Years 7 and 8 Curriculum September 2026
be you
WH LEHE
CONTENTS The Curriculum
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Creative Arts Art and Design: Ceramics, Painting, Textiles Design and Technology: Food Preparation and Nutrition Design and Technology: Graphics Design and Technology: Product Design
5 6 6 6
Humanities Classics: Classical Civilisation Classics: Latin English Geography History Modern Foreign Language: French, German, Spanish Religious Studies
7 7 8 8 9 10 11
Performing Arts Drama Music
12 12
Sciences Mathematics Computing PE Science
13 14 15 16
Progress Monitoring
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EARTEDLY
the curriculum The transition to senior school is an exciting moment: new friendships, new opportunities and increased freedom. Years 7 and 8 are a time of exploration, discovery and growth, when our pupils are encouraged to embrace new experiences, develop their talents and build the foundations for future success. At Farnborough Hill, our education is much more than simply acquiring knowledge. We educate the whole person, nurturing intellectual curiosity, confidence, creativity and character alongside academic achievement. The curriculum in Years 7 and 8 has been carefully designed to provide breadth, challenge and opportunity, allowing every girl to discover where her strengths lie and what inspires her. We encourage pupils to be curious and courageous learners. From Latin to Library lessons, French to Food Technology, Drama to Design Technology, Science to Sport, girls are invited to immerse themselves in a rich variety of subjects and experiences. Some will uncover entirely new passions; others will deepen interests they have already begun to develop. All will gain the confidence to ask questions, think independently and approach learning with enthusiasm. Our broad and balanced curriculum ensures that every pupil enjoys access to a wide range of disciplines, giving her the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills across the humanities, languages, sciences, creative and performing arts, technology and physical education. By experiencing such diversity in their learning, girls develop a greater understanding of themselves and the world around them, while building the adaptability and resilience that will serve them throughout their lives. Lessons in Years 7 and 8 are about much more than preparing for examinations. They are about fostering a genuine love of learning and helping girls discover the subjects that excite and motivate them. Through engaging lessons, supportive teaching and a culture that celebrates curiosity, we encourage pupils to make the most of every opportunity, challenge themselves and embrace new ideas. This booklet provides an overview of the subjects studied in Years 7 and 8. It is very much a headline snapshot, but we hope it gives you a sense of the breadth, depth and inspiration that characterise learning at Farnborough Hill, and of the many ways in which we support every girl as she begins her senior school journey. You should also browse both the CoCurricular and Extended Learning booklets for a fuller picture of everything else we offer! Be curious. Be adventurous. Try everything. You never know where a new subject, skill or passion might lead!
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CREATIVE arts ART AND DESIGN Year 7 Drawing, Colour Theory, Planning, Batik, Machine Sewing
TEXTILES: KoiNobori Wind Socks – Japanese Cultural Festival CERAMICS: Pinch Pots PAINTING: Still Life and Colour – Vicki McGrath
Photography and Drawing, Terracotta Clay, Pinch Pots, Coiling, Sculpting Flowers, Underglazing, Firing, Glazing
Colour Mixing, Measuring and Drawing, Photography, Composition Planning, Understanding Layers, Paint Application Techniques
Year 8 White Stoneware Clay, Rolling Slabs, Plaster Mould, Fettling, Painting with Slip, Sgraffito, Firing, Underglazing
TEXTILES: Soft Sculpture – Pop Art CERAMICS: Plates – Jenny Saville PAINTING: Architecture – John Piper
Drawing, Planning, Template and Pattern Design, Sewing and Construction Understanding Perspective, Design and Composition, Photography, Layering, Collage, Pastels, Monoprinting, Mark-Making, Watercolour Painting
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY Year 7
GRAPHICS
FOOD AND NUTRITION
Design and make project with Graphics packaging as main focus
Breakfast – boiled egg, toast, orange juice Scones – flavoured or plain Cous cous salad Fruit crumble
PRODUCT DESIGN
‘Moving Stories’ Automata project – Moving toy
Task and Product Analysis Learn about the autonomy of text and different typefaces Create a fictional flavour, research associated images and typefaces to design a logo Explore nets and understand packaging requirements Dragon’s Den-style pitch Knife safety, juicing, how to boil an egg Rubbing in method, cutting out, glazing, baking Knife safety, using a kettle safely, creating a salad dressing, mixing ingredients How to increase fibre content of food products, the role of fibre in the body Research a theme, sketching creative design ideas Safety in the workshop Measuring, marking and cutting accurately Practical skills, making the automata using workshop skills Designing moving parts using CAD on the laser cutter Assembling parts, testing and evaluating finished product
