Learningpathways for Reception - Year 8 Autumn Term 2024
Introduction
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome back to Felsted! We hope you enjoyed a wonderful and relaxing summer with your children. As we begin this new academic year, we extend our warmest greetings to you all.
Within this document, you will find an overview of the Autumn 2024 curriculum topics for each phase
This year, we are continuing to evolve beyond traditional classroom settings by embracing innovative teaching methods that foster self-belief and confidence in our students We will keep providing scaffolded learning experiences and adaptive teaching strategies to support every learner in achieving their academic objectives. By tailoring our approach to the unique needs of each child, we aim to ensure that no one is left behind and every student has the opportunity to thrive
We are also enhancing our assessment programs to give us more detailed insights into your child's progress, strengths, and areas for development These assessments will enable us to provide targeted interventions and support that will help every child reach their full potential
The GL online assessment program allows us to benchmark your child's performance against national standards in English, Maths, and Science This system is widely used by independent and state schools both nationally and internationally. Throughout this term, there will be continuous assessment checkpoints to help us understand how best to support your child Parent-teacher meetings or progress reports are scheduled for the second half of this term, and further details will be communicated to you by the Heads of Phase If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us.
While monitoring individual progress is crucial, our foremost priority is the wellbeing and personal development of every child. We recognise that a child's happiness and confidence are essential for effective learning. Our teachers focus on creating nurturing environments where children feel safe and encouraged to succeed Through our 'Restorative Practice' training, our staff are committed to recognising and celebrating each pupil's achievements, to build their self-belief and confidence We are dedicated to ensuring that all students feel happy and confident as they return to school, and we are excited to see all they will achieve throughout the Autumn Term
Your involvement and support are invaluable in your child's education, and we look forward to working with you throughout the year. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas to share
We look forward to a wonderful year filled with growth, learning, and achievement at Felsted.
Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education
Warm regards,
Christina Bury Assistant Head (Academic)
Pre-Prep
As we start the Autumn Term, our focus will be to welcome our new Reception pupils to school, and to welcome our Year 1s and Year 2s back to school Time is taken to help support the children to become familiar with the Pre-Prep routines Pupils will spend time with their class teachers for their core lessons but will be taught by Prep teachers for PE, Music, Spanish and Swimming Individual music lessons will be available to Year 1 and 2 pupils who wish to be involved in extra enrichment activities
The Pre-Prep curriculum is based on questions linked to a theme to support an enquiry approach to learning Pupils are assessed both formally (through end of term assessments) and informally (in daily lessons) and regular discussions take place to ensure pupils are at the right level and making the expected progress for them Regular Departmental meetings also ensure individuals' needs are discussed in core subjects of English and Maths
As well as supporting pupils in their academic lessons, the Teachers and Learning support staff will ensure the pupils are cared for pastorally Their wellbeing, both physical and mental, is very important to us There is a close relationship with parents to ensure we are caring for the pupils holisticallyThis term we will be sending a letter from class teachers in week 3 and hold Parent/Teacher meetings after half term Parents will also be invited to look through books and celebrate the Autumn term achievements
RECEPTION Curriculum content Autumn term:
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
This half term our topic is ‘Do you want to be friends?’ Within this, we will be learning about creating respectful relationships with one another Within this, we will be teaching the children how to express their own feelings and be considerate of others
English Communication and Language
Children will be engaging in daily stories, acquiring new vocabulary and will begin to express themselves and their ideas with increasing confidence. Children will be developing their awareness of how important it is to listen and be respectful when others are speaking.
