Key Stage 3 Overview

The Independent Project Qualification (iPQ) is now embedded in our Senior School academic curriculum.  It showcases Kingshott's approach to offering a rounded education that focusses on developing our students’ outlook, approaches and skills, fostering a culture of academic excellence and personal achievement. 

The iPQ is a highly regarded national programme which enables us to cultivate independent research skills amongst our students, setting the stage for a journey of exploration, creativity, and intellectual growth.

Through this program, Year 7 students are encouraged to choose and explore topics of personal interest, fostering a sense of curiosity and ownership over their learning. They continue their independent research projects under the guidance of dedicated mentors who are selected for their knowledge or interest in the students’ chosen field.  Whilst regular checkpoints and support sessions are planned to ensure pupils remain on track throughout the year, the emphasis is on independent and self-directed learning. At the end of Year 7 the students then present their findings at our iPQ Presentation Evening in front of their peers, parents and staff. As well as showcasing their presentation skills and newfound research talents, students and spectators are able to learn first-hand about a diverse range of interesting areas.  

The projects are independently assessed, providing an additional qualification for our students’ academic CVs. In our inaugural year, all Kingshott pupils passed, with 11 receiving a Merit and an impressive 16 students being awarded the highest ‘Distinction’ grade. 

All of our Year 8 students take part in the The Bronze Arts Award. 

This nationally recognised qualification encourages students to develop their creative and critical skills, set themselves challenges, research and explore the arts and share their interests and knowledge. Students enjoy building a portfolio in music, drama or art (culminating in an Arts Award for their CV) and then can chose to continue to take the Silver Award in Year 9.

All students in Year 7 upwards take part in LAMDA Group examinations:

Lessons are during curriculum time and texts performed are tied in with the students’ curriculum. This enables them to put the text ‘on its feet’ - performing it helps to bring the words to life, and to deepen their understanding. Students who are inspired to do more can then choose to also take Solo, Duo or Combined performance examinations, progressing through to Grade 5 (GCSE equivalent). 

We offer a diverse and inclusive Sports programme for all senior school students.

Enjoyment and participation is at the centre of our ‘sport for life’ approach in weekly PE lessons, with opportunities to develop further interests or excellence in individual or competitive team sports in our weekly Games sessions.