Year 8
GRAPHICS
‘Retail Detail’ – Graphics design and make project with focus on Corporate Identity
FOOD AND NUTRITION
Bread rolls – plain or glazed with a seed topping Pizza – own choice of toppings Beef Burritos – mince and tortillas Flapjacks – oat and dried fruit
PRODUCT DESIGN
Design and make an original medal to celebrate a person, event or occasion
Understanding branding Drawing on design skills learnt in Year 7 to produce logo design ideas Understanding the fundamental rules of using Photoshop Exploring a variety of different editing techniques Knowing how to prepare JPEG files for further editing logo design Working with nets and templates to create shop and van livery Creating a basic bread dough, kneading, shaping, baking Creating a bread dough pizza, rolling out, shaping, topping, baking Working safely with high-risk food (mince beef), frying, seasoning, filling and rolling Melting method, combining ingredients, baking, creating a high fibre snack Inspirational research on the theme of ‘Celebration’ Initial and final design ideas Understanding isometric drawing Using CAD/CAM to create design for the laser cutter Understanding the pewter casting process and safety around it Casting, cutting and finishing design in pewter Laser cutting acrylic Abrasion techniques Using a hand drill Design and make a display stand using acrylic and the strip heater to promote and display Test and evaluate final outcome 6
humanities CLASSICS:
CLASSICAL CIVILISATION Introduction to Ancient Greece
Year 8
Mythology: Creation myths, Mythical beasts, Perseus, Jason, Theseus, Heracles
Caroline Lawrence’s The Night Raid: Events, themes, characters and plot Pompeii and the eruption of Vesuvius Pliny’s Letters The Romans in Britain
LATIN Introduction to Latin
Essay writing Critical thinking Communication Research – selecting relevant information from sources Understanding of social, political, historical and cultural issues in their context Literary analysis
Year 7
Latin Language: present tense verbs; nominative and accusative nouns Vocabulary
Translation Comprehension Problem solving Logic Analysis Etymology Cultural, historical, social and political understanding of different cultures
Civilisation: Life in Rome. The Roman insula Latin Language: Plural nouns and verbs Vocabulary Civilisation: Chariot racing State religion Latin Language: Irregular verbs. Infinitives Vocabulary Civilisation: Roman baths
Year 8
Latin Language: imperfect and perfect tenses; the ablative case; superlative adjectives; prepositions; time clauses Vocabulary Civilisation: Slavery in the Roman world; the Romans in Britain Latin Language: The dative case; adjectival agreement Vocabulary Civilisation: Military life; Boudica; the town of Aquae Sulis
Latin Language: The genitive and vocative cases; direct commands Vocabulary Civilisation: Neptune and the Romans’ relationship with the sea; the great fire in Rome
Translation Comprehension Problem solving Logic Analysis Etymology Cultural, historical, social and political understanding of different cultures
ENGLISH Using imagination to be creative Using Shakespeare’s worlds to create their own Understanding non-fiction writing
Year 7 Imagination: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe / The Secret Garden / The Hound of the Baskervilles Introduction to Shakespeare and fantasy project
Creative writing
non-fiction writing
Studying prose
Year 8 Relationships: Roll of Thunder / Iqbal Much Ado about Nothing Relationships poetry Writing a magazine
Poetry Assessment
Prose assessment Shakespeare assessment
Understanding how writers present ‘real world’ issues Engaging with an entire Shakespeare play Appreciating how poems are created
GEOGRAPHY Year 7
Introduction to Geography Plastic pollution Tourism Ecosystems Population
Year 8
Map skills Research Investigation Group work Debate Presentations Peer assessment Creativity Living graphs Current affairs Field trip to Blue Reef Aquarium
Geography of Europe Antarctica Fashion and development Africa Coasts Impossible places
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Map skills Research Climate graphs Investigation Group work Presentations Peer assessment GIS (Geographic Information System) Engaging with current affairs Modelling Decision making Coasts field trip
humanities HISTORY The History of Farnborough Hill
Year 7
Knowledge of local history Why was the Church so important in the Middle Ages? The ability to use detailed information to describe historical features Why was the c16th a century of religious turmoil? Identification of the causes of events How was the Elizabethan settlement threatened? The ability to classify causes into different factors Why was slavery abolished? The ability to apply a PEE (point, evidence, explanation) structure to paragraphs The Titanic Extended writing skills The ability to draw inferences from historical sources Women’s Suffrage Why did WWI breakout in 1914? The First World War How did the victors try to build peace? The Roaring Twenties Why did Hitler rise to power in Germany? Hitler’s Germany What was the impact of the war upon Britain?
