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 8
Mathematics 7 6
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 1 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

 

@@DidcotGirls11:07 PM - 14th March, 2024 Here's Dr Comina celebrating with a outdoor lunchtime display of some exciting chemical reactions. The elephant's toothpaste was spectacular! pic.twitter.com/BAuNf01eVD
@@DidcotGirls04:01 PM - 12th March, 2024 Dr Susy Connell talking to our girls about her career in medicine and inviting our students to consider this amazing career! pic.twitter.com/2Y5m17CsJw
@@DidcotGirls04:01 PM - 12th March, 2024 Photographer and author Corin Jones talking about her photography business and how she empowers women through her photographs. pic.twitter.com/x6IIlmcepL
@@DidcotGirls04:01 PM - 12th March, 2024 Delighted to welcome Leah Parren, who used to be mu student (!) to come and talk about leadership as well as the magic of teaching! Macy and Tushya are providing beautiful music, too! pic.twitter.com/nFHe6yDTXv
@@DidcotGirls04:00 PM - 12th March, 2024 Cannot think of a better way to start our Student Leadership Conference than this awesome dance number by our Diversity Leaders! pic.twitter.com/h9Vz8DZKLp
@@DidcotGirls04:00 PM - 12th March, 2024 with us this morning at our Leadership Conference talking about his work at Velocity and his experience and lessons as a professional footballer. The students are gripped! pic.twitter.com/8ovCoDLy34
@@DidcotGirls04:35 PM - 6th March, 2024 Today, Reading Ambassadors from visited Long Wittenham CofE Primary school to look at the picture books shortlisted for this year's . A joyous afternoon watching older students pass on their love of reading to a younger audience. pic.twitter.com/ZJ9LJX70c8
@@DidcotGirls09:18 AM - 1st March, 2024 Want to join the most rewarding profession there is and make a difference for young people in your area? Get in touch to talk about how you can train to teach with us. pic.twitter.com/uDoDTaFQHK
@@DidcotGirls09:18 AM - 1st March, 2024 Interested in training to teach or want to find out more about teacher training? Eager to make a difference in one of our schools? Sign up for one of our online info events to find out more. pic.twitter.com/9uqKo3kFJ9
@@DidcotGirls05:19 PM - 23rd February, 2024 Thoroughly entertaining and inspiring talk from Manjeet Mann to our Year 9 and 10 students today. Thanks to for providing books to be bought and signed! pic.twitter.com/LVHewYAyGm
@@LibraryDGS02:39 PM - 23rd February, 2024 Thoroughly entertaining and inspiring talk from Manjeet Mann to our Year 9 and 10 students today. Thanks to for providing books to be bought and signed! pic.twitter.com/LVHewYAyGm
@@DidcotGirls11:13 AM - 8th February, 2024 We are looking for a Head of Sociology to lead our A Level programme. Apply by 26th February: Read more
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