KS3 Overview
At Hampton High we are committed to ensuring students master the core subjects and enjoy a balanced curriculum. It is neither desirable, nor essential, for future career ambitions to over-specialise in specific subject areas. Therefore, we have developed an option system that offers students the right balance between breadth and specialism.
Key Stage 3 - Years 7, 8 and 9
In Years 7, 8 and 9 students will complete a three-year foundation course, which aims to give them a broad, balanced education with a wide range of study. The current Year 9 curriculum (the last year of Key Stage 3) covers 15 subjects and students need to reduce this number in the Summer term, moving to what we call 9.5, to enable their Key Stage 4 subjects to be studied in sufficient depth.
At KS3 all schemes of work are based on the new specifications at KS4. Students are usually taught in mixed ability classes except for Maths in year 8 and 9.
At key stage 3, 4 and 5 we have 29 period weeks with 10 registration periods. Each morning there is time for year group assemblies and tutor time activities which include personal, social and emotional wellbeing.
Pupil periods for key stages 3
| Subject | Y7 | Y8 | Y9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Mathematics | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Science | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Art / Technology | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Dance | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Drama | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Geography | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| History | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| ICT | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| MFL | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Music | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| PSHE | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| PE | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| RE | 1 | 1 | 1 |
GCSE Options
As you approach the end of Year 9 it is time to make some decisions about your future studies. You will also begin to think about what you would like to do in Year 12 and 13. Recent changes in government policy mean that all students must now stay in education, or work-based training, until they are 18.
At Hampton High we are committed to the concept of breadth and balance in Year 10 and 11, which can then become more specialised in Year 12 and 13. We have found it is unnecessary for future career ambitions to specialise in specific subject areas too early and that it is better to keep a broader choice of subjects at this stage. When choosing your subject it is more important to think about what you enjoy and where you have shown an aptitude. Your recent report should help to highlight this, or you can have a discussion with the relevant subject teacher.
Optional Subjects
Students choose four additional subjects from the following list.
| Art and Design | History |
| Computer Science | Media Studies |
| Dance | Music |
| Drama | Health and Social Care |
| Food Preparation and Nutrition | Physical Education |
| French | Product Design |
| Geography | Religious Studies |
When to Make Option Choices
You will be asked to complete an Options Choices Application Form in March/April of Year 9. We ask that each student selects one extra option that can be used if there is a problem with the combination of choices requested. Whilst we make every effort to enable as many students as possible to study the subjects they have requested we cannot guarantee meeting the exact preferences of individual children. Clearly the running of courses is dependent upon whether they are sufficiently subscribed, and the availability of specialist teachers. If there are any difficulties you will be informed as soon as possible.
Subject choices will be confirmed during the Summer Term but students will be contacted earlier if there are difficulties with the combination of options chosen.
