Keystone Curriculum at KS3
As a result of the pandemic, as well as many other factors affecting young people, the LWS team assessed that students were simply not ready for their transition to secondary school. To support with this need, we have delivered our Keystone Model curriculum for Years 7 and 8. The vision for Keystone was for a primary model of teaching and learning within a secondary school.
Keystone focuses on developing secure attachments to key staff as well as minimising the transitions around the school site. Student to adult ratios is often higher in Keystone classes normally made up of one teacher and several learning support assistants (LSAs).
Whilst students remain in one learning area until lunchtime each day, they will still experience a broad and balanced curriculum and also spend some time out of their Keystone classes. Students within Keystone classes often experience the following ‘diet’ of learning;
- Literacy
- Numeracy
- Topic
- Humanities
- Commando Joes (practical based team building skills)
- Food technology
- Reading
- PSHRE
- Therapeutic art activities.
To ensure that learners still experience a secondary school transition opportunities, all students will study other subjects in the afternoon lesson which includes;
- Science
- Art
- Physical Education
- Citizenship
- IT
Each Keystone classroom has at least one ‘breakout’ area for students to access if they need a safe space or to access specialist interventions such as reading, therapeutic story writing, sensory activities or any other specialist service. Each Keystone classroom also has their own small kitchen area where students can make their toast in the morning or store their packed lunches. Coats and bags can also be stored in this space.
