Key Stage 3

This is a broad curriculum offer with 16 subjects, including 4 languages, and discrete, timetabled lessons in Personal Development, Dance and Drama. There is generous time allocation in subjects such as Modern Foreign Languages and Humanities to ensure depth of learning.  

The focus at Key Stage Three is on depth of learning and mastery of knowledge, understanding and skills within a wide range of subjects. Our aim is that students become resilient learners with learning focused on thinking hard and working hard. 

Students are taught in mixed ability groups other than in Maths and English where some students will access additional support through smaller group teaching. 

Key stage three is not simply preparation for Key stage four. The curriculum in Key stage three places importance on the delivery of rich and powerful knowledge and ensures students are equipped with the depth of language they need to make exceptional progress. We meet, and in places exceed, the requirements of the National Curriculum.  

Students with additional needs make excellent progress because they are supported by skilful academic scaffolding through, for example, the careful use of pre unit briefings in departments to support the teaching of each curriculum topic, and high quality social, emotional and mental health support delivered through the well-planned wider curriculum and appropriate interventions within learning support.  

The curriculum in Year 9 is designed to provide continuity, balance and breadth, but at the same time enable students to specialise in some courses which meet their needs, aptitudes and career intentions.  

In exceptional cases, small groups of students will be supported with additional English rather than studying both languages in Year 7 and 8. A very small number may not continue with a language in Y9 but will access additional English and literacy support instead.  

Year 7 and 8

Subject Hours per fortnight
Year 7

Hours per fortnight
Year 8

English 7 7
Mathematics 6 7
Science 6 6
History 3 3
Geography 3 3
Religious Education 1 1
Design and Technology/ Dance* 4 4
Modern Foreign Language (MFL) 6 5
Computer Science 2 2
Art 2 2
Music 2 2
Physical Education 4 4
Drama 2 2
Personal Development 2 2

 

*taught in a carousel of 3 D&T subjects with Dance

Year 9

Subject Hours per fortnight
English 6
Mathematics 7
Science 9
Option 1
(Geography or History)
4
Option 2
(Choice of MFL)
4
Option 3 4
Option 4 4
Religious Studies 1
Computer Science 1
Music 2
Art 2
Design and Technology/ Drama* 2
Physical Education 3
Personal Development 1

 *taught in a carousel of 3 D&T subjects with Drama

 

@DidcotGirls10:51 PM - 5th May, 2023 What a great start to the day - a group of year 10s came into briefing to tell us all about the things they love about our school. Very uplifting.
@DidcotGirls10:05 PM - 5th May, 2023 My heart is truly full. We made our long in the planning Culture Evening a reality today and saw some sensational performances and amazing food from Lots of photos to follow! Thank you! Read more
@DidcotGirls10:05 PM - 5th May, 2023 And more photos from our absolutely fabulous culture evening tonight! Read more Read more
@DidcotGirls10:05 PM - 5th May, 2023 Culture Evening would not be possible without the amazing and Oliviya Eddison! Huge shout out to Nathan Green and Owen Clark for being such reliable and committed leaders! Read more
@DidcotGirls06:50 PM - 4th May, 2023 Culture evening tomorrow, main hall from 6 to 8 pm will be a beautiful celebration of the diversity in our Trust. Students and staff will be performing and there will be lots of delicious food! Last chance to buy your tickets now on Parentpay! Read more
@DidcotGirls04:54 PM - 26th April, 2023 We've spent the morning interviewing for our new set of student leaders and are stumped by the quality of the applicants! But the most wonderful thing for me is how many 'unlikely leaders' put themselves forward - the power of quiet leadership - our work is paying off! Read more
@DidcotGirls06:46 AM - 22nd April, 2023 Oxfordshire Schools County Cup U14 Girls Result 1 - 3 End to end game in which either team could of won the game. Congratulations to DGS on becoming county champions 🏆 🔴⚪️ Read more
@DidcotGirls06:45 AM - 22nd April, 2023 One of ours. U14 County cup winner with Proud girl Read more
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