Key Stage 3
Key Stage 3
Students at St Benedict’s study a broad range of subjects during Year 7, 8 and 9, developing a deep understanding in each subject area with the aim of preparing them for the next stage in their lives. There is a strong focus on the core subjects of Religious Education, English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and students begin preparation for the study of the EBacc selection of qualifications at Key Stage 4. All students study History, Geography and French, with the majority of students beginning a second Modern Foreign Language, Spanish, in Year 8.
Students also get the opportunity to develop their knowledge of and skills in the creative arts, studying Art and the three disciplines of Design and Technology: Product Design, Textiles and Food Nutrition. In addition, students spend time learning Music alongside Computer Science and Physical Education.
St Benedict's school is proud to offer an enriched and broad curriculum at Key Stage 3 and, in addition to the traditional subjects on offer, students in Year 7 study Classics, First Aid and Latin. Students then progress to studying Migration, Conservation and Oracy once in Year 8, giving them both the cultural capital and communication skills to progress to, and succeed in, the next stage of their lives.
Key Stage 3 - hours per fortnight
| Subject | Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maths | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| English | 7 | 6* | 6* |
| Science | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| RE | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| French | 4 | 5* | 5* |
| History | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Geography | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Art | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Computing | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| DT | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Music | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| PE | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| PSHE | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Enrichment | 1 | 1 | - |
* Students study 3 periods of French and 2 of Spanish in 4 of 6 teaching groups. In the remaining two students study French for 4 hours and have an extra hour of English.
** As part of St Benedict's Design and Technology curriculum, students spend two terms studying Product Design, Textiles or Food Nutrition in each year of Key Stage 3.
Students study Classics, First Aid and Latin in year 7 and Oracy, Conservation and Migration in year 8. Each subject is studied for a term before students move on to the next discipline.