Reading

At KS3, we read from a wide range of fiction and non- fiction. This range includes works from English literature, both pre-1914 and contemporary, including prose, poetry and drama (including Shakespeare), covering different genres, historical periods, forms and authors.

We also examine how language, including figurative language, vocabulary choice, grammar, text structure and organisational features, presents meaning and study setting, plot, and characterisation.

Writing

The ability to write well for the correct audience and purpose is essential for success in English.

Students learn to identify story genres and write for different purposes, including producing fiction and non –fiction pieces of work, drawing on knowledge of literary devices from their reading to enhance the impact of their writing.

They also learn how to plan, draft, write, edit, proofread and evaluate.

Speaking

Speaking and of course the ability to listen is crucial to a student’s development, not just in English.

Through debates, discussions and plays, students are given ample opportunities to express themselves and are also taught to listen to others who wish to contribute with equally valid points.

At KS3, knowing and understanding the differences between spoken and written language is an added requirement

Grammar and Punctuation

Learning the correct parts of speech and how to use punctuation are fundamental elements of English.

Using the skill of proofreading, students learn to identify errors and correct them.

In addition, IXL English provides a solid basis from which to work from and progress further.

Number

Students learn the definitions and how to use the different categories of numbers: decimals, positive and negative integers, fractions and percentages, as well as the relationships between them.

Familiarisation with these concepts is made through comparisons and operations in various contexts and word problems.

In number theory, the vocabulary of prime numbers, factors, multiples and prime factorisation is often used so the pupils extend their understanding of these notions.

Algebra

Students are taught how to manipulate and simplify algebraic expressions by collecting like terms, expanding brackets, factorising and being able to rearrange a formula to change its subject.

This enables students to learn how to solve linear equations; a theory that is useful to represent and solve more sophisticated word problems.

Graphically, we work with coordinates in the (x,y) plane, calculate and interpret gradients and intercepts, and solve simultaneous equations relating the algebraic method to the graphical one.

Geometry and Measures

We teach properties of 2-D shapes (triangles, quadrilaterals and circles etc) using appropriate vocabulary, and how they are affected by transformations such as translations, rotations or reflections (i.e the implication on angles and area).

Through the use of Pythagoras Theorem and trigonometric ratios, the students learn how to solve problems involving right angled triangles and to derive results about angles and sides.

We introduce different shapes in 3-D showing how to identify related key properties and characteristics with the appropriate unit of measurement.

Statistics and Probability

Data is represented using the appropriate graphs (bar chart, pictogram, pie chart etc) for continuous or discrete data. The interpretations and calculations represent a key skill that we develop.

The objective is to understand the central tendency and use it to analyse and solve a problem represented by data.