Key Stage 3
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Key Stage 3 lasts three years and covers your child's education while they are aged 11-14 years old. Your child's progress will be measured by the Key Stage 3 National Test, in May of Year 9 when most children will be aged 14.
The aim of this test is:
- To provide students with a sense of achievement and an understanding of their strengths and weaknesses.
- To help schools target their resources in areas where they are most needed.
- To give the Government a means of assessing how the education system is performing against agreed targets and aspirations.
When your child starts Year 7 (the beginning of Key Stage 3) they will be taught the knowledge and skills that are intended to take them to Level 5 or Level 6 by the end of Year 9.
National Tests
The subjects that form the basis of the Tests (or Papers) that Key Stage 3 students sit in May of Year 9 are:
- English (including Reading, Writing and a Shakespeare play)
- Maths
- Mental Maths
- Science
In addition to these, teachers will make assessments of their progress in:
- English
- Maths
- Science
- History
- Geography
- Modern Foreign Language(s)
- Design & Technology (D&T)
- Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
- Art
- Music
- Physical Education (PE)
- Citizenship
ICT will become part of the actual Tests (rather than forming part of the basis for teacher's assessments) in 2008. This may mean you will want to impress upon your child the importance of this area in their year's leading up to the Tests.