ptions Choices
“WHERE THERE IS BELIEF THERE IS POSSIBILITY”
YEAR 9
MFL Studying a language in Year 9 offers pupils an opportunity to consolidate Key Stage 3 learning and begin to get a taste of GCSE topics. Three lessons a week enable pupils to develop their mastery of aspects of grammar and syntax, as well as broadening their vocabulary through the study of a range of exciting topics such as ‘Regions of Spain’, ‘Class trips Abroad’ and ‘Social Media'. In continuing with their language studies, pupils hone a range of skills including resilience, interpersonal skills and problem-solving, all of which are transferable to other areas of their school career and actively sought-after by employers in today’s global market. Furthermore, the study of a foreign language often impacts positively on a student’s understanding of their mother tongue. From September 2024, we will be preparing pupils for the new MFL GCSE which aims to appeal to a wider audience. There will be a significant reduction in the breadth of coverage of both vocabulary and grammar, and the focus instead will be on the depth of understanding. Dual linguists are likely to be those pupils with a keen interest in other languages and cultures, who learn their vocabulary well each week and who are highly motived. If you have any questions about continuing with two languages into Year 9 and beyond, we recommend you speak to your class teachers.
Studying art in Year 9 is crucial for the holistic development of pupils, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and cultural appreciation. Art education in Year 9 goes beyond merely teaching pupils how to draw or paint; it encourages them to explore and express their emotions, thoughts, and ideas through various artistic mediums. This process not only enhances their cognitive abilities but also provides an outlet for self-expression, allowing pupils to communicate in ways that words alone cannot capture. Choosing to study art in Year 9 contributes to the development of essential life skills. It nurtures problem-solving skills, as pupils are often faced with artistic challenges that require innovative solutions. Additionally, art education instils patience, perseverance, and attention to detail, encouraging a strong work ethic that can be applied across various subjects and future endeavours. Pupils can expect to explore a whole host of different media in greater depth and in the latter part of the year produce a GCSE structured project where they dictate their own artistic journey and final outcome, preparing them for the GCSE syllabus. Pupils can also expect to take inspiration from their Year 9 trip to help direct their own projects.
Art
Art would be a good choice for pupils who wish to study Art, Photography or Textiles at GCSE or who wish to pursue a career in the Creative Arts.
Studying Photography in Year 9 offers pupils a unique and valuable opportunity to develop a range of skills that extend beyond the realm of visual arts. Photography is a powerful medium that allows individuals to communicate, document and express themselves creatively. In today's digital age, where visual communication is increasingly prevalent, understanding the principles of photography becomes an essential skill. One of the key benefits of studying Photography is the enhancement of visual literacy. Pupils learn to analyse and interpret visual information and the work of other professionals; honing their ability to understand and communicate through images. This skill is transferable to various academic disciplines and real-world scenarios, contributing to improved overall communication skills.
Photography
Studying Photography also promotes technical proficiency and digital literacy. Pupils gain hands-on experience with a variety of cameras, lighting and editing software and darkroom processes, acquiring technical skills that are increasingly relevant in a technology-driven society.
Pupils can expect to explore a whole host of different platforms and techniques in greater depth and in the latter part of the year produce a GCSE structured project where they dictate their own photographic journey inspired by a range of artists and photographers, eventually producing a host of final outcomes, preparing them for the GCSE syllabus. Pupils can also expect to take inspiration from their Year 9 trip to help direct their own projects. Photography would be a good choice for pupils who wish to study Art or Photography at GCSE or who wish to pursue a career in the Creative Arts.
