Curriculum & Learning

Bringing Learning to Life:

At Courtlands School, the Key Stage 3 (KS3) curriculum is a carefully crafted programme that follows the National Curriculum while being tailored to meet the individual needs of our pupils. All subjects are covered, with the exception of Modern Foreign Languages (MFL), ensuring students receive a broad, balanced, and enriching education that prepares them for future learning and life beyond school.

Our approach to learning is immersive, innovative, and rooted in real-world experiences. We believe that education should be meaningful and engaging, and that pupils learn best when their learning comes to life. From hands-on science experiments to creative arts projects, and from exploring literature to investigating local history, our KS3 students are offered a wide variety of exciting opportunities to discover, question, and create.

Each class is led by a subject-specialist teacher, supported by experienced teaching assistants, ensuring that every child receives the guidance and encouragement they need. This core teaching team is further enhanced by the professional input of our in-house therapy team, who work alongside staff to help remove barriers to learning and promote wellbeing. Together, we aim to foster not only academic progress but also the social and emotional development of every pupil.

Key Stage 3 is a vital time in a child’s education—a chance to grow in confidence, take risks in a safe environment, and develop the resilience needed to face challenges head-on. We actively encourage pupils to try new things and to view mistakes as stepping stones to success.

Our curriculum is further enriched by strong links to our local community. The nearby beach becomes a place for science investigations and sensory exploration. The local sports centre supports physical education and teamwork development. Our partnership with the local library encourages a love of reading and access to a wider world of knowledge.

At Courtlands, KS3 is not just about academic learning—it’s about building the foundations for a lifelong love of learning. It’s about nurturing curiosity, independence, and the confidence to thrive in whatever path our students choose to take next.