Key Stage 3 Pedagogy

At GEMS Founders School, we recognise entering Key Stage 3, is a pivotal moment in a child’s school life. Our mission is to ensure learners are fully prepared and ready to take a step up with independent learning, curriculum content and application of knowledge. To ensure this transition process is seamless, during the second half of Year 6, we start to engage learners in early content ranging from teacher introductions to question and answer opportunities, as well as secondary taster lessons. This enables learners to feel more confident and familiar with the secondary environment early on.

The curriculum in Key Stage 3 is designed to facilitate learners to grow independently, with the presence of hard work and perseverance. Curriculum content in core and non-core subjects frequently links to iGCSE standards to prepare learners for choosing their options and beginning the courses upon moving into Key Stage 4. Lessons are all pitched at curriculum standard within the Key Stage, allowing learners to develop application, analytical and meta-thinking skills in all subjects. Importantly, teachers also always offer the opportunity for challenge and tailor learning where support is needed. 

In Key Stage 3, along with the rest of the secondary school, we assess frequently during lessons each day. Deep marking in core subjects takes place once every two weeks allowing learners to respond and build on the foundations of their work. Progress checks take place frequently in Key Stage 3, whereby the class teacher takes into consideration progress over time to accumulate a milestone of the level the learner is working at.

Much like entering the Key Stage, learners are also supported and given detailed advice and guidance when in Year 9 to prepare for moving on into Key Stage 4. This is conducted through a steady process of parent-student option and information evenings, as well as one to one advice from older student mentors and heads of department about iGCSE courses. Particularly in Year 9, the curriculum reflects the standard expected in Key Stage 4, thus setting our learners up to further their success and surpass their potential when eventually taking their examinations at a later stage in their educational journey with us at GEMS Founders School.