In year 7, students continue their progression from Key Stage 2 where they experience a curriculum that is broad and ambitious for all regardless of their starting point.
Students study Maths, English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Art, Classics, Computing, Design Technology, Drama, Geography, History, Music, P.E and Religion, Philosophy and Ethics. To enable our students to live in the global community, they learn a modern foreign language French, German or Spanish in year 7. In years 8 and 9 the majority study an additional MFL or Latin.
Teaching in Key Stage 3 (year 7-9) is delivered in mixed ability groups (except Maths).
Each department develops schemes of work that are carefully sequenced, encourage critical thinking, reflects our diverse community, and inspires deep understanding of their subject and thus creating a platform for learning at GCSE.
The PACE programme (PSCHE) together with an enrichment provision encourage tolerance, respect and understanding.
“I feel that coming to Watford Girls has made me more open minded and has encouraged me to try plenty of new things.”
Subjects
- Art
Our department aims to excite, enthuse and inspire our young, budding artists. The KS3 curriculum is designed to build strong foundational skills while nurturing creativity, confidence and independent thinking.
Year 7 introduces pupils to the essential skills of Art and Design. Students develop core techniques in drawing, painting and mark‑making, gaining confidence with materials and learning how to observe and record developing their ability to express themselves with increasing accuracy.
Year 8 builds on these foundations through a series of mini‑projects that deepen pupils’ understanding of artists, art movements and cultural art. Students broaden their practical skills, experiment with a wider range of materials and begin to develop more personal, meaningful outcomes that allow them to express themselves with precision and intent.
Year 9 extends and refines the skills acquired in Years 7 and 8. Pupils explore a broader range of processes including digital editing, clay, graphic design and textile‑based mixed media. Throughout the year, students complete a series of specialist projects that mirror our four GCSE disciplines, enabling them to make a well‑informed choice when selecting their GCSE options. This progression provides a strong platform of knowledge and practical experience for those wishing to continue their artistic studies at GCSE level.
Our mission is to build confidence, encourage pupils to take ownership of their work and support them in developing their ideas into creative, thoughtful outcomes. We aim to help students think flexibly, work independently and grow into confident, expressive young artists.
- Careers
The aim of careers education in Key Stage 3 is to introduce pupils to the working world, the vocabulary associated with it, and the wide range of possible careers that they could pursue. They will start thinking about what they personally would want from a career, and will start to develop their skills on how to investigate careers further. They will think about critical employability skills or qualifications that would be needed for different careers, and through identifying their own personal traits, strengths and skills, will start to develop a long-term action plan. They will also experience a workplace through a work shadowing day. At the end of Key Stage 3, pupils will be encouraged to use the careers resources they have been introduced to to help inform their GCSE decisions.
- Classical Civilisation (Year 7 only)
All Year 7 students study Classical Civilisation for ten weeks. Classical Civilisation lessons introduce the ancient world through nine Greek myths, chosen to promote literacy and reflective thinking. Each lesson has an extract from a library book, to encourage wider reading, and several lessons have the opportunity for creative writing. As we progress through the lessons, we analyse Greek heroes and monsters and then evaluate these characters from a modern perspective. We aim to foster a confidence in some of the most famous myths to ensure that students can understand references to them in their other subjects. From the students’ enjoyment of these lessons, we hope to inspire their curiosity for further study, both in Classical and other subjects. We build on prior knowledge that pupils have gained from their study of Greeks or Romans at KS2, or from their own reading.
- Computing
The intent of the computing curriculum is to introduce pupils to as many different aspects of computing and technology as possible, addressing HTML coding, website design, E-safety, python coding and cryptography. We want students to become familiar and comfortable with using a broad range of software and develop their coding skills, thereby laying the foundation for successful study at GCSE.
- Design & Technology
The intent of the Design & Technology (D&T) curriculum is to enable pupils to work confidently and independently to design and make high-quality prototypes and finished products. Pupils have the opportunity to work in a variety of contexts, which reflect the real world. Pupils will be able to analyse, evaluate and test their ideas and products, and the work of others, helping them to develop their creative, technical and practical skills.