Year 8
The ability to use detailed information to describe historical features Identification of the causes of events The ability to classify causes into different factors The ability to apply a PEE (point, evidence, explanation) structure to paragraphs The ability to evaluate a range of evidence and use this to reach supported judgements about the relative importance of different factors Extended writing skills The ability to draw inferences from historical sources
MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES:
All Year 7 pupils begin Farnborough Hill with a short language carousel, with approximately two weeks of French, two weeks of German and two weeks of Spanish.
The four key skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing are covered in every topic in Years 7 and 8. We also practice translation from the target language to English and from English to the target language in all topics.
They cover: Greetings and saying ‘how you are feeling’, Name and age, Alphabet and phonics, Birthdays, Culture At October half term, your daughter will select two languages to continue studying to the end of Year 7. At the end of Year 7, your daughter will select at least one language from French, German, Spanish or Latin.
FRENCH Pets
Year 7
GERMAN Pets
SPANISH
Year 7
Family
Year 7
Physical descriptions
Family
Pets
Describing personality
Describing personality
Physical descriptions
Giving opinions
Physical descriptions
Describing your personality
School subjects
Sports
Opinions about free time
Describing your school day
Free time activities
Weather
Telling the time
Giving opinions
Sports
Food and drink
Technology
Regular present tense
Using technology
Sports
Giving opinions about other people
Sports and activities
School subjects
Opinions about free time
Describing your school day
Describing what other people do in their free time
School facilities and rules
TV and Film
Year 8
Town
Year 8
Year 8
Where you live
Reading
Shopping
Describing your house
Technology
Holiday plans
Prepositions
Free time activities using past tense
Holidaying in the past
Describing your town
A visit to Paris
Travel
Activities in town
Methods of transport
Weather
Near future tense
Past tense
Holiday problems
School subjects
Personality
Film and TV
Opinions
Relationships
Reading
Future study plans
Music
Use of technology
Telling the time
Fashion
Food and drink
School facilities
The near future tense
Understanding recipes
School uniform
Where I live
Healthy living
Consolidation of present and near future tenses
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humanities RELIGIOUS STUDIES Year 7
Year 8
Foundations of Catholic Belief and Scripture Creation and Covenant Ways of knowing God Reading and interpreting the Bible Genesis 1 and 2 and creation Science and religion Human dignity, responsibility and stewardship Prayer, ethical, artistic and lived religion options World Religion: Hinduism Origins and key beliefs (Brahman, Aum, sacred texts) Hindu deities Worship (home and temple) Festivals: Diwali and Holi Prophecy and Promise Structure and authority of the Bible Hebrew Bible and Old Testament Scripture, Tradition and Magisterium Use of scripture in Mass and prayer Artistic and lived religion options Galilee to Jerusalem Incarnation Titles of Jesus (Son of God, Son of Man, Christ) Early Christological debates Trinity Jesus as perfect human Ethical and artistic theology Desert to Garden Paschal Mystery Sacraments Eucharist and Mass To the Ends of the Earth Holy Spirit and Pentecost The Church and Confirmation Dialogue and Encounter Early Church councils Christian denominations and ecumenism
Developing Understanding and Moral Theology Judaism Abraham, Isaac, Moses and the Exodus Synagogue and home worship Shabbat, Kosher laws and festivals Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Pesach, Hanukkah Creation and Covenant The Fall and sin Conscience and moral decision-making Baptism Love of neighbour Prophecy and Promise Nature and purpose of prophecy John the Baptist and Advent Care for the poor Superstition Lived religion: Oscar Romero Galilee to Jerusalem Kingdom of God Parables and miracles Jesus and marginalised groups Refugee crisis (ethical focus) Desert to Garden Suffering and evil Lent and the Triduum Reconciliation The Problem of Evil To the Ends of the Earth Resurrection and afterlife Catholic funeral rites Baptism and salvation Purgatory Dialogue and Encounter Vatican II Ecclesiam Suam Eastern Catholic Churches
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• • • •
Biblical literacy and scriptural interpretation Understanding Catholic beliefs and practices Introduction to theology–science dialogue Ethical reflection and personal response Awareness of Hinduism and respectful dialogue Use of religious vocabulary and reasoning
• •
Deeper scriptural interpretation Moral reasoning and conscience formation Application of Catholic Social Teaching Understanding Judaism in historical and living contexts Ethical moral questions Analysis of suffering and hope
PERFORMING ARTS DRAMA
Year 7
Year 8 Greek, Elizabethan, Commedia dell ‘Arte, Restoration, Naturalism, Brecht, Theatre of the Absurd, Contemporary Theatre
