Key Stage 3 - Years 7, 8 & 9

The well-sequenced Key Stage 3 curriculum provides a broad, challenging and ambitious programme that ensures that students build on the high standards that they have reached at Key Stage 2. It meets all National Curriculum requirements (and the locally agreed syllabus for Religious Education) and provides a strong foundation of skills and knowledge so that students are ready for GCSE.

All students at Key Stage 3 study English with a specialist English teacher. There is an emphasis on developing high levels of literacy and a love of reading. Key Stage 3 students are taught Science in well-equipped laboratories, covering topics in Physics, Chemistry and Biology before embarking on all of these as separate Science GCSEs in Year 9. Mathematics is taught in teaching groups in Years 7 and 8 and mixed ability groups (with a top set only) in Year 9.

Our Modern Foreign Languages programme recognises the importance of being immersed in two languages. All students learn two languages on entry in Year 7: French and German or Spanish.

Key Stage 3 students study History, Geography and PRE; these subjects are brought to life by subject-specialists. In Technology, students experience programmes of study that cover a wide range of design skills including Engineering, Food Technology and Textiles. All students also take Computer Science where they develop their e-literacy skills.

At Chesham Grammar School we also believe firmly that the Creative Arts are an entitlement that all students should have at Key Stage 3; the Arts are not only important disciplines in themselves, they enable students to develop their confidence, collaborative skills and imagination. Students study Music, Drama and Art.

The school values the importance of students developing their confidence in sport and physical activity, promoting the enjoyment of exercise as essential for a healthy lifestyle. All Key Stage 3 students have two hours of PE each week. Through sport, students develop their practical skills and learn the important values of teamwork, leadership, and mutual respect.