Key Stage 3

When pupils enter the school they are taught in broad ability groups for the first year, with setting by ability in Mathematics. From Year 8 onwards the pupils are grouped according to their needs and to the needs of each subject area. In some cases pupils will be in sets according to ability whereas in other areas broad ability groupings are adopted. The aim is to develop each pupil's potential to the full. Setting rather than streaming is preferred because it enables individual pupils to progress rapidly in those subjects in which they show ability, but to work at a different pace in other subjects.

In Years 7, 8 and 9, a broad programme of subjects is followed in accordance with the National Curriculum. All pupils study the following subjects: English including Drama, Mathematics, Science, French, History, Geography, Religious Education, Physical Education, including Dance, Art & Design, Music, Design and Technology (which includes Resistant Materials, Electronic Products, Graphics, Food and Textiles Technology), Information and Communication Technology and Personal, Social, Health Education & Citizenship. During Year 8, some pupils will begin to study German in addition to French. During Year 7 pupils also follow a study-skills course based on the Learn to Learn materials.