Key Stage 3

Academic

Key Stage 3 is a time for students to experiment and find new passions, develop skills and acquire confidence. Students spend as much time learning other languages as they do in Sciences, as many hours in the Arts as in Mathematics.

Lessons are lively and engaging, with a focus on opportunities for discussion and collaboration. Teachers encourage students to take intellectual risks and learn from the mistakes which inevitably ensue.


Subjects on offer range from Modern Languages to Geography; from Latin to Sciences; and from Design Technology to Dance – all alongside our Wild Fridays and Heads, Hearts, Hands programmes.


This broad and thorough academic grounding, where passions are ignited and students acquire skills and confidence, provides the perfect foundation to progress to Key Stage 4, where 71% of all grades awarded in 2022 were Grades 9-8 (equivalent to A**-A*).




Wild Fridays

The Year 7 ‘Wild Fridays’ programme is an exciting new initiative for the students to thrive at School, appreciating the nature which surrounds them on all sides, and developing new skills and knowledge to take forward into their lives beyond Roedean. Every half term, 24 different Wild Fridays activities are offered, including bushcraft, meteorology, farming, horticulture, land-yachting, mountain biking and build your own go-kart.

Wild Fridays – Rock Pooling

Wild Fridays – Watersports

Wild Fridays – Landyachting

Wild Fridays – Farm

HHH – Orienteering

Design Technology

Art

Academic – Chemistry

HHH – Debating

HHH – Debating

Head Heart Hand

The Head, Heart, Hand programme is a weekly schedule, offering practical, positive and challenging activities for our Key Stage 3 students, designed to challenge the girls to think beyond what they might ordinarily do. Topics covered include sign language, textiles, cultural project, allotment project, philosophy, first aid and cooking.

Subjects

  • Art and Design

    The Key Stage Three scheme of work sets out broad themes which can be extended for those of you who work at a faster pace or require more challenge. There is a full scholars’ programme and the studios are often open during breaks, lunchtime and after school with staff on hand to assist those who wish to continue their classwork. The Art department always strives to help each individual have a sense of achievement in making and creating artwork. The practical needs of those who find physical tasks difficult are addressed individually and all schemes of work can be adapted to individuals to allow for specific needs with teachers building differentiation and extension tasks into every lesson.


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  • Biology

    Biology deals with the foundations of life. It surrounds us. It is fascinating to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of this subject. In Key Stage Three, you will develop a sound understanding of the principles of carrying out good science experiments. The Biology course is heavily practical-based and you will significantly improve your laboratory skills. You will develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of Biology and how they relate to each other. Biology will help you appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues, and how the sciences contribute to the world in which we live.


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  • Chemistry

    Chemistry at Roedean is a tremendously successful academic department; however, this success is not purely defined by examination results or university entries. Whilst we pride ourselves on the brilliantly talented chemists and medics that leave us following Year 13, we also work hard to ensure that girls lower down the school are able to perform to the very best of their abilities. This is possible thanks to our team of skilful, experienced and dedicated teachers, who are, most importantly, approachable and always willing to give extra support.


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  • Classics

    Classics at Roedean is thriving and we encourage you to explore your interest in both the language and culture of the Romans and Greeks. Classics Club currently runs on a Tuesday after school and there have been many projects made and areas covered already, including building Mount Olympus with tiny deities included. Classical Greek club runs every year, sometimes with a formal qualification as the target, sometimes as a recreational club, we currently have a number of students working towards the GCSE. All girls, whether or not you take a Classical subject, are invited on our overseas tours and we sometimes combine with other faculty members to run a Humanities trip.


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  • Dance

    Girls will be introduced to basic principles of dance – warming up, technique in different styles of Dance, key steps and amalgamations, as well as learning about different dance styles and the principles of choreography. There will be opportunities for creative work, with the girls working with partners and in groups to create original pieces of dance.


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  • Drama

    The aim of the Drama department is to ensure that all girls are given exciting and challenging opportunities to develop their confidence as performers and communicators. Drama offers a unique learning experience with the lessons being practical and exploratory group work forming the basis of each lesson. The tasks all encourage girls to take responsibility for shaping the outcomes and, with the teacher’s guidance, work successfully as part of a team.