Design & Technology Design and Technology enables pupils to identify, consider and solve problems through creative thinking, planning and design, and by working with different media, materials and tools. Pupils gain technical and design awareness as a result, and develop skills such as initiative, resourcefulness, enquiry and ingenuity. They also develop the communication skills central to design making and evaluation. Design and Technology GCSE provides an ideal basis for further study and prepares pupils for their future within a rapidly changing technological society. Pupils will learn to develop creative thinking in a range of areas that are relevant to Design and Technology, being able to apply problem solving skills to practical and technological problems. During the course pupils will develop the communication skills central to design, making and evaluation, applying knowledge and understanding to the design and making of products, taking into consideration sustainability and the wider impact on society. We encourage pupils to apply learning to areas of personal interest, allowing them to develop a range of transferable skills, from verbal and visual communication to research and analytical skills. Pupils choosing Design and Technology in Year 9 will develop the ability to make aesthetic, economic, moral and technical value judgements. Utilising the latest forms of 2D and 3D CAD modelling, 3D printing and laser cutting, pupils will have the opportunity to develop their design concepts. Design and Technology is a subject that opens career doors – from engineering to fashion and product design to architecture– because makers, inventors and problem solvers all need strong foundations to set them on their way.
Textiles In Year 9, pupils will build on the knowledge and skills that they have been introduced to over the past two years and also develop an understanding of what the subject is like at GCSE level. They will work through two main projects with a broad theme and an end product which is garment based. New decorative techniques such as stencilling, layered appliqué, free motion embroidery, sublimation printing, lino cutting, felting and stitched tie dye will be introduced, and pupils will have the freedom to experiment with these and make their own choices about which to include on their final piece. Pupils will also learn how to construct a garment using seams, hems and finishing edges using the overlocker. The projects will introduce pupils to each of the key elements of GCSE coursework – research, development, explanations and final piece. In addition there will be an emphasis on the use of a variety of research sources to inform the development of ideas, and time will be spent on developing the ability to clearly explain how ideas have evolved as the project progresses, which are both key skills required at GCSE level. Textiles is a creative, practical and enjoyable subject which gives pupils the freedom to express themselves and feel satisfaction of following an idea through from initial thoughts to a finished item. As well as leading to further study in Textiles at GCSE, the subject develops a variety of skills that are beneficial across a broad range of areas, including: independent thinking, self-discipline, perseverance, confidence and critical and analytical skills. If you are a creative and imaginative pupil who enjoys working with your hands, then textiles would be an ideal subject to choose for Year 9. It will be similar to the projects you have completed in Years 7 and 8, but will be completed with greater depth of detail and freedom of choice. Please speak to your textiles teacher if you would like to see examples of what Year 9 are doing currently or have any further questions.
Food Preparation & Nutrition The Food Preparation and Nutrition course in Year 9 is a creative course which focuses on developing practical cooking skills. It is a useful subject to study in today's health-conscious world. The course will ensure that pupils develop a thorough understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of food materials. In Year 9, we will build on existing practical cookery skills in order to develop a strong understanding of nutrition. Half the course will be devoted to practical sessions and the other half will be related to theory.
Sensory and nutritional analysis is an integral part of the course, which encourages pupils to look at both how food is prepared and what it does in or to our bodies. The course covers both the science and the functional property of ingredients as well as helping develop practical cooking skills. The Food Preparation and Nutrition option has a huge crossover with other subjects; we will study topics that link to subjects such as biology, chemistry, geography, sport and religious studies. The course will be suitable for pupils who are interested in finding out about nutrition and food science as well as having a flair for practical work.
HPQ By taking the Higher Project Qualification (HPQ), pupils can expect to undertake truly independent work. The HPQ consists of three key components. Chief of these is a two-thousand-word essay on a subject entirely of the pupil’s choosing. Secondly, supporting this whole process, pupils must also organise and plan their essays beforehand. Finally, pupils reflect on the outcome of their HPQs through the form of an oral presentation. Alternatively, instead of producing an essay, pupils may also elect to create an artefact to present upon. Embarking upon the HPQ is not for the fainthearted! Pupils will be expected to work autonomously, maturely reflect on their progress, and ultimately develop sophisticated arguments. For these same reasons, however, the course can be incredibly rewarding. By taking the HPQ, pupils will engage with subjects that fascinate them intimately, receive an early taste for university study, and be rewarded with half a GCSE as early as Year 9. Furthermore, the Higher Project Qualification aims to prepare pupils for the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) offered in Sixth Form; an excellent opportunity for prospective Russell Group and Oxbridge applicants to bolster their UCAS applications. As such, the HPQ is most suitable for pupils and scholars with these long-term academic ambitions.