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Etonbury Academy

Key Stage 3

 

Key Stage Three at Etonbury Academy builds on the work of KS2, and develops, expands and deepens knowledge and understanding throughout years seven, eight and nine.

Key Stage Three is delivered by specialist subject teachers and is mostly faculty based. Pupils will move around the school to dedicated teaching spaces and facilities.

Pupils will continue with a broad and balanced curriculum in years 7 and 8 before getting the opportunity to experience a selection of Key Stage 4 specialist subjects in year 9. The curriculum model at Key Stage 3 is designed to deepen knowledge in core and a range of EBACC subjects whilst still allowing pupils to explore personal interests in preparation for Key Stage 4.

Key Stage 3 – Subjects

Literacy and numeracy continues to underpin all educational achievement, and we have a relentless focus on continuing to develop these fundamental skills throughout Key Stage 3. If necessary, carefully designed and targeted interventions and additional support will be used to help those who need it.

The Accelerated Reader Programme is expanding into KS3, and will provide further stretch and challenge to pupils in years 7,8 and 9 accompanying the weekly Personal development session, ‘Reading for pleasure’.

 
ENGLISH

At Etonbury Academy we are passionate about extending students’ knowledge of the world and its Literature and as such have created a broad and challenging curriculum in English. From year 7 onwards, students are guided through classic texts from the English Literary Heritage as well as Shakespeare, a range of poetry, contemporary novels and plays. Through regular writing challenges they learn to become expressive, creative and precise in the written word. In addition, we are committed to developing students’ oracy skills through discussion, debate and individual presentations.

Some of the texts students will study throughout KS3 include The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas – John Boyne, The Woman in Black - Susan Hill, Of Mice and Men – John Steinbeck and a range of Shakespeare plays including Macbeth, Twelfth Night and Much Ado about Nothing. As well as studying both classic and modern literature, students will also have the opportunity to analyse different genres of writing such as the Gothic, Travel writing and Dystopian fiction. Furthermore, throughout our KS3 English, SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development) skills are embedded in order to ensure our students have the opportunity to develop an understanding of right and wrong; an appreciation of the arts in all their forms and practise the skills and attitudes required for them to participate fully in society.

Ultimately, we aim to ensure our students are confident and successful individuals in English, who aspire to “excellence” by enjoying their learning experiences.

 
MATHEMATICS

Maths at KS3 develops on from the foundation work of KS2 and introduces more complex and challenging concepts while focusing on numeracy confidence and ability. Topics covered include whole numbers and decimals, measures, perimeter and area, expressions and formulae, fractions, decimals and percentages, angles and 2D shapes, graphs, decimal calculations, statistics, and transformations and scale.

Over the three years of KS3 study will also continue and develop in equations, powers and roots, constructions and Pythagoras, sequences, 3D shapes and trigonometry, ratio and proportion and finally probability.

The faculty makes use of on-line learning tools and technologies where appropriate, and provides support, materials and guidance to parents to assist them with supporting their child.

 
SCIENCE

Pupils continue to develop and then test hypotheses through theory, experimentation and observation. Science lessons take place in the brand-new state of the art dedicated laboratories, and outdoors across our extensive rural site. Further, there will be local trips to support topic work.

Pupils will study cells, forces, chemical reactions, particle models, the digestive system, elements, compounds and mixtures, reproduction, acids, light and sound, the reactivity series and electricity and energy.

 

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Religious Studies at KS3 broadens pupil horizons and asks pupils to reflect on the state of the world and how it could be improved. Pupils will study other cultures and beliefs, including the major religions and how practitioners are affected by world events. Further, pupils will examine the lives of influential people, such as Martin Luther King and discuss and debate questions such as “Can war be justified?” and what do people believe about God and the Universe?