Still image, Staging, Body Language, Facial Expression, Stereotypes, Characterisation Hot-seating, Tableaux, Narration, Off Text Improvisation Stock characters, stylised movement, Stereotypes, historical context
Theatre History
The Essential Toolkit of Drama
Shakespeare – The Tempest
The Circus
Improvisation
Physical Theatre
Spontaneity, ensemble skills, risk-taking, characterisation
Brecht
Spy School: Stanislavsky
Naturalistic theatre Units and Objectives, characterisation
Image Theatre, improvisation, thought tracking, inference, evaluating outcomes/ suggesting alternatives
Boal / Real world issues through Drama
Commedia dell ‘Arte/ Melodrama
Stylised movement, physical ensemble work, improvisation
Treatment of language, historical context, characterisation
Stage Combat
Improvisation
Epic Theatre
Spontaneity, ensemble skills, risk-taking, characterisation
Choreographed fight sequences, application within the context of text
MUSIC Year 7
Year 8
Rhythm and Timbre Ensemble Skills Form and Structure Composing using GarageBand Musical Notation Keyboard skills Triads and other chords Advanced keyboard skills
Call and Response Improvisation
Body Percussion
The Blues
Rap
Samba
The Classical Period
Film Music
Disney
The Planets
Reggae
Popular Music
Musical Theatre
Solo performance Melodic composition
Rhythm, including syncopation and cross rhythms Ensemble performance and improvisation Composing using leitmotifs Orchestral instrument recognition Extended composition
Tonality: major and minor Keyboard skills
Ensemble performance
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sciences MATHEMATICS
Year 7
Number: Directed numbers Algebra: Fundamentals and simplifying Number: Working with numbers Number: Fractions, Decimals and Percentages Ratio and Proportion: Ratio Algebra: Expanding brackets Geometry and measures: Perimeter, Area of 2D shapes and Surface Area Number: Fractions Algebra: Solving Equations Geometry and measures: Angles Number: Percentages Statistics: Averages and data representation
Use of order of operations with directed numbers Algebra manipulation, simplification and substitution Working with factors, multiples, squares, cubes and primes Converting between different number formats Manipulating ratios to solve mathematical problems Multiplication of algebraic terms Calculations of area and perimeter. Solving problems with area and perimeter Using all four operations to solve mathematical problems with fractions Forming and solving linear equations Measure and Draw Angles, complete calculations to find missing angles and form equations Calculate percentage of an amount, increase and decrease Calculations with the mean, median and mode. Represent data in different formats and understand the advantages and disadvantages of different representations
Year 8 Number: Indices Number: Percentage Change Algebra: Brackets, Factorising and substitution
Number: Squares, Cubes, Roots, Rounding Geometry and measures: Line Symmetry and reflection Handling data: Mean, mode, median and range Number: Ratio and Proportion Algebra: Linear Equations Geometry and Measures: The circle Number: Standard Form Algebra: Straight Line Graphs Handling Data: Sets and Probability Geometry and Measures: Angles in polygons
Using the laws of indices Percentage increase, decrease and finding a percentage change Substitution positive and negative numbers into expressions and formulae Factorising algebraic expressions Expanding single and double brackets Rounding to decimal places and significant figures. Estimate answers to calculations by rounding Identify lines of symmetry Reflect a shape in a given line of symmetry (vertically, horizontally and diagonally) Calculate averages from data sets. Compare data using averages. Understand the spread of the data Solve direct proportion problems. Convert between metric units and currencies. <ix ratios Solving equations with unknowns on both sides and brackets Forming equations from worded problems Finding the area and circumference of a circle, semi-circle and ¼ circle Put numbers into and take numbers out of standard form. Add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers in standard form Draw straight line graphs and find the equation of a line from a graph Understand and use the probability scale. Draw Venn Diagrams and use them for problem solving Find interior and exterior angles in polygons
COMPUTING Year 7 Using Computers Safely and Responsibly
File and folder management
Game Making in Scratch
Online Safety
Spreadsheets
Password Management
Idea Badges
Understanding Multifactor Authentication Simple Game Loops Character Movement Sensing and responding to input Use of variables Formatting Spreadsheets Simple Mathematical Formulae Creating Graphs and Charts Calculating Profit and Loss Developing Software Skills, Skills for employment and Digital Literacy
Cryptography and codebreaking Turtle Programming Introduction to Python Programming Practical Computing: BBC Microbits Touch Typing
