Emma Hookins
Key Stage 2 & 3 Lead
Key Stage 2
At Key Stage 2, our curriculum is designed to provide exciting, purposeful, and meaningful learning opportunities that allow learners to consolidate and deepen their understanding, building on the foundations established in Key Stage 1.
We offer the full breadth of the National Curriculum to ensure a broad and balanced educational experience. Subjects taught include English, Maths, PSHE, PE, Phonics, Humanities (History and Geography), Art, Design & Technology, Science, Computing, Music, and Religious Education (RE). These subjects are delivered through discrete sessions and adapted to meet the individual needs and interests of each learner—whether they follow an informal, semi-formal, or formal learning pathway.
For our informal learners, teaching and learning are driven by subject-specific content presented in a multisensory way, with progress assessed using the five areas of the Engagement Model: Exploration, Realisation, Anticipation, Persistence, and Initiation.
Our Key Stage 2 curriculum is also designed to ignite curiosity and broaden learners’ interests, laying a strong foundation for their transition into Key Stage 3. We promote active engagement, independence, and confidence, equipping learners with the tools to express themselves and make their voices heard. Through this approach, we aim to prepare every learner for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Key Stage 3
At Key Stage 3, we build on the foundations laid in Key Stage 2 by offering a curriculum that broadens learners’ skills, knowledge, and experiences. Our aim is to support each learner in developing greater independence, confidence, and self-esteem, while equipping them with the tools to make informed decisions about their learning and future.
English, Maths, PSHE, and PE remain core subjects, ensuring continuity and progression as learners begin to apply their skills in preparation for Key Stage 4. These subjects are taught in ways that are meaningful and relevant, adapted to meet the diverse needs of our informal, semi-formal, and formal learners.
There is an increased focus on PSHE in Key Stage 3, with learners engaging in key areas such as relationships and sex education, health and wellbeing, and living in the wider world. We also expand learners’ understanding of online safety, financial literacy, and careers education, embedding this knowledge within real-life contexts to enhance relevance and application.
We place a strong emphasis on developing learners as effective communicators, with opportunities woven throughout the curriculum to support expressive, receptive, and functional communication skills. Digital literacy is also a key priority, with learners encouraged to explore and use technology in innovative and purposeful ways to support their learning and independence.
Throughout Key Stage 3, we nurture critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving through group work, thematic projects, and cross-curricular activities. Our ultimate goal is to foster a love of learning and provide all learners with the knowledge, confidence, and skills they need to thrive in the next stage of their education and in life.
