Curriculum

Key Stage 3
Our Curriculum

OUR Key Stage 3 Curriculum

At Cavendish pupils follow a three-year Key Stage 3 which builds upon the skills and knowledge they have developed in the Primary Phase. The curriculum is broad and balanced so that all pupils, including the most disadvantaged, are well prepared to make informed choices regarding their GCSE choices.

Subjects are linked to one of six faculties; English, Maths, Science, Global Learning, Visual Arts and Expressive Arts

Pupils are taught in a combination of mixed ability and setted groups, dependent upon the subject area. Pupils’ progress is continually monitored and a review of the groupings takes place at the beginning of each term. Individual transfers between groups can be facilitated at any time if the need is identified.

All years follow a Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHEE) programme designed for each particular year group. This contains a wide range of topics and skills including working with others, career choices, study skills, problem solving, drugs education, economic awareness, personal relationships and sex education. All pupils study either French or Spanish.

During Year 9 pupils go through the options process where they choose the subjects that they will focus on for the remainder of their time in the Secondary Phase. This process is supported by the Progress Leader, members of the Senior Leadership Team and form tutors so that pupils can make informed choices which best support their progress.

Our Key Stage 3 Learning Journey

The topics and sequencing of topics for each subject taught in Key Stage 3 has been carefully planned by our highly skilled teachers so that there is clear progression of knowledge and skills throughout Year 7, 8 and 9 so that pupils are fully prepared for the demands of GCSEs in Years 10& 11.

The learning Journey that pupils undertake is set out in our subject Road Maps which give pupils a visual guide to what they will be learning and how this links to previous learning. These Road Maps are set out by faculty below.

Homework

Homework is an integral part of the programme of study for each subject and, together with classwork, completion of homework is essential for making the best possible progress. As a school, we will ensure that the most up to date and best quality resources are available to support homework. We will also provide information and support for parents so that they in turn can support their children to develop further the essential skills for becoming independent learners engaging fully in opportunities for “anytime, anywhere” learning.

Homework tasks prepare pupils for learning in the classroom and consolidate or extend the learning that has already taken place.

To ensure pupils are able to engage fully with their entitlement to homework, pupils can access support with homework through an after school homework club.

If there is any confusion regarding homework, pupils should speak to the member of staff or you can email/ phone them to receive clarification.

As a school, we firmly believe that homework develops and enhances social, personal and educational skills, because it gives exercise in independent and extended learning.

Homework Expectations

We Believe homework:

  • Supports independent learning skills
  • Improves the rates of progress of those pupils who may be falling behind with their learning
  • Extends all pupils’ learning
  • Prepares pupils for life and career pathways beyond school
  • Allows pupils to research and build up the skills required to do this
  • Supports progress
  • Supports pupils in being able to manage their time and meet deadlines
  • Challenges pupils
  • Improves organisational skills
        • Instils a sense of pride in their work
        • Consolidates what pupils have been taught in lessons
        • Inspires!
        • Encourages an attitude of lifelong learning outside the classroom
        • Let’s all pupils enjoy learning, encouraging all to partake
        • Encourages pupils to reflect
        • Encourages family involvement, and allows parents to become more involved in their child’s learning
        • Gives pupils the responsibility for their learning
        • Develops extended writing skills

    The tables below set out how often pupils should expect to be set homework for each subject. Were a specific online platform is used this has been identified.

    Please note that in Key Stage 3 pupils are not set homework in most practical subjects such as PE or Drama.

      %

      of pupils achieved 9-4 in English.

      After School programs

      %

      of pupils achieved 9-4 in Maths.

      Years Established

      Celebrating Success

      The staff and governors of Cavendish wish to congratulate all of our Year 11 pupils for the fantastic GCSE grades they have achieved this year.

      Headteacher, Peter Marchant said, "The grades that our pupils have achieved are a reflection of their hard work throughout their time at the school and they can rightly feel proud of what they have achieved through these  challenging times."