Introduction

The aim of our curriculum is more than just exam success, it is to provide life-long knowledge and skills that pupils will remember and use for the rest of their lives. We develop the whole child, spiritually, morally, socially and culturally.

This is why we retain a three year Key Stage Three, giving years 7-9 the time to enjoy a wide breadth of subjects. They develop as artists, designers and performers, as linguists, geographers and historians, as scientists and as sportsmen and women. The emphasis we place on English and Maths supports this goal, because we value literacy and numeracy as vital skills that underpin all learning. Our view is that a challenging and aspirational Key Stage Three curriculum is the best preparation for Key Stage Four, when pupils begin their two-year GCSE courses and begin to specialise in their own areas of strength and interest.

Our curriculum is designed so that assessment is meaningful. Teachers know their pupils as individual learners and provide them with regular feedback about their progress. Pupils at Long Stratton have termly assessments in all subjects that are designed to stretch, challenge and support their learning. We particularly emphasise the importance of verbal feedback in the classroom, so that pupils are in no doubt about how to progress and are given prompt encouragement and guidance. Routine class quizzes help pupils to master their subjects and revision homeworks are used to help pupils commit their learning to long term memory.

We make every lesson count, so that each child may fulfil our vision of excellence, personal growth and achievement for all.

Statutory guidance provided by the Department for Education.

Year 9 Options Booklet 2018 – Download