The Grove Secondary West KS3 & KS4 Curriculum offers broad, and balanced and personalised pathways designed to meet the individual needs of our pupils. The curriculum supports independence in academic learning and personal development, while enabling pupils to achieve recognised qualifications and accreditations matched to their strengths, needs and aspirations.
Across KS3 and KS4, the curriculum is carefully adapted to meet pupils’ needs. Pupils continue to work towards outcomes outlined in their Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and Transition Towards Adulthood Plan, alongside their academic learning. There is a strong focus on developing independence, learning behaviours and life skills during this phase.
Key Stage 3 (KS3)
The aim of the KS3 curriculum is to build on learning experiences from earlier key stages and support pupils to become successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens.
Pupils access a rich, developmentally appropriate curriculum across a broad range of subjects, including:
- English
- Maths
- Science
- Humanities
- PSHE
- Art & DT
- Computing
- Performing Arts
- Physical Education (PE)
- Life Skills
Teaching at KS3 is delivered through both class-based teaching and subject specialist teaching. Depending on the pathway, some pupils follow a class-based model, while others are taught through subject-specific lessons delivered by specialist teachers. This approach ensures pupils experience continuity and strong relationships, while also benefiting from specialist subject expertise.
Key Stage 4 (KS4)
The intent of the KS4 curriculum is to build on learning from KS3 and prepare pupils for adulthood, further education or training. The curriculum continues to promote independence, confidence and motivation, whilst working towards appropriate accreditations.
At KS4, pupils continue to be taught through a combination of class-based teaching and subject specific teaching, reflecting their curriculum pathway and learning profile. The KS4 curriculum is delivered through a two-year programme and provides a broad and balanced offer, including core and foundation subjects, alongside opportunities to develop employability skills and preparation for adult life.
Key Stage 4 (KS4) Pathways and Qualifications
At Key Stage 4, pupils follow a pathway that reflects their working level, strengths and future aspirations. Pathways are designed to ensure learning is meaningful, appropriately challenging and leads to recognised outcomes.
- Pathway 1
Pupils work towards AQA Unit Awards across a range of subjects, recognising achievement through small, accredited units. - Pathway 2
Pupils work towards AQA Unit Awards across a range of subjects, recognising achievement through small, accredited units. Some pupils may work towards Entry Level accreditation in English and Maths. - Pathway 3
Pupils work towards Pearson Entry Level qualifications in English and Maths, alongside AQA Unit Awards in foundation subjects. - Pathway 3+
Pupils may work towards GCSEs in core subjects, alongside a broader curriculum offer and additional accreditations such as Entry Level.
All pupils continue to access a broad curriculum at KS4, including Science, PSHE and RE, and are supported to develop independence, employability skills and preparation for adulthood alongside their accredited learning.
Curriculum Design and Progression
Across KS3 and KS4, pathways are carefully mapped to support progression, independence and the application of learning. Pupils are supported to develop the knowledge, skills and qualifications needed to move successfully into 6th Form education, training or the next stage of their lives.