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Key Stage 3 & Key Stage 4

At Isebrook, Key Stage 3 runs over years 7 to 8, and Key Stage 4 over years 9, 10 and 11.

The curriculum your child learns is dependent on which Outcome Pathway they are on, which reflects their needs. 

Direction sign showin three routes with "right way" marked

Key Stage 3

The key stage 3 (KS3) curriculum provides the bedrock for success in future learning at Isebrook and aims to:-

  • Create successful learners who are ready to learn, make progress and achieve.
  • Create responsible citizens who are going to make a positive contribution to society and the community they live in.
  • Create confident young people who live safe and fulfilled lives.
  • Empower students to recognise their success and build resilience.

The KS3 curriculum intent is implemented by offering a broad and balanced curriculum that builds firm foundations across all subject areas.

'Preparation for adulthood' is our main curriculum driver and the four strands of good health, independent living, friends, relationships and community and employability feature on all timetables.

All students are taught the core subjects of maths and communication / English, and throughout KS3 students also experience music, art, cookery, PE, and RE.

KS3 teachers carefully assess each student's abilities and, in addition to meeting the targets of an individual’s EHCP, plan to meet ambitious end of key stage outcomes in knowledge and skills in all areas.

Key Stage 4

Key stage 4 (Years 9, 10 and 11) aims to build on the foundations developed in KS3, whilst introducing new skills appropriate to students' age and ability.

The curriculum within KS4 is tailored to suit students’ individual aspirations and aims to support students in acquiring the skills needed for a specific role, employment sector, further education, or for a fulfilled, supported life.

The curriculum in KS4 remains broad and balanced, aiming to:

  • Support students in acquiring the key skills needed to be successful adults and be as independent as possible through the 'preparation for adulthood' strands.
  • Provide students with access to a range of different learning, work or volunteering environments.
  • Enable students with knowledge and understanding of how to keep themselves and others safe in different situations.
  • Prepare students to apply skills in Post-16 and adulthood.

In Year 9, students continue to access weekly specialist subjects, such as art, music, and cookery. At the end of Year 9, students choose subjects to continue studying in Years 10 and 11. They can also choose from other subjects, including:

  • Horticulture
  • Animal Care
  • Hair & Beauty

These 'options' allow students to voice their preferences on which subjects they enjoy and also support students in identifying what specific skills they may need for their next steps, such as college or a supported work placement.

The curriculum, along with effective assessment, enables students to gain a variety of nationally recognised certificates and accreditations (where appropriate), such as: 

  • Functional Skills: English and Maths
  • Duke of Edinburgh Award
  • Level 2 Food and Hygiene