Curriculum > Key Stage 3

Key Stage 3 Curriculum at Sandwell Academy

We believe that it is important to have a strong Key Stage 3 curriculum; one that successfully builds upon students’ previous education and meets our aims. Our curriculum is highly challenging, giving students access to a wide range of subjects and learning experiences. Crucial features of our Key Stage 3 curriculum include:

  • a highly challenging curriculum from day one, which builds on prior learning, not repeats it
  • a curriculum designed from the outset to be accessible to all students
  • timely assessment to identify students going off track
  • intervention strategies based on research
  • accurate tracking of literacy and numeracy, with reading and phonics support for all students who are underperforming

Subjects covered

  • English Language
  • English Literature
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • History
  • Geography
  • Religious Studies
  • Spanish
  • Design and Technology
  • Art and Design
  • Drama
  • Music
  • Computing
  • Physical Education
  • Citizenship
  • Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education
  • Relationships, Sex and Health Education
  • Oracy (Year 7* only)

*Note: Oracy is taught in Year 7 as a discrete subject to provide solid foundations of oracy skills leading to the ESB Speech to Connect Level 1 qualification.  Oracy skills are additionally utilised across the full curriculum from the start of Year 7 onwards.

Careers Education, Information Advice and Guidance (CEIAG)

Sandwell Academy has a dedicated team of Careers Advisors who start working with students from the start of Key Stage 3.

What does a student at the end of KS3 look like?

By the end of Year 9, Sandwell Academy students will have experienced a wide curriculum encompassing creative, academic and practical study. Their experience of subjects will exceed the expectations of the national curriculum, and they will have built a strong foundation of learning in all subjects.

Students will embody the Sandwell Academy characteristics and will have learned to conduct themselves with appropriate behaviour. They will feel safe and supported in their educational journey and know where to turn to for guidance and support.

Click here to read the Key Stage 3 Subject Overview.