Key Change!

A three year Key Stage 3 will enable students to enjoy the breadth of subjects offered at school for an extra year, as changes are made in school this autumn.

In recent months we have taken another look at how the school delivers the curriculum at The Radclyffe School. Students undertake a five year ’Learning Journey up to Year 11, and it is our priority to discover how we can best support them to achieve their full potential as they reach their examinations at the end of that time.

Senior leaders, working with faculty and subject leaders and other staff have looked at national advice and guidance on best practice so we can provide the best education for your children.

As a result, we have decided to extend the Key Stage 3 curriculum for an extra year, from two years to a three-year model. From September this year our students will follow the Key Stage 3 curriculum for Years 7 to 9. They will then follow Key Stage 4 (involving GCSE and other equivalent qualifications) through Year 10 and 11.

The change will not affect current students in Key Stage 4. Our current Year 8 will gain an extra year in Key Stage 3, studying a broader range of subjects. All students study the three Core Subjects of English, Maths and Science throughout school. Nine ‘Foundation subjects make up the National Curriculum in Years 7 to 9; Art, Citizenship, Computing, Design & Technology, a foreign language, Geography, History, Music and PE.

The change also means that Year 8 students will not need to choose their KS4 options this year – this will become part of the Spring term in Year 9. Headteacher Mr Cregg said, “We understand that this will be an unexpected change for them, but please be assured that we have reached this decision following very careful consideration, and the best interest of all our learners.”