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  • Design and Technology

    Through a variety of creative and practical activities, you are taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in the process of designing and making. Using creativity and imagination, you design and make products within a variety of contexts, considering your own and others’ needs, wants and values. You acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines, such as Mathematics, Science, Engineering, Computing and Art. You learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens.


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  • English

    Reading is central to English, and we encourage you to read widely, selecting both fiction and non-fiction at an appropriate level of challenge, both in class and outside. In English, you are encouraged to share your own experiences and opinions during class discussion of issues raised in texts studied. You study units which are interesting and allow you to engage with a range of debates, both topical and timeless. You will emerge from English more confident readers and speakers, with an understanding of functional, transactional and literary language use.


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  • English as an Additional Language (EAL)

    If English is not your first language, you will be offered appropriate support by the EAL Department so that you can meet your potential within the wider curriculum. A specialist EAL teacher will work with you to develop your English language skills. You will be encouraged to develop independent language learning habits, as well as your skills in the four areas of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing in English. In addition to timetabled English Language support as an alternative to a Modern Foreign Language, private weekly support classes are offered on an individual or group basis. Many students choose to take a private lesson in order to further enhance their English Language skills development. Sometimes, students whose first language is not English are expected to take these lessons as a condition of an offer of a place. If this is the case, this will be outlined in your offer letter.


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  • French

    The study of modern foreign languages at Key Stage Three is valuable in developing communication skills and critical thinking through the language, in gaining insight into other societies and cultures that can only be achieved through the language and in enriching your lives. We aim to build on your language learning and cultural capital in an interactive, communicative, and challenging way. This will provide you with the confidence required in the four skills to listen, read, speak and write in at least two foreign languages so that you are well equipped with a strong foundation in preparation for GCSE.


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  • Geography

    Geography at Key Stage Three enables you to explore and discover a wide variety of both Physical and Human topics; our focus is on fostering an interest in the world around us whilst providing exciting and stimulating learning experiences. Throughout Key Stage Three, you gain the required skills and knowledge necessary to succeed at GCSE Geography and beyond.


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  • German

    Germany has a rich and fascinating history and culture, while its language is very logical and accessible, with many similarities to English. German can be taken as a beginner’s language in Year 9, and many pupils who take it go on to study it for GCSE and achieve high grades.


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  • Russian

    Russia is as huge country, with a wonderful history and literature. It is possible to start learning Russian as a beginner in Year 9, as the language is very accessible. Learning the new alphabet is a little strange at first, but it is also exciting – you master it very quickly. Grammatically, the language is not too difficult – verbs are easier than in other languages, and nouns have a case system like German and Latin.


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  • Head, Hand, Heart (HHH)

    HHH is designed to be a stimulating and relevant programme. It develops your curiosity and skills beyond the traditional academic curriculum. The ‘Head’, ‘Heart’ and ‘Hands’ elements stretch you mentally, emotionally and actively. The well-rounded experiences gained throughout Years 7, 8 and 9 equip you with an array of valuable skills to carry forward into the future.


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  • History

    Studying History at Roedean provides you with skills which are not confined to the study of the past. The ability to analyse and then prioritise information is vital to decision making and invaluable in many jobs. In order for you to make sense of current affairs and contribute to discussion in school, it is important to study the past, as everything which happens around us has been influenced by, and is a direct result of, what has come before. By looking at the history of different cultures, you will build up an understanding of why people act the way they do. You will explore human history and see that particular patterns tend to repeat themselves. Whether it is charismatic dictators like Stalin, Mussolini and Hitler, or the significance of religion in human conflict, humans have an astonishing habit of overlooking the obvious contributing factors which can lead to war and oppression. It is the job of our historians to identify where we have been going wrong, comment on it, and ultimately attempt to avoid it in the future.