 

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES

MFL at Key Stage 3 builds on the skills that students have gained in Key Stage 2. Students study both French and German initially, moving on to specialise in one language by the end of Key Stage 3. Engaging lessons are delivered by highly-skilled language specialists, explore different themes and expand students’ knowledge of vocabulary and grammar. Through a variety of activities and resources, students become proficient in the key skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking. Some topics covered in Key Stage 3 include:

  • Family and Pets
  • Leisure
  • School
  • House and Home
  • Holidays and Travel
  • Technology and Media
  • Daily routine
  • Clothes
  • Food and Drink
     
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY

Key Topics:

  • communicate ideas using 3D modelling
  • use specialist tools, techniques, processes, equipment and machinery, including computer-aided manufacture
  • evaluate and refine ideas and products against a specification, considering the views of users
  • analyse the work of past and present professionals and others to develop understanding
  • design products that are innovative
  • use mechanical systems in products e.g. Gears, levers and cams
  • create electrical circuits that produces outcomes e.g. Light or sound.
 
FOOD TECHNOLOGY

Key Topics:

  • understand and apply principles of health and nutrition
  • be able to cook a range of mainly savoury dishes so they can feed themselves and their family
  • choose and prepare a range of ingredients
  • choose and apply heat in a range of ways
  • use taste, texture and smell to evaluate and make decisions about dishes
  • understand the source and seasonality of food

 

COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ICT

In KS3 we develop various computing skills. We begin preparation for the GCSE course by introducing Visual Basic programming and key theoretical concepts such as hardware, software, and data representation. 

We also develop IT skills to enable students to use IT across the curriculum in all subjects and the wider world more effectively. Spreadsheets, word processing, and presentation software are all covered to ensure students can create quality work throughout their time at school and beyond.

Alongside this we introduce other areas of computing such as audio editing and web design to inspire students and give them a taste of various IT related careers.

 
HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY

History and Geography at KS3 are taught by subject specialists and cover a wide range of themes and topics that include:

  • Medieval Realms (with specific focus on the Norman conquest, Religion and the Crusades and The Wars of the Roses)
  • The Stuarts
  • Black Peoples of America
  • World War One
  • Dangerous World (Extreme Geography)
  • Weather and Climate
  • Human Geography – Development
  • Contemporary Geography
  • Wild Weather and Changing Climate
  • China

The focus is on pupil centred learning, with rigorous discussion and debate as well as local and further afield trips and learning opportunities.

 

ART, DRAMA AND MUSIC

We believe that every child should have regular access to the arts in order to develop as a whole person and lead a rich and fulfilling life. We know that expression through the creative arts is a key driver for success across the entire curriculum and all subjects.

We have newly developed String and Wind bands, a wide range of peripatetic music lessons available, and every KS3 pupil benefits from specialist music teaching and facilities.

Our new Multi-media and Drama studio will give fantastic new opportunities for pupils to develop practical and theoretical skills and be involved in exciting performances and production work.

Art at KS3 is about developing ideas and technique, sketchbook work, looking at historical and cultural context and developing technical skills in drawing, painting and 3D work. Further, pupils will begin to develop their analytical skills through analysing and evaluating their own work and that of established artists.

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Sports are an integral part of life at Etonbury Academy and all pupils are expected to participate to the best of their ability. At KS3 there is further focus on teamwork, enjoyment, healthy lifestyles and confidence. Pupils will also learn and participate in fitness training, wider sports and team development, 5 a side football, 11 a side football, rounders and cricket. There are also opportunities in rugby for both boys and girls. Finally, pupils will also learn about advanced tactics and techniques to support their sporting activities.

Our KS3 sporting teams are very successful, and regularly succeed in local and regional tournaments and competitions. The Academy is developing exceptional sporting facilities for use by all pupils at all levels, and has the aim to inspire each and every pupil through the teamwork and camaraderie of sport. We recognise that every pupil benefit from physical activity, but that not every child enjoys exactly the same physical activities, so we have many extra-curricular sporting clubs to allow all pupils to excel in their physical education.

 

PSHCE/SEX EDUCATION

Sex Education is an important part of our broader Personal, Social and Health Education programme, delivered in both lesson time and Personal development. Pupils will learn about keeping themselves safe, emotional development, healthy relationships, contraception and safe-sex, substance abuse and personal hygiene. There is particular focus on on-line safety and awareness.

All sex education at Etonbury Academy is age appropriate, delivered sensitively and follows national guidelines.

 

STEM - SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATHS

We want to raise student awareness of STEM and the different ways in which Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths link together both in school and future employment. Why not watch our video explaining a little more about STEM.

 

 

 

 

 

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