Key stage strategies
The Secondary National Strategy (SNS)
The SNS has its origins in the KS3 Strategy which was introduced in 2002 to ‘raise standards through effective teaching and learning’.
Four key principles underpinned the approach:
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High expectations;
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Clear routes of progression;
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High engagement; and
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Transformational teaching and learning.
The KS3 Strategy was delivered across 6 strands:
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English;
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Maths;
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Science;
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ICT;
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Foundation Subjects; and
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Behaviour & Attendance.
Recognising that the strategy was already influencing teaching and learning beyond Key Stage 3, in 2005 the DfES requested that successful KS3 strategy approaches to teaching and learning should be extended into KS4 and that there be an increasing focus on school improvement and capacity building.
Four Whole-School Initiatives provided a focus for this improvement and include:
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Assessment for learning;
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Leading in learning (Thinking skills and learning to learn); and
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Literacy and learning and ICT across the curriculum.
The current priorities for the SNS nationally are to provide:
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Strategic and differentiated challenge and support to schools and settings
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Targeted intervention in selected schools where there is underperformance
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Improvements in learning and teaching (especially in the core subjects)
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Personalisation of the learning and teaching offered across phases and settings
In Bedfordshire, the SNS is supported by a team of consultants based at:
Prebend House
Stephenson Court
Fraser Road
Priory Business Par
Bedford
Bedfordshire
MK44 3WH
Tel: (01234) 836000