English Framework

Section 1 Rationale

The Key Stage 3 National Strategy is part of the government's commitment to raise standards in schools. Effective literacy is the key to raising standards across all subjects, and equipping pupils with the skills and knowledge they need for life beyond school.

The National Literacy Strategy for primary education was established in 1997 with ambitious targets for attainment at age 11. Primary pupils are already well on the way to achieving these targets. The challenge for Key Stage 3 is to secure and build on these achievements. It will require the effective teaching of literacy skills, raised expectations of all pupils, and prompt, effective catch-up support for those who need it.

A national pilot starting in September 2000 began to address this challenge, drawing on the experience and success of the primary Literacy Strategy, and the ever-growing wealth of experience and research into what helps to raise standards in secondary education.

The purposes of this document are:

• to set out teaching objectives for pupils in Key Stage 3 which will ensure that they build on their achievements in primary school
• to provide a basis for target-setting
• to ensure that pupils entering Key Stage 3 below Level 4 are supported to catch up
• to provide guidance on how teachers can use these objectives to plan appropriately challenging work for their pupils
• to enable headteachers and curriculum managers to set high and consistent expectations for achievement
• to promote continuity and progression between Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3