Phonics
Children will partake in daily phonics sessions. Initially, these will be short 10 minute sessions that slowly increase 20 minutes. We teach phonics inline with the bug club progression which introduces a grapheme daily to the children with Friday being a day for consolidation
Writing
Children will be writing their names daily In addition to this, children will be participating in regular writing sessions which support the development of fine motor skills, letter formation and simple words
Reading
Children will have opportunities for reading throughout the school day This may be reading to an adult on a 1:1 basis; reading in a group; engaging with stories on the carpet; reading from the interactive whiteboard during phonics sessions; independent reading and library sessions
Maths We will follow the White Rose maths scheme which outlines the progression of mathematical skills required across the academic year. Our initial sessions will be spent immersing the children in mathematical language related to matching, sorting and comparing before moving onto exploring numbers 1,2 and 3. Children will acquire a deeper understanding of these numbers through subitising, pattern recognition and number composition.
Understanding the World
Expressive Arts
Children will be exploring their immediate environment We will be learning about their families, people who are familiar to them and people in our community This will be supported by our first hand experience of Little City We will also be exploring special festivals and events in different religions
Children will also have ample opportunity to explore the natural world around them through our weekly Forest School which takes place every Monday afternoon Please wear your navy sweatshirt and joggers and red t-shirt Also, please provide waterproofs for your child
Within our creative areas, children will be making marks with a variety of tools and resources, experimenting with colour, texture and form. Children will have the opportunity to follow their own creative ideas, using the resources available to bring their plans and ideas to life.
Music Music is a fundamental part of the Early Years Curriculum The children will be encouraged to sing, dance, play percussion instruments and listen to music from different periods in history and different cultures The focus this term is on Nursery Rhymes, finding our voices and body percussion The children will take part in a Harvest Festival and Christmas production
MFL: Spanish
Computing
The focus will be on developing basic oral language, asking and answering questions. The vocabulary covered will include greetings, saying how you feel, giving your name, colours, lower numbers and classroom instructions, taught through songs and using puppets. Children will also learn about Spanish Christmas traditions.
Children recognise that a range of technology is used in places such as homes and schools They select and use technology for particular purposes By the end of the Autumn term the children will begin to learn how to use the interactive whiteboard in the classroom and the classroom Ipad which will enhance their learning
PE
Children will show control and co ordination in large and small movements, moving confidently in a range of ways whilst safely negotiating space. Children will handle equipment and tools effectively, including pencils for writing. Children will learn the importance of good health, physical exercise, and a healthy diet, and talk about ways to keep healthy and safe. Children will manage their own basic hygiene and personal needs successfully.
YEAR 1
Curriculum content Autumn term:
English This term our topic is ‘What makes a Superhero?’. The main focus of the English lessons this term will be on sentence structure and joining clauses using ‘and’ and other connectives The children will be developing their writing by sequencing sentences to form short narratives
Punctuation and Grammar
Once a week, the children's English lesson will focus on grammar and punctuation. Aspects covered include: Separation of words in a sentence with spaces; Using capital letters and full stops accurately; introducing question marks and exclamation marks to demarcate sentences
Phonics and Spelling
This term we will be focussing on words with the 40+ phonemes already taught Continuing with common exception words (tricky words), Days of the week, Months of the year and Numbers We will be concentrating on learning letter names and using these to help distinguish between alternative spellings of the same sound
Reading
Children will have opportunities for reading throughout the school day This may be reading to an adult on a 1:1 basis; reading in a group; reading comprehensions; reading from the interactive whiteboard; independent reading and library sessions
Handwriting is a crucial element of the work in Year 1 We have daily practice with a focus this term on correct posture, holding a pencil comfortably and correctly Understanding how to form letters in an anticlockwise direction and focus attention on letter size
Maths Every day we will spend 10 minutes with the children practising key instant recall facts (maths facts that children are expected to recall instantly) Such as: number bonds to 10, 1 more and 1 less of a given number to 10, add 2 single digit numbers together, counting in 2s and 10s, ordering the days of the week and months of the year
Maths
This term, we will be focussing on place value for the first part of the term and will be reading, writing, comparing and ordering numbers to 10. The children will be introduced to new mathematical vocabulary such as fewer, more, same, greater than, less than and equal We will also be learning number bonds using part-whole diagrams After this, we will be exploring addition and subtraction in greater depth and the children will discuss and explore different methods to solve problems
Finally, we will be exploring 2D and 3D shapes The children will be recognising, naming, sorting and looking for patterns with 2D and 3D shapes.
