Key Stage 3
Years 7-8

At Sedbergh Prep School, we welcome children up to the end of Year 8; the transformative effect of a 13+ prep school cannot be understated, allowing pupils in Year 7 and 8 to flourish as leaders of the Prep School.

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The transition into Key Stage 3 is an important and exciting chapter in every child’s education. At Sedbergh Prep, we believe that these final two years in a prep school setting allows children to stay children for a little longer, free to enjoy the breadth of school life without some of the pressures that can come with moving earlier into a senior school. At the same time they are challenged and stretched in all areas, academic, sporting, creative and pastoral, preparing them for their next step with resilience and self belief.

Years 7 and 8 also bring the chance to take on meaningful positions of responsibility within the school community, helping pupils develop skills in leadership, teamwork and empathy. These roles, combined with the support and encouragement of their teachers, ensure that pupils not only meet high expectations but thrive within them.

11+ Scholarships

Individual talent and potential is recognised through the awarding of 11+ Scholarships at Year 7 entry, in a variety of fields. More information about these and our means tested bursaries can be found on the Scholarships page.

Many families consider Sedbergh Prep as an alternative to the grammar system. We offer a holistic education combining both academic and pastoral excellence, as recognised by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

Curriculum and Classes

There are multiple forms in both Year 7 and Year 8, with around 16-20 pupils per group, taking the subjects listed below. The larger numbers in the top end of the School give it a distinct atmosphere and certainly a more ‘grown up’ feel than a primary or 11+ model.

Maths
English
Science
History
Geography
Religious Studies
Design, Technology and Engineering
Computer Science
Art
Music
Drama
Games
PE
French (accessible even to pupils who are new to the subject)
Latin
PSHEE

Setting

In the final two years of Prep School, we ‘set’ the children for academic lessons in a way that is sensitive, responsive and always driven by the progress of the individual child. At the start of a new, academic year, Year 7 will be in mixed ability classes until we understand the relative abilities of the pupils; typically until the first Exeat weekend (approximately 3 weeks) or sometimes until the October half term. In addition to consulting past reports and standardised testing, this provides staff with the time to accurately assess relative ability levels and ensure the most accurate judgements are made.

There are two different blocks of academic lessons, with sets arranged independently of each other: STEM (determined by maths level for maths, science and DTE) and Languages and Humanities (determined by English ability) so that children who might be strong in maths but still emerging in English can be catered for appropriately. Sets are constantly reviewed, especially at key assessment points such as Christmas and Summer, with pupils moving between sets where it is in their best educational interests to do so.

Assessment

Assessment is an essential part of effective teaching and learning. Understanding what pupils know and comprehend – and what they don’t – is fundamental in helping children make good progress.

In Years 7 and 8 we use a combination of assessment for learning, marking and feedback and formal assessments to ensure every pupil is working towards their full potential. This includes standardised assessments in English, maths and science, classroom-based assessments at the end of the Michaelmas Term and formal examinations in English, maths, science, French, Latin, history, geography and religious studies in the Summer Term.

These are completed to ensure pupils experience the examination process and learn the necessary revision skills, as well as build confidence, resilience and test techniques. Children on the SEND register will have extra time and necessary support as indicated by our SEND department.

Saturday Lessons

By the time they reach Years 7 and 8, pupils are now taught by specialists; able to stretch our most able and inspire a love of their subject in all. Lessons extend to Saturday mornings where the School has smaller numbers and a quiet, productive atmosphere. Regular curriculum lessons are taught until break time, and after lunch, children look forward to an entire afternoon of sport.

Tutor Groups

The children in Years 7 and 8 are placed into three tutor groups for each year group. These tutor groups are where children will register, spend time in daily form periods and – importantly – are led by a Form Tutor, who will be an important figure in each pupil’s pastoral care and the first port of call for parents.

Same Book, Different Chapters

For those moving on to the Senior School in Year 9, we place enormous emphasis on the continuity of their education and pastoral care. Schemes of work are designed to progress smoothly from Prep to Senior and GCSE exams. Pastoral handover really begins the moment that children select their Senior boarding house in Year 7 and extends into the first months in their new setting; making sure that our pupils are settled and ready to fly even once they have left our nest. Sedberghians are fortunate to benefit from separate campuses for the Prep and Senior Schools, giving the Prep School children additional years of childhood and a unique opportunity to grow in confidence, maturity and independence.

In response to the demands of a swiftly evolving and unpredictable future, Sedbergh School has introduced an innovative Year 9 curriculum, aptly named 9 INSPIRE. At its core, 9 INSPIRE aims to equip pupils with indispensable, sought-after skills such as teamwork, project management and problem-solving, while at the same time emphasising the importance of the Senior School values of humility, ambition, resilience and kindness. Find out more here.

The overwhelming majority of pupils that enter Year 7 will transfer to Year 9. Those choosing a different senior school – perhaps due to relocation, for instance – will be supported through any admissions process on an individual basis.

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Key Stage 3 Years 7-8