The D&T curriculum is delivered in the form of folder work to help create a framework for pupils to work within. Pupils are supplied with the project context, a client-based design brief and a practical work specification to help them focus their research, design ideas and practical work.
In Year 7, the intent is to introduce pupils to the concept of designing and making products to solve everyday problems. Pupils will have the opportunity to develop their creativity and communication skills by participating in an international invention competition. Practical skills and knowledge will be developed through working with resistant materials. Pupils are taught how to work safely and independently in order to give them the practical competency to transform their design ideas into working practical outcomes. Projects focus on cultural influences, architectural design and recycling.
In Year 8, the intent is to further develop the pupils’ knowledge of using modern materials and CAD. Pupils will have the opportunity to create products that can be disassembled and recycled, and products that include different types of mechanical devices.
In Year 9, the intent is to develop pupils’ practical dexterity and understanding the work of famous designers. Pupils will have the opportunity to develop their Silversmithing skills, and use new materials and CADCAM.
- Drama
Key Stage 3 Drama enables pupils to develop their confidence as performers and communicators.
In Year 7, Drama focusses on developing pupils’ understanding of the history of theatre and its traditions including pantomime and different types of staging and theatre from other parts of the world. They also learn the foundational physical and vocal skills required to devise an impressive performance, as well as working with short scripts, with an emphasis on teamwork.
Year 8 Drama develops students’ knowledge and skills further through learning more about archetypes in the Melodrama unit and Victorian theatre as well as Italian Commedia, slapstick and a unit on Greek chorus. They will begin working more with script, and develop their devising skills moving into ensemble work.
Year 9 cultivates these skills further in order to facilitate Drama GCSE-style practical work and theoretical understanding, building their analysis and evaluation skills regarding Live Performance. Pupils have the exciting opportunity to create their own devised performance, which is investigated and developed proactively by the pupils. They also study a GCSE-level scripted text through theoretical and practical exploration.
- English
The Key Stage 3 curriculum at Watford Grammar School for Girls aims to inspire a life-long love of English and reading. We aim for our students to grow and flourish in their understanding, skills and confidence, with the secure foundation they need for the GCSE course. The English curriculum at Key Stage 3 equips the pupils with tools to advance their imagination and creativity, as well as comprehension, inference and analysis.
Pupils study whole texts, actively investigating poetry, prose, non-fiction and drama. Furthermore, they are encouraged to be adventurous writers of both fiction and non-fiction. Pupils become independent readers by means of a series of active reading projects and confident orators through opportunities to speak to their whole class.
- Geography
Key Stage 3 Geography takes a thematic approach to learning, focusing on the ‘local’ in year 7 and expanding this to the ‘global’ in years 8 and 9. This exposes our pupils to a range of complex local and global issues that provide them with an insight into GCSE and A Level Geography. There is a strong emphasis on fieldwork throughout Key Stage 3 and the development of a range of geographical skills. We teach a broad range of academically rigorous topics that aim to inspire future Geographers and push our students to challenge the world around them. There is an emphasis on enquiry-led learning that promotes independence and decision-making. Key Stage 3 Geography aims to have a good balance between the physical and human sides of the subject and provide all pupils with the skills and knowledge needed to develop their love of the subject in later Key Stages.
- History
During years 7-9, after introducing the discipline of History to our pupils, we focus our work on the over-arching questions that take in British, European and World history between 1066 and 1994. Pupils are introduced to a range of thought-provoking and diverse topics to encourage a love of the subject. They undertake regular assessments that pre-figure GCSE History examinations so that they are developing the key skills of an historian, as well as gaining an understanding of significant events and individuals through time. Pupils consistently build on their skills so by the time they reach Year 9, they will be able to produce independent, evaluative work, often with an individual focus.
