Designing the Key Stage 3 curriculum

This guidance is intended for senior managers and subject leaders in secondary schools in England as they plan the extension of the Strategy to all subjects. Governors too may find it of interest.

Experience with the Strategy to date indicates that a flexible approach will be needed in future curriculum planning. The guide offers advice and practical suggestions for schools.

Some schools may already have reviewed the curriculum and timetable at Key Stage 3 as part of their preparations for the Strategy and will not need to study this guide in detail. Others may have decided after some analysis that revisions of their Key Stage 3 curricular arrangements are not needed. But where schools are planning a curricular review, they may find it helpful to read and discuss the advice and suggestions in this guide that are relevant to their circumstances.