Key Stage 3
Key Stage 3 covers the first 3 years of students’ secondary education. The aim of this Key Stage is to lead students through their first experiences of secondary education. We encourage their strengths and talents and develop their confidence so that when they enter Key Stage 4 they have the skills and enthusiasm to seize the many opportunities which this school offers for their future success in the community.
Students obviously find the transition from primary to secondary school both exciting and a bit scary. We have in place a very well structured programme in Year 7 to enable the students to settle in and make new friends. The Director of Learning for Year 7 and the Key Stage Coordinator work closely to achieve this smooth transition.
In Year 7, students will be taught by a number of different teachers for the first time and they will also encounter specialist rooms such as laboratories, Sports facilities, dance and drama studios, media and music suites, etc. All students will be allocated a Tutor who, with the Director of Learning, will support both the academic and pastoral development of each student. The tutor remains the same throughout Key Stages 3 and 4, which provides continuity for both students and their parents. We encourage all students to take an active part in the school community, and there are various ways in which this can be achieved from the many extra-curricular clubs, residential events, Community Service, Charity Fairs, and much more.
Contribution both academically and to the school community is rewarded with a comprehensive Rewards system and students’ achievements are celebrated termly, during whole school assemblies, and also annually at our Celebration Events, (afternoons for Year 7 and 8, and Evening for Year 9 end of Key Stage).
Students’ academic progress is tracked throughout the Key Stage and progress is checked against targets 3 times in each year. This information is reported to both students and parents, and forms the basis of the mentoring sessions students have with the Tutor throughout the year. In Year 9, we have a formal Target Setting Day to which parents are invited. This mirrors the procedures within Key Stage 4. Options guidance and preparatory work towards Career choices also forms a significant part of the Personal Development Programme within this year group.
Students are expected and encouraged to take responsibility for various aspects of school life, with the older students within the Key Stage supporting the younger students, and helping staff organize the various events we have within school. Students who accomplish a certain standard are awarded the Larkmead Leaders Certificate at the end of the Key Stage.
Key Stage 4
Key Stage 4 covers Years 10 & 11, the last two years of compulsory education for all students, before they embark on sixth form college or work placements.
The Key Stage presents students with exciting, challenging and positive experiences, starting with students selecting their own courses which determine their own educational pathway for the next two years. Both GCSE and Diplomas courses will ask more of students in terms of independent learning, coursework and of course exams.
Key features of both years are mock exams where students hone their study and exam skills to demonstrate the progress they are making, as well as discover the areas that they need to develop.
Preparing for life beyond school is also a feature of the key stage, with the two week work experience period in year 10 giving students the opportunity to learn about the world of work at first hand, as well as learning about themselves and their own hidden talents. This work is supported by visits to universities, presentations from employers and the students own work through the Personal Development Curriculum, so that students are aware of the wide range of options available to them post 16.
Finally, one of the memorable days for all students is the Year 11 Ball, which together with the Leavers Day celebration, provides an opportunity for students to not only let down their hair, but marks the point when they are ready to move on to the next phase of their lives.
The links below provide key dates relating to the 2009/10 GCSE examinations and helpful information for getting the most out of homework and revision in the lead up to exams.
Key Stage 5
We are proud of our vibrant and friendly sixth form. We strive to help the students to gain both academic success and acquire transferable life skills. The popularity of the sixth form is illustrated by the number of students from Europe who regularly come to study here. Sixth formers enjoy their own purpose- built common room which has a well-equipped kitchen, pool tables, table football machine and stereo system. In addition they have access to excellent computer facilities for private study. Arrangements for monitoring support and guidance are well developed.
Students are attached to tutor groups that are smaller than elsewhere in the school and there is an emphasis on small tutorial meetings. The Sixth Form is a valued part of the school community. For many years the students have maintained a tradition of writing and producing a Pantomime which is an impressive team project. Students also offer support to younger students as peer mentors and their work has been recognised in two Princess Diana Awards.
In a typical year students can choose from over 30 AS/A2 subjects, from Performing Arts to Music Technology, from Biology to Psychology and from History to Philosophy. Our options grid also gives the students considerable flexibility in getting the combination of subjects that is right for them.
Students are heavily involved in the life of the school. They play an active part in the Student Voice, raise money for charity, mentor younger students and are involved in clubs and activities. They have shown great initiative and energy on the Young Enterprise scheme and in their support for "World Challenge" expeditions to Africa and Asia. The Sixth Form pantomime is a long and proud tradition. Each year ends with a formal Summer Ball which is a memorable end to a busy and fruitful time.