Year 8 Use of a range of simple codes and ciphers Basic code breaking skills using educated guesses and frequency analysis Drawing basic shapes Using repeating patterns Use of procedures to generate more complex images Use of Variables Understanding data types Input and Output IF and ELSE Statements For and while loops Use of hardware including downloading code Responding to user input Responding to sensor input Generating random numbers Basic Touch Typing Skills
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sciences PE
Year 7 Athletics – Introduction
Learning basic techniques and understanding safety
Badminton – Introduction
Basic skills, rules, and understanding of gameplay
Cricket – Introduction
Fundamental skills, basic rules, and understanding of gameplay
Fitness – Introduction
Developing technique and game awareness
Football – Introduction
Basic control, dribbling, and short passing
Netball – Introduction
Movement, passing, receiving, and marking
Swimming – Introduction and Stroke Technique
Developing technique, confidence, and understanding of swimming rules
Tennis – Introduction
Basic strokes, control, and understanding of rules
Outdoor and Adventurous Activities – Introduction
Basic navigation, movement, and teamwork
Athletics – Developing Technique and Control
Year 8
Building consistency, linking phases, and introducing pacing
Badminton – Developing Technique and Tactical Awareness
Consistency, shot variety, and tactical play
Cricket – Developing Technique and Game Awareness
Consistency, shot selection, and understanding of game structure
Fitness – Developing Fitness Knowledge and Application
Linking components of fitness to training and understanding short-term effects
Football – Developing Technique and DecisionMaking
Consistency, use of both feet, and tactical awareness
Netball – Developing Technique and DecisionMaking
Defending, shooting, and attacking combinations
Swimming – Developing Aquatic Skills and Water Safety
Applying swimming ability in creative, tactical, and safety contexts
Tennis – Developing Technique and Tactical Awareness
Consistency, shot variety, and simple tactics
Outdoor and Adventurous Activities – Developing Skills and Strategy
Applying navigation, improving climbing technique, and enhancing teamwork
SCIENCE Year 7
Introduction to Science
Identifying hazards
Particles
Safe working
Cells and Tissues
Data collection and analysis
Energy
Graph plotting
Atoms
Drawing conclusions
Space
Using models and diagrams to represent space phenomena
Reproduction
Interpreting data about planets, stars, and galaxies
Adaptation and Inheritance
Discussing health, hygiene, and emotional changes respectfully Understanding variation within species Using classification keys and studying biodiversity
Forces and Motion
Year 8
Interpreting motion graphs and data
Health and Lifestyle
Calculating quantities using substitution into equations.
Chemical Reactions
Understanding the importance of nutrition and balanced diets
Light and Sound
Developing communication skills through health discussions
Acids and Alkalis
Identifying signs of chemical reactions
Photosynthesis and Food Webs
Writing and interpreting word equations
Circuits and Magnetism
Using ray diagrams to represent light paths
Microbes
Applying knowledge of waves to real-life situations Using indicators and the pH scale to classify substances Developing laboratory safety and practical skills Analysing environmental impacts on habitats Investigating factors affecting plant growth Using circuit symbols and drawing circuit diagrams Predicting and testing outcomes in practical investigations Drawing graphs Learning how infections spread and how they can be prevented Interpreting scientific evidence related to vaccines and antibiotics
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PRogress monitoring ACADEMIC TRACKING AND MONITORING
Most subjects will set a short assessment in November. Known as November Tests, these take place in class during normal timetabled lessons. More extended formal assessments take place in the week after the May half term, when the normal timetable is suspended and assessments are sat in Form Rooms. Revision lists will always be provided well in advance of these assessments. The results of these assessments will be reported to parents at the end of the Autumn and the Summer Terms. You will also receive Progress Grades at the end of each half term from February. In addition to providing an update on Attainment, these will also comment on Approach to Learning and Completion of Prep. Each Form Group will also have one Parents’ Evening per year, which is an opportunity to meet each subject teacher to discuss progress. Year 7 Parents’ Meeting 2 February 2027 (7A/B) and 10 February 2027 (7α) Year 8 Parents’ Meeting 16 November 2026 (8A/B) and 25 November 2026 (8α) In the first term of Year 7, there will be a Year 7 parents’ ‘Meet the Tutor Evening’, giving parents the opportunity to meet their daughter’s Form Tutor. In the second term of Year 8, there will be an Options Evening, at which the process for refining the curriculum in preparation for GCSEs will be explained in detail. Should you have any concerns about academic progress outside these times, please do not hesitate to contact your daughter’s Head of Year or Dr Ian Taylor-Warwick (Deputy Head – Academic).
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