Students in key stage 3 follow a traditional curriculum over a 50 period fortnightly timetable.

Students are taught in 2 parallel ability bands called the X band and Y band.

Within each band students will study a range of subjects. In core and EBacc subjects students are broadly set according to ability whilst in creative subjects and PE students are taught in mixed ability groups. The information and tables below summarise the setting arrangements and approximate number of lessons per fortnight for each subject area in key stage 3

It is important to note that students in year 9 begin to study GCSE courses in English language, English literature, mathematics and science.

Year 7

Setting upon entry is based upon a combination of performance at key stage 2 and baseline assessments. There are 5 ability sets in each of the X and Y band for English, maths, science, languages, history, geography, PSHE and EP; all other subjects are mixed ability.

Please note that in year 7 some students may receive extra English lessons in place of French.

Year 8

Setting for year 8 is based upon a combination of performance at key stage 2 and year 7 assessments. There are 5 ability sets in each of the X and Y band for English, maths, science, languages, history, geography and EP; all other subjects are mixed ability.

Please note that in year 8 some students may receive extra English lessons in place of a second language.

Year 9

Setting for year 9 is based upon a combination of performance at key stage 2, year 7 and year 8 assessments. There are 6 ability sets in each of the X and Y band for English, maths and science. There are 5 sets for languages, history, geography and EP. All other subjects are mixed ability.

Please note that in year 9 some students may receive extra English lessons in place of a second language.