Key Stage 3: Years 7-9
Students at Fitzharrys complete a three-year Key Stage 3 where they will experience a wide range of subjects from across a variety of disciplines. We believe that continuing with these subjects for three years, before narrowing their subject choices for Key Stage 4, allows students to value and build a strong foundation in all subjects.
All students in years 7 to 9 follow courses in English, Mathematics, Science, Art, Computer Science, Design & Technology, Drama, Geography, History, Modern Foreign Languages, Music, Philosophy & Ethics (Religious Studies), Physical Education (PE), and Personal, Social, Health and Economics (PSHE) education. All students study French and Mandarin in Year 7. In Year 8, all students study French and Spanish, with the option of joining the after school Mandarin course.
These courses meet the requirements of the National Curriculum and build upon students’ prior knowledge, understanding and skills.
Each subject curriculum is built upon our ethos of aspiration, opportunity and integrity, as is reflected in the individual Curriculum Maps.
A special feature of Fitzharrys Year 7 curriculum is a series of wider learning days where students develop confidence, leadership, independence and team work through a series of exciting challenges in and out of school. Recent wider learning days have included organising and running a silent disco and a series of workshops to celebrate Chinese New Year.
Year 7 culminates in our annual camp held at Youlbury. Students’ confidence and team work blossom as they conquer challenges including 3G swing, archery, aerial trek, abseiling, Jacob’s Ladder, rifle shooting, go-karting and much more. It is an impressive showcase of all the great qualities Fitzharrys students develop during their first year.
Years 8 and 9 continue the progression and challenges of year 7. Beyond the classroom, trips and visits support students’ learning, with arts, music, theatre, sport and science events.
Students in years 8 and 9 also begin to think about the future, not just towards GCSE options but to sixth form and beyond.
Students will make Options choices for Key Stage 4 in the spring term of Year 9, with clear information and opportunities made available for them to experience each subject and gain information through our options process. There are a wide range of subjects on offer. To support students with making their choices, Year 9 students participate in an Options Week: here, they sample the subjects and learn more about the courses available; attend careers workshops; and begin to explore post-16 options.
With a variety of trips, school productions and other wider learning opportunities adding depth to the core curriculum, Key Stage 3 is an exciting and crucial time for each student to develop as an individual, grow in confidence and learn new skills.
