Key Stage 3 alliance wants to know what works in this ‘seriously overlooked phase’
A national sector-led improvement network is launching a call for evidence to understand what makes an excellent Key Stage 3 (KS3). The Key Stage 3 Alliance, which is supported by the Department for Education (DfE), aims to ‘strengthen education, engagement and outcomes during the early secondary years’. The alliance argues that KS3 is ‘one of the most consequential phases of a young person’s education’, being ‘the final universal stage before young people begin to follow different pathways’.
The alliance suggests that much of the expertise needed to improve Key Stage 3 already exists in schools, trusts, communities and research. Through this call for evidence, they are seeking to understand the challenges more precisely: ‘what is happening during Years 7, 8 and 9; what is already making a difference; what has been tried and has not worked’. The alliance say they are interested in research and data, but ‘equally in professional experience, practical examples and honest accounts of what has and has not worked’. Responses are welcomed from ‘young people, teachers, school and trust leaders, researchers, professional associations, charities, community organisations and others with relevant evidence or experience’.
Launching the call for evidence, alliance co-chair Becks Boomer-Clark, CEO of Lift Schools said: ‘For too long, Key Stage 3 has been a seriously overlooked phase of education. We have lacked a clear, shared, understanding of what these years are for and what every young person should experience during them. Schools see the consequences in attendance, engagement and belonging. Too many young people begin Year 7 with enthusiasm, only to gradually lose confidence, curiosity and connection.’
As well as the online call for evidence, a ‘regional roadshow’ is also planned, taking place across the country. Events will take place in Addlestone in Surrey, as well as Cambridge, Doncaster, Exeter, Leicester, Manchester, Newcastle and Worcester. The alliance will also speak with pupils about their experiences of the early years of secondary school.
The call for evidence, which is open until 5pm on Monday 9 November, can be accessed here:
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/t/ks3-alliance/