KS3: From 'wasted' years? to 'ambitious' years?

Well hello there, and welcome to update #131!

In every part of the sector, there’s great practice.

At the same time, we know that some phases could do with a refresh.

When Ofsted’s Key Stage 3: the wasted years? was published, its broad conclusions were that while there was good practice, there was still plenty to do.

Starting with the headlines of what was working well:

• Leaders ensure that their schools embed the learning habits that will stand their pupils in good stead for their future academic studies, for example in stressing the importance of reading often and widely.

• Teachers had a comprehensive understanding of pupils’ prior learning, gained through well established ways of working with their partner primary schools.

• As a result, they were able to ensure that they built on this at Key Stage 3.

• The headteachers in these schools made Key Stage 3 a high priority for all staff, pupils and parents.

The report went on to say

• In order for secondary schools to continue to improve, this good practice needs to become the norm.

So, the question is whether good practice has become the norm?

Short answer: not yet!

It’s still the case that in many settings, KS4 and 5 have higher priority than KS3.

While it’s understandable as these are the exam phases.

Nevertheless, our pupils are entitled to a broad and challenging curriculum in every key stage.

It’s possible to shift from the wasted years to the ambitious years!

I’m working on a new project to shift the narrative to Key Stage 3 being regarded as the intellectual powerhouse of the secondary school!

I’ll be documenting the process, drafting plans and asking for feedback.

I’ve done an intro webinar to KS3 The Ambitious Years, access with an annual or group subscription to Myatt & Co, and teacher resources and pupils booklets for the first unit for Y7 history ‘The Norman Conquest’ are now published. RE and geography to follow.

Until next time

Mary