Our students follow a broad and balanced curriculum at Key Stage 3 that fulfils the requirements of the National Curriculum. The two-week timetable (50 x 1 hour lessons) is divided as follows:

A detailed overview of the KS3 curriculum can be found in each year group curriculum booklet.

Students also develop their knowledge and skills of Personal, Social and Health Education through their RE lessons, scheduled tutor time activities and Curriculum collapse days on specific topics/areas. 

We believe that through the curriculum and supporting enrichment activities on offer, that KS3 students at Dyson Perrins are being well prepared for a life in Modern Britain. 

Some students will also take part in small group withdrawal lessons focussing on reading accuracy, reading comprehension and basic maths skills.

The academic year is split into three learning cycles, each ending with a formal assessment and ‘re-teach’ week where feedback identifies and addresses any gaps in students’ knowledge.

Students will receive an attainment grade at the end of each learning cycle based on the extent to which they are meeting age related expectations in each subject (Working Towards, Approaching, Meeting, Above, Well Above).

During Year 9 we help all students at Dyson Perrins to choose their GCSE options (click to view the Year 9 Options Form). They are supported through this process via: Subject Leaders’ Options Presentations; Careers Fair; Options Assembly & booklet and an Options Evening. Individual Year 9 students are also entitled to one-on-one options conversations with Senior Leaders. 

All students will study the following core curriculum:

All students will select at least one Ebacc subject and enjoy freedom of choice for the remaining 3 option choices. The curriculum is then designed to ensure that the maximum number of students gain their ‘first choices’.  Subjects are examined by either GCSE or accredited vocational courses such as Btec. While having a very close ear to the educational ground, we remain convinced that these qualifications continue to be held in the highest regard by universities and employers. We do, however, constantly review what we offer, so that the students have an education that is fit for the modern world.

The 'Head of Year' for each of the KS4 years leads a team of 'Form Tutors' who provide the cornerstone of our pastoral care system and see their tutees twice a day. Some of the PSHE programme is delivered by the Form Tutors who cover topics as diverse as: e-safety; sex education, careers education, decision making, revision techniques/study skills and how to cope with examination stress.  As they progress through KS4, students’ learning and progress is supported by an established and comprehensive intervention programme.

Year 11 Period 6
In lessons staff will be using the time to prepare the students for the exams and we will expect them to undertake a thorough revision programme at home.  To help support them in this staff will be putting on extra intervention sessions after school, this is known as period 6. Can you please encourage your son/daughter to attend as many sessions as possible as in the past this has proven to be a valuable method of raising achievement.

Period 6 will take place for an hour after school every day of the week and will focus upon revision, exam technique and improving coursework marks.In addition to this students may receive additional support during form time, weekends and during the holidays. It’s important that students do not see this as a punishment but as a way to ensure they fulfil their potential. If your child is needed to attend any of these sessions you will be notified by the relevant head of department.

Student Revision
Visit our revision page