Science
Our first science topic is Animals including Humans We will be focussing on the parts of our body and senses We will be working scientifically to perform simple tests in the context of investigating each of the five senses, for example investigating how our senses rely upon each other and creating simple tests to investigate who in our class has superhero skills (who is super stretchy? Who has super hearing?).
We will also be investigating Materials We will be completing simple experiments to test what properties different materials have Forest School provides an excellent opportunity to explore natural materials to help develop the children’s understanding of the difference between man made items and those found in the world around us
History Historical people - Learn about significant people in history and their importance.
The children will ‘meet’ Florence Nightingale and learn about her role in the Crimean war. We will also learn about the work of Mary Seacole. Link her role to the qualities of superheroes today - nurses/doctors
Geography Looking at Maps and local landmarks - follow a map to find Superheroes around the school
Art/DT We are focussing our art work around superheroes The children will be studying Lichtenstein’s Pop art to create onomatopoeia artwork, whilst learning about Primary colours We will be developing our fine motor skills by painting and cutting We will be encouraging the children's independence, creativity and imaginations
Music Year 1 children will enjoy making music with instruments and their voices, whilst following a 'Superhero' topic They begin to explore the 'musical elements' (dynamics, tempo, pitch, duration, timbre) through singing, movement, playing instruments and listening to music All children will be involved in the Harvest Festival and Christmas Production
MFL: Spanish
The children will continue to develop basic oral language, asking and answering questions The vocabulary covered will include greetings, saying how you feel, giving your name, colours, lower numbers and classroom instructions, taught through songs, games and using puppets. Children will also learn about Spanish Christmas traditions
Computing Logging on and off independently - the children will learn the basic skills of using a Chromebook and develop mouse control
PSHE The children will create Golden Rules for Stewart House, as well as individual class agreements and rules. They will also explore feelings and emotions and learn about healthy lifestyles.
RE In RE, we will be exploring special festivals and events in different religions The children will be thinking about ‘special’ people and symbols in many religions
PE
Master basic movements including running, jumping, throwing and catching, as well as developing balance, agility and coordination, and begin to apply these in a range of activities
Participate in team games, developing simple tactics for attacking and defending
YEAR 2
Curriculum content Autumn term:
English We will start this term by focusing on the question of ‘why do we have zoos?’, leading onto the enquiry of ‘how do zoos help with the conservation of endangered African animals?’
The children will begin by composing their own questions about African animals and questions to ask staff at Colchester Zoo We will focus on correct punctuation and adding detail to make our questions interesting
This term we have made comprehension skills a real focus of our daily lessons. Activities will include answering questions on book covers and blurbs, practising retrieval, word meaning, prediction as well as early inference skills on a range of texts
Reading
Children will have opportunities for reading throughout the school day We aim to ensure that your child will read on a 1:1 basis to an adult three times a week It may be necessary for some children to read more than three times a week on an intervention basis.
Our focus on the teaching of comprehension skills during English lessons will help to develop and support the children’s understanding and enjoyment of what they have read
Phonics and Spelling
The children will be taught phonics daily using Pearson’s Bug Club Phonics. They will practise blending (for reading) and segmenting (for spelling) Children will complete a range of activities to reinforce the phonic sounds being taught
Every week, the children will have a new set of spellings, either based on the phonics we are working on, or a new spelling rule that we are focusing on. For example, -le as in ‘table’ We will be using the Spelling Shed platform They will be tested on these spellings once a week
Handwriting
Handwriting continues to be an important focus in Year 2 and we will be encouraging children to form their letters and numbers correctly, as well as ensuring correct placement on the line, spacing and size We will then be moving onto developing cursive handwriting with correct letter joining when the children are ready
Maths
Science
We will focus on place value for the first part of the term The children will learn to recognise tens and ones, use a place value chart, partition numbers to 100, write numbers to 100 in words and flexibly partition numbers to 100.
