Key stage 3 - years 7, 8 and 9
How Parents in Touch can help

These years of your child's time at school are called key stage 3. Your child is aged 11 to 14. At the end of each key stage, each National Curriculum subject has a target. This means that your child should have reached a particular level of skills, knowledge and understanding.

Worksheets for KS3 - these are just some examples. Many more through the links on the left.

The targets and tests

• These give pupils a sense of achievement from reaching each milestone in their learning, and going beyond it.
• Schools use them to check on pupils' progress, the staff can use them to match their teaching to each pupil's needs and abilities.
• The government uses them to see how many pupils in their schools are making the right kind of progress (especially in English, maths and science). Not all pupils will take National Curriculum tests at age 14.

Pupils will attain varying standards according to their personal strengths and weaknesses and also relating to the the standard of teaching in that subject

All parents want their children to fulfill their potential and most are prepared to encourage and help their children. Staff are always there to advise parents and to provide suggestions. The most important things you can do are:

• praise them when they have done well so that they are encouraged to talk to you and to ask for advice
• always be aware that young people need some independence and trust but try and take an interest in what your child is learning at school by encouraging them to tell you about it
• Ensure that your child has the time and space to work and study

If you are a member of Parents in Touch and would like any specific advice about secondary schooling please email me at:jackiebacon@parentsintouch.co.uk