We support students to develop their thinking skills as historians, including using learning tools such as thinking frames to break down complex topics and allow them to access core history analytical concepts such as causation and sequencing.
- Latin
Latin at KS3 instils in pupils an early appreciation for the ancient language, alongside an understanding of the people who spoke it and the world they lived in. All students study Latin for 10 weeks in Year 7, and can choose to continue in Years 8 and 9 as their second language option. Language is taught alongside cultural material, allowing pupils to make links between language and culture which prepares them well for further study at higher levels. Pupils learn the foundations of Latin grammar, vocabulary and syntax, and develop their skills in translation, comprehension and composition. Pupils use the Suburani Latin reading course, which makes use of inductive learning, allowing pupils to develop into perceptive and independent thinkers. We use careful linguistic progression which allows pupils to build on their prior learning as they encounter more complex grammatical forms and longer sentences. The course follows a diverse group of characters living across the Roman empire during emperor Nero’s rule. It highlights the role of women in the ancient world and the raises moral questions about slavery and empire, encouraging pupils to develop into critical thinkers with a keen sense of justice and an appreciation for diversity.
- Mathematics
In Years 7 – 11, our intent is to foster a love of the subject through enthusiastic and well-informed teaching that inspires the students’ interest and curiosity. On entering the school, we build on the knowledge and skills covered in primary school. Opportunities are provided for all learners to develop confidence as well as being challenged with new and interesting concepts. We highly value the opportunity for our students to solve problems and provide many opportunities for this to happen, including competitions, group work and real-life contexts. Students will make use of technology in a way that is relevant to modern life. In order to facilitate the most supportive and effective delivery of the curriculum, we teach our students in groups determined by the outcome of carefully-devised in-house assessments. As students move through Key Stage 3 and 4 they are able to see the connections between different aspects of mathematics and make links to other subjects in the school curriculum. This is a skill that they will be able to employ in their future studies and careers.
Through our teaching and extracurricular activities, we engage, inspire and stimulate in a way that encourages many of our students to continue to study the subject beyond GCSE.
- Modern Languages
The Modern Languages Department is currently changing its Key Stage 3 curriculum.
In Years 7 to 9, learning is carefully planned to support progression for the vast majority of learners at Key Stage 3 within a ‘low exposure foreign language setting’ ( i.e., not learning a language in an immersion course.) Progression is determined by the functions of grammar, and the frequency and usefulness of vocabulary and phonics, and avoids introducing too much language too fast. In general, this means that phonics learning is paced, and involves the explicit teaching of new sound-symbol correspondences (SSC) which are taught initially in Y7, followed by integrated revisiting and consolidation throughout Years 8 and 9. Vocabulary is introduced in blocks of ten new words, on average, per week, in sets of words from different parts of speech, including the most common verbs. It is selected on the basis of word frequency and additionally informed by scrutiny of the awarding body vocabulary lists, learner choice and context appropriateness. For grammar, no more than one new grammatical function is taught every two weeks.
At the end of Year 9, students begin to cover the type of work required at GCSE as a transition unit to help them get ready for a GCSE in a Modern Language. The learn a range of vocabulary from a specific topic area. They revisit the phonetical structures of the language to help with pronunciation and spelling. They also cover grammatical structures such as past, present and future tenses. At this stage students are also introduced to the type of assessment that they will experience at GCSE.
- Music
At Key Stage 3, we have a wide range of mixed ability girls who show potential and make progress with their understanding and appreciation of music, we aim to develop a life-long love and curiosity of all styles of music. We challenge students regardless of their previous musical experiences providing worthwhile and meaningful learning opportunities beyond the classroom and for the most talented, we provide ensembles which stretch and prepare for the professional world. We promote a ‘can-do’ attitude and focus on developing hands-on learning experiences giving practical skills for all students in composition and performance, with regular opportunities to develop and extend their skills on keyboard, ukulele, guitar and voice. Learning is always very fast paced and active, delivered through a wide range of group, paired and individual tasks, creating opportunities for collaboration and teamwork and developing many essential life skills. Once we have them hooked with making sounds, we introduce musical vocabulary enabling girls to respond, analyse and discuss music objectively providing a linguistic challenge.
