Key Stage 3

At KS3 our intention is to provide a broad and balanced curriculum designed to embed and develop students’ prior knowledge, understanding and skills. Students are engaged and challenged through an imaginative curriculum which enables all students to thrive at the next level of their education. The programme of study fulfils the requirements of the National Curriculum with a mix of core subjects, like English, Maths and Science, together with a language, Performing Arts, the Humanities, Technology, P.E., Religion & Philosophy, PSHCE, Computer Science, Art and Food Technology.

When students join Longdean School in Year 7, the subjects they study are set for them. However, once they reach KS4 (Years 10 and 11) and KS5 (sixth form), they have more choice over the subjects they study. 


Prior to joining in September, our new Year 7 students are invited to apply to follow one of two specialist pathways: Performing Arts and STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Maths). Both streams of students study the same basic curriculum (see list of subjects below) but spend more time studying their specialist pathway subjects. 


Performing Arts pathway

 
If a student has a real passion for performing – be it acting, dancing, singing or playing a musical instrument (or even all of these) then this is the specialist stream for them. 
Students are invited to apply to join the Performing Arts Pathway during the summer term before they join us in September. They are expected to prepare an audition piece and provide a recording of themselves performing. Between 25 and 30 places on the Performing Arts pathway are awarded each year. 


Students are taught Drama, Music and Dance as a group to give them an enriched and integrated experience that links all three disciplines. They are given the opportunity to perform at a high level and to attend workshops and masterclasses with professionals to support their specialism. 


Students follow the Performing Arts pathway during Years 7 and 8, and after this, they would be expected to pursue at least one Performing Art subject during Key Stage 4. 


STEM pathway 


Designed for students who have a real passion and aptitude for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), the STEM pathway is now in its fifth year at Longdean. 


Students are invited to apply to join the STEM Pathway during the summer term before they join us in September. They are asked to prepare a presentation and attend a brief interview, and students’ maths abilities are also taken into consideration. Up to 30 STEM pathway places are awarded each year. 


Students are taught as a group for Mathematics, Computing, Technology and Science (which they study as separate sciences – Biology, Chemistry and Physics). They are encouraged to make connections between these disciplines and explore them in greater depth; the study of robotics is a key feature. They are also offered the chance to go on educational trips and attend masterclasses as well as to join an extra-curricular STEM Club. 

Students follow the STEM pathway during Years 7 and 8, and after this, are able to choose Triple Science as an option, as well as at least one of Computer Science, Design Technology or Electronics during Key Stage 4. 


KS3 curriculum subjects 

Art 
Computing 
Drama 
English 
Food 
French 
Geography 
History 
Learning Skills and Competency 
Maths 
Music 
Physical Education 
Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) 
Religion and Philosophy 
Science 
Spanish 
Technology 

Updated 25/3/2024