Welcome to Key Stage 3
KS3 covers Years 7, 8 and 9: the first three years of secondary school. It sets out the subject areas covered and how pupils are tested and the standard they should achieve. KS3 is not that different to primary education, except the level of achievement is obviously higher and the lessons harder.
Starting secondary school doesn’t have to be scary. It is something to look forward to! It’s an opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and begin the next chapter of your life. There will be lots of new teachers and classrooms to find but – before you know it – it will feel like you have been there forever!
There are always teachers and other staff that can help you if you are ever confused or worried. You see your form teacher every day and they are always there for you. Schools are mindful of the difficulties you might be facing so they will allow you time to adjust during the first half of the Autumn term. Schools will also have pastoral managers to help you through during this period. Pastoral managers are the link between school and home, supporting children and their families through difficult periods. Their role is to remove barriers for the most vulnerable children to enable them to access their education, without being disadvantaged in relation to their peers. Don’t forget school also has to be fun so look into joining some extracurricular clubs or activities – this is a great way of making new friends.
When you go into Year 8, you will know the school and teachers much better. Hopefully, also you will be enjoying all your lessons.
Then there is Year 9 (8 in some schools). This is an important year for you because you take your options. For 2½ years you have been trying different subjects and now you get to choose the ones you really like. There are subjects you must take, like Maths, English, and Science, but there are plenty of other options. Check the government website for a full list of options for Key Stage 3 & 4.
Sometimes you are not sure what you want to do when you leave school but this Website can help you to pick the kind of careers around your interests and personality.
We can also provide you with guidance through a meeting with our Greenwich careers advisor.
Useful websites for revision:
If you ever find things tough, and you feel the need for extra help, you can always have some tuition at home to boost your confidence and improve your levels. Speak to your Virtual School Officer about this.
Keep an eye out on our website for trips and visits throughout the year!