The children will also use number lines to 100 (using 10s and 1s) as well as estimating numbers on a blank number line The children will compare and order objects and numbers They will also count in 2s, 5s, 10s and 3s
After this we will be focusing on addition and subtraction, where the children will recap their number bonds to 10, 20 and then 100 (in 10s) The children will add to the next 10 and add across a 10, then subtract across 10 and subtract from a 10 The children will practise adding and subtracting 10s, and add two 2-digit numbers (not across a 10, then across a 10) and subtract two 2-digit numbers (not across a 10 and across a 10) The children will compare number sentences and learn how to solve missing number problems
Finally, we will complete a unit on geometry (shape) The children will identify 2-D and 3-D shapes. They will count sides and vertices on 2-D shapes, sort them, draw 2-D shapes and learn about lines of symmetry We will then count faces, edges and vertices on 3-D shapes, sort them and then make patterns with 2-D and 3-D shapes.
Our first science topic is ‘Animal Needs for Survival’ The children will focus on different animals and the environments they live in We will visit Colchester Zoo and learn about how animals have adapted to suit their habitats in order to survive Will will learn about mammals and what they need to survive The children will work scientifically and ask simple questions and recognise that these can be answered in different ways The children will learn about birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles and humans and their specific needs for survival Over the course of this topic the children will gather and record data to help them when answering questions The children will work scientifically to identify and classify animals
We will then focus our lessons on ‘Humans’ and how to keep healthy The children will learn about exercise and why it is important for humans The children will make predictions about which types of exercise will raise their heart rate the most and the least, then test out their predictions The children will learn about food and what makes a healthy diet and an unhealthy diet, thinking about foods that can be eaten every day and those which can be eaten sometimes
We will learn about hygiene and germs and discuss the importance of good personal hygiene The children will learn about healthy teeth and gums and how to maintain good oral hygiene Children will undertake a short pattern seeking enquiry to investigate whether the oldest children have the most teeth.
Finally, we will learn about ‘Materials’. The children will investigate a range of materials, learning about texture, whether they bend, squash, twist or stretch. The children will look at materials that can change shape and those that stay in a shape or that can change back to their original shape. They will then plan an investigation: Which material would be the best for an umbrella?
Geography
We will practise using atlases and Google Earth to find and locate Africa and different continents and oceans around the world
We will describe and compare human and physical features seen in our local environment and an African country.
Art/DT Art this term will be influenced by our Year 2 topic on Africa
The children will be learning about the art of Edward Saidi Tingatinga as well as creating their own African masks and pots
The children will be creating multi-coloured prints using block paint and polystyrene tiles
Music This term, the Year 2 children will all learn to play the recorder in their weekly Music lessons. The children will learn to create their own ways of recording Music on paper, creating sounds and reading musical patterns. They will begin to read standard musical notation and play percussion instruments. All children will be involved in the Harvest Festival and Christmas production.
MFL: Spanish Every Thursday morning the children will be taught Spanish with Senora Cabrera where they will work on basic conversational and vocabulary skills
Computing The children begin by revisiting how to log on to a Chromebook, access Google Classrooms and Purple Mash. We will also be focusing on online safety, then moving on to coding.
PSHE The children will begin by discussing rules and behaviour in the classroom and around the school. They generated their own Class Rules, which will be displayed in the classroom.
We will use the Think Equal scheme’s ‘Marvellous Me’ story as a starting point for discussions about what makes us individual. We will celebrate our similarities and differences in a respectful way.
We also have weekly ‘Friendship Time’, which gives the children opportunities to build appropriate, respectful relationships with each other throughout a range of activities.