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  • ICT

    ICT is a creative and empowering subject. It encompasses the academic discipline of Computer Science, the understanding and practical application of skills in Information and Communication Technology and an understanding of the context of using the internet and technology in society. At Roedean this is a very practical subject. Although we investigate and understand the concepts and theory behind the technology, our focus is on creating end products. Students will design and build apps, websites and games, and learn how these can interact with the world through the internet and the Internet of Things. They will also learn techniques and concepts of spreadsheets, image editing and other software and will apply these to real-world scenarios. Students will apply their skills and understanding to other subjects and from other subjects, reflecting the integration of technology in today’s world and the world of the future.


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‘The high quality of pupils’ discussion in class suggests they are well accustomed to thinking through the various elements required to make decisions in different situations.’


—ISI Nov 2021—

  • Mathematics

    Through the study of Mathematics, we aim to foster rational thinking and develop an appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. We promote intellectual curiosity and equip you with the skills needed to be critical observers and problem solvers. We encourage you to develop your ability to experiment with new ideas, look for patterns and reason your way through complex situations in a supportive and positive environment, where all ideas are welcome and you feel confident enough to attempt a problem where mistakes are seen as being a part of the learning process and a step towards greater understanding.


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  • Music

    Music at Roedean is lively, engaging and inclusive. All girls in KS3 study Music as part of the standard curriculum. In lessons, Music is highly enjoyable, involves everybody and has a lasting effect on your appreciation of an extensive range musical styles, through the key skills of PERFORMING, LISTENING AND COMPOSING. The emphasis is on practical experience and the building of confidence, personal fulfilment and musical sensitivity. Projects are designed for all pupils, not just those who already play an instrument and include a wide range of differentiation. The curricular work in Music lessons is enhanced through the provision of World music workshops for all Key Stage Three students.


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  • Physics

    The Physics course will develop your understanding of the basic ideas of Physics so that, in future life, you can take an informed interest in matters relating to Physics. It will provide a good preparation for the study of Physics to GCSE level and beyond. Physics encompasses the study of the universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles, and is crucial to truly understanding the world around us. It is the most basic and fundamental science and speaks in the language of mathematics. Physicists are problem-solvers and their skills are invaluable in every area of our lives. From engineering and technological advance, to medicine and even the Arts, there is no area that is untouched by Physics.


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  • PSHE

    The PSHE curriculum is an exciting programme designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to thrive in the school environment and beyond. You will learn about a range of relevant, age-appropriate topics with time for discussion and reflection. All PSHE lessons are delivered by highly qualified teachers in a positive, supportive atmosphere that stimulates your intellectual curiosity. Clear ground rules are agreed by you and teacher at the start of the year to ensure you feel comfortable and relaxed. If you have any queries relating to the PSHE curriculum, please do not hesitate to contact your daughter’s Head of Year.


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  • Religion and Philosophy

    Religion and Philosophy at Roedean gives you the opportunity to explore the big ideas of major faiths and the philosophical and ethical questions which arise for all humans. All girls in the first three year groups study Religion and Philosophy as part of the standard curriculum. Lessons focus on evaluative exploration of different religions, belief systems, concepts and practices. Students of all faiths and none will have the opportunity to express and reflect on their own and others’ beliefs.


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  • Spanish 

    The study of modern foreign languages at Key Stage Three is valuable in developing communication skills and critical thinking through the language, in gaining insight into other societies and cultures that can only be achieved through the language and in enriching your lives. We aim to build on your language learning and cultural capital in an interactive, communicative, and challenging way. This will provide you with the confidence required in the four skills to listen, read, speak and write in at least two foreign languages, so that you are well equipped with a strong foundation in preparation for GCSE.


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  • Sport

    The aim of the Physical Education Department is to create a sporting culture at Roedean. Our mission is to discover and develop the sporting potential in each girl. We aim to maintain and stimulate pupil interest and enjoyment in the subject and to promote health and fitness for current and future lifestyles. We wish to support and nurture individual girls to develop confidence and resilience through a wide range of sporting opportunities. We pay attention to skill development and performance levels for outstanding performers while ensuring that every girl is offered a programme that challenges and extends her to reach her best. We aim to engage each young woman through participation in sport and physical activity.


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‘Pupils feel well prepared academically and socially for the next stage in their education.’


—ISI Nov 2021