Key Stage 3

In Key Stage 3, students at Wootton Academy follow a broad and balanced curriculum. This is designed to give them the foundations to excel in future study, and equally to have a good understanding of each subject even if they choose not to study it further. The curriculum has been thoroughly considered by our expert teachers, to reflect the most important aspects of the subject, not just the outlined requirements of the national curriculum. We believe that our students deserve to learn about key information, events and skills that allow them to link ideas across a range of topics and subject areas. 

The core subjects (English, Maths & Science) are supplemented by the foundation subjects in Key Stage 3, namely Art and Design, Computing, Design and Technology, French, Geography, History, Music and Physical Education. The Performing Arts (Music & Drama) are taught as separate subjects and students study Food Technology, Design Technology, Textiles & Graphics in Design on a carousel in Years 7 through to Year 9. At Wootton Academy we deliver Philosophy, Religion and Ethics through discrete lessons.  

Personal, social and health education (PSHE), careers education, and relationships and sex education (RSE) are delivered through our Guidance sessions with their tutors. This is supplemented with a range of assemblies and also targeted sessions delivered by external speakers. 

At Wootton Academy we operate a two-week timetable cycle. There are six fifty-minute teaching periods each day and, therefore, sixty periods in total per fortnight. A significant proportion of the teaching time at Key Stage Three is devoted to the core subjects of English and Maths. This is to support students in developing the high standards of literacy and numeracy which will underpin their access to the broader curriculum and therefore form a basis for wider learning and high achievement.

Key numeracy and literacy skills will be identified to be mastered within each academic year and where mastery of these skills proves to be a challenge to an individual, additional support will be provided to boost progress. The remaining core subject of Science also receives a substantial lesson allocation.