Evaluation of the Two Year Key Stage 3 Project

The Two Year Key Stage 3 Project, which was launched in 2003, assisted secondary schools in developing curricula for Key Stage 3 that could be covered in two years instead of the conventional three years (Years 7, 8 and 9). The Project aimed to increase the pace of learning, improve the motivation and engagement of pupils, improve the transition from Key Stage 2 (Years 3 to 6) to Key Stage 3, and open up curricular flexibility through the time saved. Schools were able to decide how to use the time saved by completing Key Stage 3 within two years. This evaluation consisted of three elements: an examination of Phase 1 pupils’ attainment when in Years 7 and 8; an examination of pupils’ reported attitudes as reflected in questionnaire responses; and visits to eight case study schools to examine how a two year Key Stage fitted in with the work of individual schools.