RE
Special places - thinking about personal experiences and special places linked to world faiths - Christianity, Judaism and Islam. We will be visiting the school Chapel with Reverend Little
PE The children will have swimming every Monday afternoon and PE every Thursday afternoon In PE children will develop their basic movements including running, jumping, throwing and catching, as well as developing balance, agility and coordination, and begin to apply these in a range of activities and team games whilst developing simple tactics
Ffrome Court
As we start the new academic year, our focus will be to welcome pupils back to school and help them settle into the routines of Years 3 and 4. Pupils will spend the majority of their time with the Ffrome Court Teachers for their core lessons but will encounter a wider range of teachers for some of their subject teaching.
Pupils will be taught Maths, English, Science, Humanities, RS, Spanish, Art, DT, Computing, Music, PSHE and Games/PE as well as taking part in our wider activity programme after school every afternoon. Forest Schools sessions are also offered on a timetabled rotation across the term.
Lessons will be supported by Learning Assistants where necessary and children are also able to access 1 to 1 support where we consider it necessary. One piece of Mathematics and English home-learning will be set weekly (commencing at the end of Week 3), which will sit alongside the daily spelling, reading and X-table practice we strongly encourage outside of School.
Individual music lessons and LAMDA lessons will be available to those pupils who wish to be involved in these extra activities
The pupils are constantly assessed both formally (through end of term assessments) and informally (in daily lessons) and regular discussions take place to ensure pupils are at the right level and making the expected progress for them Regular Departmental and Phase Meetings also ensure individuals are discussed in each subject
As well as supporting pupils in their academic lessons, the Teachers and Learning Assistants will ensure the pupils are cared for pastorally Their wellbeing, both physical and mental, is very important to us We will also ensure a close relationship with parents to ensure we are caring for the pupils holistically
This term your child will receive a progress report at the end of Term and you are invited to look at your child’s books Further information about these dates will be communicated to you via the newsletter in due course
Sh ld i h t di t f hild’ l i f th l d t hesitate to r
YEAR 3
English Recount
Writing a Recount of the Summer holiday and learning how to structure this correctly.
Hansel and Gretel
Planning and writing a newspaper report based on the story.
Persuasive Writing
Use persuasive writing to compose an advert about selling a house.
The Firework Maker's Daughter
Follow, order and write instructions, identifying how language, structure and presentation contribute to meaning
Play Scripts (Links to Ffrome Court Xmas Play - Ebenezer)
Compare the differences between written dialogue in a text and in a play
Create a playscript using all key features Perform a play
Informal Letter Writing
Writing letters to Father Christmas
Regular Comprehensions, Spelling Tests & Grammar Development
Maths This term will see a focus on the consolidation and development of the following Number topics:
Place value, addition & subtraction, multiplication and division (formal and mental methods)
Mental Maths Tests
Regular times table and division tests. Maths Preps to consolidate learning.
Science Plants
● Identify and describe the functions of different parts of flowering plants
● Explore the requirements of plants for life and growth (Investigation work)
● Investigate the way in which water is transported within plants
● The pollination and fertilisation process
● The life cycle of a plant
Light & Dark
● To recognise that we need light in order to see things Darkness is an absence of light
● Explore what Sources of light are, Reflections and shadows Purpose of reflective materials and mirrors
● To recognise that light from the sun can be dangerous and that there are ways to protect our eyes
Spanish
All children will learn greetings, how to ask and answer questions about themselves and others They will also learn about meal-times and how to describe their likes and dislikes with food and drink
Topic Ancient Egypt (History and Geography Focus)
Bringing together both History and Geography elements, the Year 3 pupils will learn about the following:
● The Geography of Egypt and the River Nile.
● Explore Egyptian Artefacts (with a School trip to Saffron Walden Museum).
● Identify the steps to mummification.
