KJS Prospectus 2027-28

Mathematics One of the primary aims of the Mathematics Department is to stimulate interest and enthusiasm for the subject. At all key stages, standards of attainment are consistently well in excess of national averages. We endeavour to develop, in all students, confidence and accuracy in handling and applying everyday mathematical ideas and techniques. A variety of teaching and learning methods, incorporating both individual and group activities, develop each student’s written, oral and practical skills. Key Stage 3 Mathematics is delivered in line with the National Curriculum and builds upon work covered in Years 5 and 6. Our Key Stage 3 Scheme of Learning allows pupils to achieve deep understanding of skills and knowledge and to apply these to problem solving. All Key Stage 3 students have one lesson per fortnight devoted to our “Be a Mathematician” (BEAM) programme, which helps them develop key skills of Mathematicians such as logical thinking, reasoning, generalising and problem solving. In some cases BEAM lessons expose students to problems that support their curriculum learning and in others they will expand knowledge beyond the scope of the National Curriculum, looking at skills such as cryptography or the basics of decision Mathematics. At Key Stage 4 as well as studying GCSEMathematics, we also offer the Level 2 Certificate in Further Mathematics and Entry Level Certificates inMathematics where appropriate. Interest in studying mathematics at post-16 is very strong. The A Level Mathematics course provides a stimulating and interesting base for further study. In addition, we also offer A Level Further Mathematics and Mathematical Studies, a Level 3 Core Maths qualification, to ensure post-16 mathematics is available to as many students as possible. Careful monitoring of all students’ performance throughout their time at King James’s School enables us to set high and clear targets for each student and give them effective feedback to maximise their potential in the subject. Music The department (with 2 teaching staff and 5 peripatetic, specialist instrumental staff) is dedicated to providing a high- quality music education to all. The Music Department offers a tremendous variety of musical experiences, both inside the classroom and through an extensive extra-curricular programme. “Music For All” is our catchphrase and students are encouraged to develop their performing skills on an instrument taught by one of our peripatetic staff, join one of the ensembles, or sing in the choir. Students perform their music at regular concerts. There is also the opportunity to be involved in the annual school musical of which the most recent was ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ in 2026 and we look forward to ‘Bugsy Malone’ in 2027. These are performed with a live orchestra made up of student musicians. During the first three years all students undertake a course that is based upon National Curriculum guidelines with work being topic centred. Students learn about performing, composing, and appraising through listening as well as music technology. In Years 10 and 11 students can opt to study the subject to GCSE with a Sixth Form course offered at A Level in Music. A wide range of instruments are available for class work including a class set of djembes, xylophones, Samba kit, pop drums, guitars, bass guitars and keyboards. We also have a technology suite compromising of twenty computers with access to music software which is used up to A Level standard. Students get the opportunity to learn these programmes throughout KS3. There are opportunities to perform in two formal concerts per year and informal concerts, workshops and trips. Further details of extra-curricular activities are available to all students at the start of the year. There are no auditions, and we encourage students to get involved straight away in September as rehearsals start in the second week back. Further information can be obtained by contacting the Head of Music (Rebecca Woodfine) directly at school.