Overview of the Key Stage 3 National Strategy

The Key Stage 3 National Strategy is an important part of the Government's agenda for transforming secondary education which builds on high expectations and a commitment to meeting the needs of every child.

The challenges at Key Stage 3 are particularly demanding. These are vitally important years for laying the foundations for life-long learning and influencing the crucial decisions pupils will make at age 14.

The Key Stage 3 Strategy is designed to support schools to address the learning needs of 11-14 year old pupils. Everything the Strategy offers is capable of local tailoring and selection, so it offers choice as well as challenge.

It now operates across all subjects as a whole-school improvement strategy. It provides a platform for professional development across the school through its emphasis on teaching and learning.

The Strategy supports personalised learning by promoting an approach in which

• careful attention is paid to pupils' individual learning styles, motivations and needs
• there is rigorous target setting linked to high quality assessment
• lessons are enjoyable
• pupils are supported by others well beyond the classroom.