Key Subjects

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Arabic
• Islamic Studies (for Muslim students)
• Moral, Social and Cultural Studies 

Other Subjects

• Computing
• Humanities (History and Geography)
• French
• Spanish
• PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) – for Non Muslim students
• Physical Education
• Art
• Music
• Drama
• Food Technology
• Design Technology
• Character Education

At GEMS Founders School, we recognise entering Key Stage 3 is a pivotal moment in a child’s school life. Our mission is to ensure learners are fully prepared and ready to take a step up with independent learning, curriculum content and application of knowledge. To ensure this transition process is seamless, during Term 3 in Year 6, we start to engage learners in early content ranging from teacher introductions to question and answer opportunities, as well as secondary taster lessons. This enables learners to feel more confident and familiar with the secondary environment early on.

The curriculum in Key Stage 3 is designed to facilitate learners to grow independently, with the presence of hard work and perseverance. Curriculum content across all subjects frequently links to International GCSE standards to prepare learners for choosing their options and beginning the courses upon moving into Key Stage 4. Lessons are all pitched at curriculum standard within the Key Stage, allowing learners to develop application, analytical and meta-thinking skills in all subjects. Importantly, teachers also always offer the opportunity for challenge and tailor learning where support is needed.

In Key Stage 3, along with the rest of the secondary school, we assess frequently during lessons each day. Deep marking in core subjects takes place once every two weeks allowing learners to respond and build on the foundations of their work. Progress checks take place frequently in Key Stage 3, whereby the class teacher takes into consideration progress over time to accumulate a milestone of the level the learner is working at.

Much like entering the Key Stage, learners are also supported and given detailed advice and guidance when in Year 9 to prepare for Key Stage 4. This is conducted through a steady process of parent-student option and information evenings, as well as one to one advice from older student mentors and heads of department about International GCSE courses. Particularly in Year 9, the curriculum reflects the standard expected in Key Stage 4, thus setting our learners up to further their success and surpass their potential when eventually taking their examinations at a later stage in their educational journey. 

Our Learning Journeys provide a clear and accessible overview of what pupils will learn in each subject throughout the academic year. They show the sequence of learning, the key knowledge, skills and concepts pupils will encounter, and how each stage of the curriculum builds upon what has been learned before.

The Learning Journeys are designed to help pupils, parents and teachers see the curriculum as a connected journey rather than a series of individual topics or lessons. Learning is carefully sequenced so that pupils can develop secure knowledge and understanding over time, revisit important concepts, make meaningful connections and apply previous learning in increasingly challenging contexts.

Each Learning Journey provides a visual representation of where pupils are starting, the units and areas of learning they will experience during the year, and how this prepares them for the next stage of their education. Opportunities to revisit and retrieve important prior knowledge are also deliberately built into the curriculum, helping pupils to remember more and strengthen their understanding over time.

By making our curriculum journey visible, we aim to provide greater clarity for our whole school community and demonstrate how every area of learning contributes to pupils’ long-term academic development, progression and success.