● Learn about the Egyptian Gods and Goddesses and what the Egyptians thought about the After-life
● Learn about the discovery of Tutankhamun’s Tomb by Howard Carter
● Learn more about Egyptian life and civilization
● Understand and give some simple reasons as to why the Ancient Egyptian civilisation went into decline and give the key events of Ancient Egypt in chronological order
Music Whole Class String Tuition.
All children in Year 3 begin to play a violin, viola or cello this term They learn the basics of string technique, playing as an ensemble and learning about the String family of instruments This is also supported by reading rhythmic notation and playing on percussion instruments All children take part in the Ffrome Court Choir and sing in every weekly music lesson The children take part in the Autumn Term production
Computing Pupils will practise and further Touch-Typing skills They will also practise both gathering and presenting work using the Google Suite (e g Google Slides) This will have wider connections to Topic-based lessons this term
Ongoing support across the term will be given to all pupils so that they can learn how to use the Chromebook interface and Felsted Google Apps
PE
Art
The children will have a swimming lesson during PE this term, developing various strokes and their water confidence
Create a Death Mask as part of their Ancient Egyptian project. Design an Egyptian collar that is symmetrical and decorate it.
DT Moving Monsters
Using split pins to create monsters that can move
RS Hindu Beliefs & Diwali
Finding out about Hindu beliefs, places of worship, festivals and their Holy Book A closer look at the meaning of Diwali and how it is celebrated
PSHE Health & Wellbeing, Relationships, Living in the Wider World
Topics covered will include: Making and maintaining healthy friendships; Responding to secrets (good/bad)
Economic Wellbeing will explore attitudes and ideas about spending and saving money as well as value for money
YEAR 4
English Use the story of Gregory Cool to complete the following writing outcomes:
Writing poetry
Story mapping
Write fact files
Writing instructions
Writing a character description
Writing a diary entry
Write a biography
Use the story of One Plastic Bag to complete the following writing outcomes:
Take notes
Write a leaflet, booklet and poster
Write a poem
Create an advertising campaign (tweets, radio jingle, tv script)
Reading:
Discussing book themes
Making comparisons within and across books
Read poems, perform and use intonation when reading aloud
Draw inferences of character feelings, thoughts and motives in fiction
Asking questions to improve understanding
Summarising the main ideas in a book and predicting what may happen
Weekly comprehension, Grammar, spellings, guided reading
Maths Place Value including:
Rounding
Partitioning
Negative numbers
Counting on and back
Sequencing
Greater than less than
Roman Numerals
4 operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
Time
Area
Length and perimeter
Fractions
Decimals
Money
Shape
Position and direction
Statistics
Problems involving measure: STEAM
All formal methods incl word problems
Weekly preps, Mental arithmetic and times and division facts recall tests as well as end of topic assessments
Science Living Things & Their Habitats
Pupils will explore a variety of ways to identify, sort, group and classify living things They learn how animals are split into 'vertebrates' and 'invertebrates' and begin to consider the differences between living things within these classifications They use and create classification keys to group, identify and
name living things from the local habitat and beyond This unit also introduces pupils to the idea that environments are subject to human-made and natural changes, and that these changes can have a significant impact on living things
Throughout the unit pupils work scientifically by gathering, recording and presenting information in different ways
The Environment around us:
Endangered Species and the Environment, Zoo/Wild Animals Understanding Environmental Issues
Spanish This term, the children will be learning how to describe their free-time pursuits using sports and activities. During the second half of the term they will be learning how to extend their sentences using connectives, adding countries and giving opinions, saying what they do in different weather types
Consolidation from Year 3,
Humanities History - The Romans & Vikings
This Romans unit will teach pupils about the impact the Roman empire had on life in Britain. They will learn about the spread of the Roman empire, the invasion of Britain and the eventual conquest. They will look in detail at the Roman Army and how this contributed to the strength of the Roman Empire
The children will also look in detail at some aspects of the Romanisation of Britain, such as the building of Roman roads and bathhouses
The Vikings Topic will explore the tumultuous relationship that the Vikings had, as invaders, with the Anglo-Saxons Pupils will learn about the ongoing conflict and resolution attempts between them, whilst exploring different elements of law, justice in the Anglo-Saxon and Viking times
Music This term, the children will focus on reading, creating and performing rhythmic patterns They will learn different musical terms, related to the musical elements (eg, Ostinato, Canon, Rondo form, dynamic and tempo terms) The children will be part of the Ffrome Court choir and will work towards the Christmas production
Computing Vector Drawing
In this unit, learners start to create vector drawings They learn how to use different drawing tools to help them create images Learners recognise that images in vector drawings are created using shapes and lines, and each individual element in the drawing is called an object Learners layer their objects and begin grouping and duplicating them to support the creation of more complex pieces of work. This unit is planned using the Google Drawings app.
