What is Key Stage 3?

Key Stage 3 is the first three years of the British educational systems secondary school. It typically includes students aged 11 to 14, which corresponds to Years 7, 8, and 9. This stage serves as a bridge between the foundational knowledge gained in primary school and the more specialised studies in Key Stage 4 (KS4), where students begin preparing for their IGCSE or GCSE examinations.

Our Key Stage 3 curriculum follows the British educational framework and standards, tailored specifically for international students and the language requirements to the Primorska region. While core subjects such English, Maths, and Combined Science anchor the curriculum, we adapt to the linguistic needs of the region by integrating Slovene and Italian as core components. Students are required to study Slovene, Italian, and an additional modern foreign language, ensuring linguistic versatility and cultural understanding in alignment with both local and international educational expectations.

English is offered in two streams: one for native/advanced speakers and another for English as a Second Language (ESL) learners. ESL students aim to reach a B2 proficiency level within 4–6 months, preparing them to transition into the native English stream. Similarly, Slovene and Italian classes are split into native and non-native groups. Native speakers receive an additional weekly class focusing on literature and poetry, enhancing their linguistic and literary skills in line with their native abilities.

In Key Stage 3, the history curriculum is designed to deepen students' understanding of British, local, and global history. Students are encouraged to explore significant historical events, identify connections and contrasts, and analyse trends across different time periods. Through hands-on engagement with primary and secondary sources, students learn to rigorously assess historical statements, understand diverse perspectives, and develop their own evidence-based historical inquiries. This approach fosters critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing students for further studies in history.

The geography curriculum complements this by focusing on human and physical geography, environmental impact, and global interconnectivity. Students examine geographic processes, learn to read and interpret maps and data, and discuss sustainability challenges within the local and global context. This dual emphasis on history and geography nurtures students' appreciation for cultural and environmental contexts, helping them understand both the past and the present world.

The British international curriculum not only reinforces academic skills but also nurtures essential personal and social development through Art, Physical Education (PE), and PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic education). These subjects foster creativity, teamwork, and well-being, vital for well-rounded growth. Our structured approach ensures students build a strong educational foundation while encouraging critical thinking and personal development, aligning with the values of a globally-focused British curriculum.