Key Stage 2

Key Stage 2 — Years 3–6 (Ages 8–11)

Building Knowledge. Thinking More Deeply.

Key Stage 2 is an important period in a student's academic development. Students build on what they've learned in the earlier years, develop greater depth across subjects and begin to take more responsibility for their work.

At GIS, a maximum of 15 students per class allows teachers to follow each student's progress closely and provide additional support or greater challenge when needed.

What Students Learn

In Years 3–6, students develop their knowledge and skills across:

• English — reading, writing, comprehension, speaking and listening
• Mathematics
• Science
• Humanities and Social Studies
• Creative and practical subjects
• Swedish — language, culture and learning about Sweden
• Physical Education

As students progress, they're expected to move beyond basic recall and develop a deeper understanding of what they're learning.

Developing Deeper Understanding

Students are encouraged to:

• apply knowledge to new situations
• explain and justify their reasoning
• solve increasingly complex problems
• make connections between different ideas
• ask thoughtful questions
• communicate clearly in speaking and writing

We want students to understand why an answer is correct, not simply know what the answer is.

Small Classes. Close Attention.

With a maximum of 15 students per class, teachers can see more clearly how each student is progressing.

They have the time to identify misunderstandings early, revisit areas that need further work and provide greater challenge when a student is ready.

This means teaching can respond to the student in front of the teacher, rather than only to the class as a whole.

Becoming More Independent

During Years 3–6, students gradually take greater responsibility for their learning. They learn to:

• organise their work
• manage tasks more independently
• contribute ideas during lessons
• work both independently and collaboratively
• reflect on feedback and improve their work
• persevere when learning becomes more demanding

We want students to become independent because they are ready — not simply because they have reached a certain age.

Learning in English

English is the main language of teaching and everyday school life at GIS.

Students continue developing their English through reading, writing, discussion and learning across different subjects.

Some students may already have several years of education in English, while others may have joined GIS more recently. Teachers take this into account when planning support and monitoring progress.

Following Each Student's Progress

Assessment is part of everyday learning at GIS.

Teachers use classwork, discussions, assignments, observations and other appropriate methods to understand what students know, where they need further support and when they're ready to move forward.

Families should also have a clear understanding of how their child is progressing. Parents should never have to wonder how their child is progressing.

Preparing for Key Stage 3

By the end of Years 3–6, students should be ready for the increased academic demands of Key Stage 3. They should have developed:

• secure literacy and numeracy skills
• broader subject knowledge
• stronger reasoning and problem-solving skills
• greater independence
• effective learning habits
• the ability to communicate and explain their thinking clearly

The goal is for students to enter Key Stage 3 ready for more demanding work and able to take greater responsibility for their learning.