PE In PE we will be taking part in swimming and gymnastics this term In the pool we aim to increase pupils' confidence and skill level in the water During Gymnastics we will explore different balances and shapes
Art Pop Art
Poster inspired by Roy Lichtenstein
DT 3D Design
Design and make a castle
RS Judaism:
The Special Jewish relationship with God Promises including: Moses and the 10 commandments; the covenant story of Abraham.
Christianity:
The significance of the Nativity story for Christians Symbols in the Nativity story. Christingles and their meaning.
PSHE Health & Wellbeing, Relationships, Living in the Wider World Topics covered will include: Making and maintaining healthy friendships; Economic Wellbeing will explore how money can be managed in different ways as well as exploring how gaming behaviours can link to money that is spent
Cloisters
As we welcome the children to Cloisters, our focus is on how best to effectively equip them for the next phase of their academic journey. The children study a broad and balanced curriculum which is delivered in individual subjects by specialist teachers, very similar to that studied in the secondary system; this is designed so that lessons can be delivered to the highest possible standard and provide the most effective levels of challenge.This also means that children will move around the school and experience learning in different classrooms and environments. All lessons promote effective learning behaviours and reinforce positive routines and conduct alongside consolidation of their knowledge and understanding. Independent learning is very much promoted with the introduction of Chromebooks in Year 5.
It is our main aim to ensure that all children settle well into their routines and that they thrive in lessons and co-curricular activities The academic subjects of Maths, English and Science continue to form a strong foundation in this phase; the children will receive daily Maths and English lessons and Science lessons twice each week and Prep will be set for all three subjects
Lessons will be supported by Learning Assistants where necessary and children are also able to access SPM groups and 1 to 1 support where we consider it necessary. Supervised Prep sessions take place in the afternoons and allow for children to complete tasks to consolidate and extend their learning with subject specific teachers The children will be challenged throughout the curriculum and dedicated lessons in Spanish, Art, D TE , Music, Drama, Computing, R S , Geography, History and P.E ensure a broad coverage.
The pupils are constantly assessed both formally (through end of term assessments) and informally (in daily lessons) and regular discussions take place to ensure pupils’ attainment is at the appropriate level and that they are making good or excellent progress. In Year 6 children will have the opportunity to apply for Academic and Sport Scholarships as well as MSA awards in disciplines including Drama, Music, Art and DTE
As well as supporting pupils in their academic lessons, the Teachers and Learning Support staff will ensure the pupils are cared for pastorally Their wellbeing, both physical and mental, is of the utmost importance to us and we will ensure a close relationship with parents so that we are all working together for the best possible outcomes for your child.
This term we will provide feedback through a Parent/Teacher Meeting if your child is in Year 5 and a written report if they are in Year 6. We are of course available throughout the year to discuss your child’s development or any issues that may arise.
YEAR 5
English Treason by Berlie Doherty
Following the CLPE, Power of Reading Approaches, children should enjoy the writing process and engage in challenging texts therefore encouraging a strong desire to learn.
