KEY STAGE 3: English, Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling

Every state-funded school is required to follow a set curriculum of ‘core’ subjects. These core subjects are considered by the government as subjects which provide knowledge and skills that are essential for creating well-rounded and educated citizens.

In Key Stage 3 (ages 11-14), the core subjects that must be taught in schools include the following:

• English
• Maths
• Science
• Art and Design
• Citizenship
• Computing
• Design and Technology
• Languages
• Geography
• History
• Music
• Physical Education

All schools, Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 4, must also teach Religious Studies to their students; and from the age of 11, children will also be taught Sex Education. However, parents are given the option of pulling their children out from Religious Studies and Sex Education.

Students are taught the importance of English via spoken language, reading, writing and vocabulary. Not only is this a core subject which all students are required to undertake, this subject is an integral part of other school subjects. Children will need to have a strong grasp of the English Language, and will prove vital if they wish to be successful across their school subjects.

The fundamental aims of the English subject include:

• Reading with fluency and ease;
• Demonstrating a good understanding of the English language;
• Highlighting the importance of reading, and allowing students to read for both pleasure and academia;
• Appreciate the English Language and its heritage;
• Acquire a strong English vocabulary to improve students’ knowledge in regards to reading, writing and listening;
• Ability to write effective literature, adapting their writing and language in order to demonstrate its purpose, context and audience;
• Improve children’s confidence in their English abilities, allowing them to become competent in the English Language via verbal and written communication.

In Key Stage 3, the English subject focuses on four main ‘disciplines’:

• Reading;
• Writing;
• Grammar and Vocabulary;
• Spoken English.

The aforementioned disciplines are all used in order to teach students vital skills for both academia and the outside world.

GRAMMAR AND VOCABULARY

Students in Key Stage 3 will need to extend their knowledge which was obtained in Key Stage 2.

Teachers will need to build on the skills and knowledge by enhancing students’ knowledge and teach them the importance of grammar, punctuation and spelling. The importance of these key areas allow students to not only analyse literary texts, but also improve their own writing style.

Students’ linguistic development will need to include strong English terminology and how this can be applied to literary texts; the ability to use appropriate vocabulary and understand the meaning of words and phrases; and the ability to analyse, practice and implement literary techniques to their own work in order to create strong written communication.

Below I have broken down the aims and objects of how the English subject in KS3 focuses on grammar, punctuation and spelling.