all of which are high-value and rigorous qualifications.
We recognise that exams, whether mocks or final GCSEs are an extremely stressful time forstudents, and we place huge importance on ensuring access to expert mental health support, which we’ve recently expanded. Students can access academic support through their subject teacher or the Head of Faculty, and pastoral (inc. mental health) support via their form tutor, Head of Year, pastoral manager and wider Student Services team, and we urge all students to ask for support as soon as they need it or have any concerns. In Year 11, following their November and March mock exams, students will participate in a mock exam results day, with the aim to simulate the real thing in August of Year 11. Mock exams also occur in the April of Year 10 to enable students to start preparing themselves for an exam situation.
KS4 Progress Reports
In KS4, parents receive an academic progress report 3 times per year which indicate the progress being made in GCSE and vocational subjects. The ‘KS4 grades’ on KS4 reports show the grade (9-1 for GCSE and D*-P for vocational courses) that a student is on track to achieve by the end of Year 11. KS4 grades that match the overall target of each subject indicate that they are on track. It is important to remember a student might have made particularly strong progress in some subjects meaning they are above target and may find another subject more difficult and be just below target. Please encourage your child to engage in individual conversations with their subject staff and to act on advice and recommendations in order to maximise progress.
Click here for information about looking at a progress report with your child.
KS4 Targets
Targets are created in Year 10 for KS4 but are reviewed at the end of Year 10 and can be increased where a student is consistently exceeding their target in any 1 subject. This creates an ongoing conversation around assessment and feedback and allows teachers to support students and address any specific barriers to progress.
