PRIMARY
Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2
Building strong academic foundations through engaging, topic-led learning.
OVERVIEW
Key Stage 1
Key Stage 1 encompasses Year 1 and Year 2 (ages 5–7). These years help lay crucial foundations in literacy, mathematics and learning skills. They provide a fun and meaningful environment where students can explore different topics and interests.
PRIMARY
Why Key Stage 1 & 2 at KH8
British National Curriculum
An enhanced, topic-based approach that builds strong foundations in literacy, mathematics and core subjects.
Individualised Support
Timely assessments by specialised Key Stage 2 teachers help every child achieve their full potential.
Independence and Ownership
Students develop as learners and take ownership of their progress from Year 1 through to Year 6.
Integrated Curriculum
Science and humanities taught through engaging half-term topics, with PSHE, computing and outdoor learning.
OVERVIEW
Key Stage 2
Students in Key Stage 2 from Year 3–6 (ages 7–11) build upon their previous schooling with the aim of developing independence and taking ownership of their learning. Timely individualised assessments by specialised Key Stage 2 teachers ensures that students are achieving at their full potential. Expanding on skills taught in Key Stage 1, exciting topics of study fuel the students' interest in the world around them. Core subjects in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 are taught by Class Teachers, based on an enhanced version of the British National Curriculum.
TEACHING & LEARNING
Primary Curriculum
The Primary Curriculum follows a topic-based, cross-curriculum approach to learning with the British National Curriculum as its foundation.
English
Taught daily as a discrete subject focusing on spoken language, reading, writing and vocabulary. Using an intensive phonics programme, students develop reading fluency in Key Stage 1. Guided Reading lessons in Key Stage 2 encourage engagement with texts at a literal and inferential level.
Mathematics
Significant importance is placed on developing mathematical fluency through a Mastery approach. Students build confidence in understanding numbers and calculations, and develop critical reasoning skills to apply mathematical knowledge across a wide range of contexts.
Integrated Curriculum
A topic-based approach where Science and Humanities objectives are taught through a half-term unit of study. Topics inspire students and build understanding through history, geography and science. In Upper Key Stage 2, students also have opportunities in drama, leadership, outdoor education and engineering.
Art
Creative expression through a range of media and materials, developing artistic skills and appreciation.
Music
Performance, composition and appreciation across diverse genres and cultural traditions.
Physical Education & More
ICT, Physical Education, Health and Economic Education, and Geography are all part of the broad primary experience at KH8.
CURRICULUM
Learning Journey
Key Stage 1 and 2 at KH8 prepare students for the move to secondary school. The skills and knowledge gained in Years 1–6—including literacy, numeracy, critical thinking and the integrated curriculum—give children a solid foundation for Key Stage 3. By the end of Year 6, students are ready to take on a broader range of subjects and greater independence in Years 7–9.