The use of traditional music notation is encouraged, and we challenge girls beyond reading notation to improvise, be creative and realise that there is no single right answer. There is a balance between creativity and accuracy.
We embrace all styles of music and regularly use technology and sequencing software, such as GarageBand and Logic to further enhance learning. Regardless of the level of ambition, the music department will cater and ensure girls leave Watford Grammar with a lasting love for music both as a performer and listener.
- PACE
In Pace and Forum we equip our students with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to keep themselves healthy and safe and prepare for life, work and study in modern Britain and beyond. At the core of our program lies our belief that our students need to build the resilience to be able to cope within a changing society. Personal growth is at the heart of what we do, therefore we provide opportunities for our students to reflect on and clarify their attitudes and values. We aim to provide students with the tools to safely and respectfully express their own opinions and explore complex and sometimes conflicting ranges of attitudes they encounter now and in the future.
We have designed a curriculum that encompasses the whole school, ensures continuity from Year 7 to Year 13 and is reactive and consultative in its approach. Themes are delivered through timetabled Pace and Forum sessions, assemblies, form time and bespoke workshops led by external agencies and professional speakers.
The curriculum covers the key strands identified by the PSHE Association – living in the wider world, health and wellbeing, SRE. In KS5 the focus is expanded to include UCAS preparation and life beyond Watford Grammar School for Girls. Details of the curriculum can be found on the overview document.
Online safety is delivered as part of the PACE and Forum programme. Details of the online safety curriculum can be found here.
- PE
Students will develop a love of Physical Education. They will progress their physical competence and confidence to embed skills and knowledge into an increasing breadth of sporting activities. Students will cover a range of invasion games, net/wall games, aesthetic activities, striking and fielding games and swimming throughout Key Stage 3. They will understand what makes an effective performance and will learn this through physically and intellectually challenging activities.
Students will develop courage and compassion, helping them to make informed choices. They will continue to improve their creativity and independence, seizing new opportunities to learn and have a desire to succeed. They will learn to support others in their learning and contribute and provide ideas.
- Religion, Philosophy & Ethics
At Key Stage 3, we take a “worldviews” approach to the study of religion, philosophy and ethics, in line with the Hertfordshire agreed syllabus.
In Year 7, students focus on the people and texts of the Abrahamic religions, and in Year 8 they broaden their understanding by studying Dharmic tradition and philosophy in contrast. As they progress towards Year 9, they engage more explicitly with philosophical and ethical enquiry, exploring questions such as animal rights, the sanctity of life and the problem of evil. In Year 9, students also examine ethics and morality through the lens of the Holocaust, culminating in a powerful talk from Holocaust survivor and long-standing friend of the school, Steven Frank.
Across Key Stage 3, we place a strong emphasis on developing students as thoughtful, independent learners. Students are encouraged to question confidently, think flexibly and express their ideas with clarity and precision.
Students develop key skills in critical thinking, empathy and respectful dialogue. They learn to evaluate contrasting viewpoints, construct well-reasoned arguments and engage with complex issues that do not always have clear answers. These skills support success across the curriculum and enable students to participate thoughtfully and responsibly in an increasingly diverse world.
- Science
The Key Stage 3 course is designed to challenge, stimulate interest and develop enjoyment of the subject. It places practical and experimental skills at the heart of scientific study and embeds key concepts and ‘big ideas’ with clarity and accuracy as a foundation for further study.
Subject specialists have designed the course so that the major themes covered provide the basis for study at GCSE and beyond. We place a great deal of importance on the inclusion of stand-alone topics and projects to add to the breadth of experience and to engage, inspire and enthuse students both within and beyond formal lessons.
If you need more information about the curriculum after reading the subject specific sections below, please email admin@watfordgirls.herts.sch.uk who will forward your enquiry on to the relevant Head of Department.