KS3
YEAR 7, YEAR 8 AND YEAR 9
KS3 at St Bees offers a balanced fusion curriculum that combines the best aspects of education from the East and the West to create an enjoyable, successful learning experience for our students.
The core subjects of English, Mathematics and the Sciences are complemented by a range of subjects, including Art, Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language, Computer Science, Drama, Geography, History, Personal Development, Physical education and more.
All subjects are led by specialist teachers who have a vast knowledge of their area and take an enquiry-based approach to learning. This allows students to engage more with their subjects and encourages them to be curious and ask questions to help them understand the course content.
Art
Art sparks imagination, and creativity and helps develop transferable skills such as giving and receiving constructive feedback, independence and visual communication skills.
Students are encouraged to explore and push their own creative boundaries to become reflective, critical and decisive thinkers through their artwork while learning how to articulate their own personal responses.
Art lessons throughout KS3 will look at a variety of different artists, techniques and mediums to expose students to a range of different responses, themes and creations.
Chinese - Mandarin
Mandarin Chinese is taught by our full-time Chinese teacher, Ms Hou. The subject introduces and develops understanding and communication for everyday situations in Mandarin.
Students develop cultural awareness of the Chinese culture and the practical and creative approach helps learners to develop their language skills effectively.
We provide the opportunity for learners to respond to authentic situations, such as reading newspapers, watching television programmes and listening to audio.
Thanks to our enquiry-based learning approach, our learners are able to be confident when expressing themselves in Mandarin by using new and familiar structures and vocabulary to communicate with others in everyday situations.
KS3 Chinese (Mandarin) Overview
Computer Science
Computer science is a practical subject that improves logical thinking and problem-solving, as well as helps learners understand the ethical issues and risks involved in using computing technologies.
The course develops their understanding of programming concepts and uses a range of different problem-solving strategies to solve computer-based problems. Students learn how to test their programs effectively and evaluate the results, developing their problem-solving skills as well as expanding their technical knowledge.
Drama
Drama encourages learners to be confident and responsible by developing practical skills to deliver dramatic performances for an audience. They will understand the power of drama as a medium to engage, influence and persuade.
Students will develop the skills to understand the artistic choices made by actors, directors and designers in presenting performances for an audience. They will also learn about theatrical styles and genres, encouraging them to explore and develop their own ideas when creating original drama.
English
English is a subject that focuses on language for communication and engagement. It encourages lifelong enthusiasm for reading, writing and spoken communication.
Through studying concepts such as language, pronunciation, listening, speaking, reading, writing and vocabulary, learners will be encouraged to develop transferable skills for interrogating and producing spoken or written texts collaboratively as well as individually.
Students will also learn how to understand how tone and style make a difference in their audience’s reaction to their written or spoken message. More importantly, this subject helps students develop their confidence, creativity and intellectual engagement through engaging tasks that are designed to bring meaning into their learning.
Global Awareness Programme
Our bespoke Global Awareness Programme is more than just a timetabled subject. Our students debate, discuss, present, and formulate opinions, ideas and solutions to real-world problems in every subject they study.
It is this awareness of the wider world that enhances each student’s ability to tackle situations systematically and analytically. As a result, these skills further develop their unique and individual characters to make them who they are. Each student will become an upstanding global citizen — and be proud of it.
Geography
Geography at Key Stage 3 (KS3) encourages students to develop a 'sense of place' by looking at the world around them on a local, regional and global scale. Learners will examine a range of natural and man-made environments, and study some of the processes which affected their development.
They will also look at the ways in which people interact with their environment, and the opportunities and challenges an environment can present, thereby gaining a deeper insight into the different communities and cultures that exist around the world.
The course aims to build students up to study Geography at IGCSE level, ensuring they have the correct skills and exam techniques to excel.
History
History at Key Stage 3 (KS3) introduces students to the vast world of our past, delving into some of the most significant events and actions which have made a mark on our history.
The course aims to build students up to study History at IGCSE level, ensuring they have the correct skills and exam techniques to excel.
Mathematics
Our unique Fusion Maths curriculum has been personally written for St Bees School by experts at Durham University.
Fusion Maths combines the depth of the Eastern way of studying, alongside the very strong British methods of teaching.
The results? Outstanding. Our students are performing, on average, two years ahead of their age. Not only are they coping with the advanced work, but they are also excelling, achieving top grades and laying the foundations for a dynamic future.
Personal Development
Students follow a specially structured Personal Development programme, which is led by Ms Cole. This course allows students to consider and discuss a wide range of current issues such as social media, self-image, relationships and more.
Personal Development lessons also now incorporate Relationships and Sex Education (RSE).
Topics covered in our Personal Development lessons and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), include:
1. Anti-bullying
2. Life skills, including financial management
3. Careers and universities support and preparation
4. Study skills
5. Healthy living, including mental health awareness, diet and exercise
6. Citizenship- local, national, global, exercising of political rights and responsibilities
7. Tolerance, opposition to extremism, discrimination and prejudice, including on race, gender, sexual orientation, conscience, colour and nationality
8. Cyber security
9. Developing character- ethics, character attributes, leadership and teamwork
10. Alcohol, tobacco and drugs
11. The law, legal issues
12. Safeguarding
Physical Education
Physical education is a vital part of a balanced school curriculum. Through a wide variety of age-appropriate physical activities, such as games, team sports, gymnastics and dance, students develop movement skills that help improve their coordination, flexibility, speed and stamina.
Students also learn important social skills such as taking turns and sharing, as well as their understanding of leadership, collaboration, teamwork and fair play.
With the school’s indoor heated swimming pool, the world’s most northerly Eton Fives Courts and 250 acres of land — sport is something we are passionate about at St Bees.
Our range of sports includes:
• Aerobics • Athletics • Badminton • Baseball • Basketball • Canoeing • Climbing • Cricket • Cross-Country • Cycling • Dance • Eton Fives • Football • Golf • Handball • Hockey • Horse Riding • Netball • Orienteering • Rounders • Rugby • Running • Squash • Swimming • Tennis • Track & Field • Ultimate Frisbee • Volleyball • Yoga
KS3 Physical Education Overview
Science
Science at Key Stage 3 (KS3) helps learners develop lifelong curiosity about the natural world and helps them to seek scientific explanations to the phenomena around them.
Students develop a holistic approach to Science by considering scientific thinking and practical skills alongside knowledge and understanding, which is vital for explaining the world around us.
This approach provides learners with the knowledge and skills they need to excel at Science in later stages of education. It also helps them to make informed choices, including considering sustainability issues and meeting the challenges facing our environment.