Weekly spellings and grammar using Spelling Shed which will involve interactive learning differentiated accordingly.
Comprehension skills: skimming and scanning, retrieval, prediction, deduction, inference and authorial technique
Accelerated Reader reading range assessment x 2
Maths
Children will continue to consolidate known facts and further develop mathematical fluency. New learning and revision will cover but not be limited to:
● Place Value: Understanding and working with numbers up to 1,000,000
This includes reading, writing, comparing, and ordering numbers, understanding powers of ten, partitioning, and rounding numbers
● Addition and Subtraction: Building on existing knowledge to perform addition and subtraction with larger numbers, focusing on mental strategies, checking calculations by rounding, and solving multi-step problems
● Multiplication and Division: Strengthening understanding of multiples, factors, and prime numbers, as well as multiplying and dividing by 10, 100, and 1,000 Students will also explore square and cube numbers
● Fractions: Expanding knowledge of fractions by finding and comparing equivalent fractions, converting between improper fractions and mixed numbers, ordering fractions, and performing addition and subtraction of fractions with the same denominator
These topics will help children develop a deeper understanding of number relationships, improve their problem-solving skills, and ensure they are well-prepared for more advanced mathematical concepts
Science Keeping Healthy
Diet and nutrition
Exercise and effects on heart rate
Drugs and health
Changing State
Solids, liquids and gases and particle model
Changes in state related to water cycle
Modern Foreign Languages: Spanish
Pupils will consolidate their learning of greetings and answering questions about themselves. Then they will study the rooms in the house including adjectives, chores and activities around the home. The pupils will also research Christmas traditions and discuss cultural differences, with a focus on Spanish speaking countries.
History The Tudors:
This term, Year 5 students will learn about the Tudor period They will study the Battle of Bosworth and how the Tudor dynasty started with Henry VII They will also explore Henry VIII's marriages, religious differences, and the reigns of Edward VI and Bloody Mary
Lastly, they'll find out about the challenges Queen Elizabeth I faced This will help them understand how the Tudors influenced England's history
Geography OS Maps and Skills
Pupils will develop basic map skills of OS maps including: 4 fig. grid references, direction & distance; Relief of the land, including contour lines & recognising the shape of the landscape
Volcanoes
Pupils will study the structure of volcanoes and the location of volcanic activity. They will use a variety of case studies to understand why people might live near volcanoes.
RS How Christians show commitment to God
A study of the different ways Christians choose to show commitment to God. To reflect on the meaning of commitment and the different degrees of which religious believers show this This will also include looking at the fundamental teachings and events of Christianity and applying them to modern life and the lives of the people in contemporary society
Art
Instrument Paintings
Creating large scale paintings, investigating scale, composition, colour mixing and complimentary colours
Tonal Drawing
From observation, create an animal portrait, using a grid system working in pencil, investigating tone and form
DTE
Structural Engineering
Pupils will develop their understanding of different examples of structures They will have the opportunity to create their own structure in groups whilst they undertake the ‘Felsted Tower Challenge’
Pupils then move into an introduction to the DTE workshop, focusing on health and safety and the tools / equipment / machinery
Computing Flat-File Databases
This unit looks at how a flat-file database can be used to organise data in records. Pupils use tools within a database to order and answer questions about data. They create graphs and charts from their data to help solve problems. They use a real-life database to answer a question, and present their work to others.
UK Bebras Computing Challenge
Pupils will participate in this event after the half-term break.
Introduction to Spreadsheets
This unit introduces the learners to spreadsheets. They will be supported in
organising data into columns and rows to create their own data set Learners will be taught the importance of formatting data to support calculations, while also being introduced to formulas and will begin to understand how they can be used to produce calculated data Learners will be taught how to apply formulas that include a range of cells, and apply formulas to multiple cells by duplicating them Learners will use spreadsheets to plan an event and answer questions Finally, learners will create charts, and evaluate their results in comparison to questions asked
Drama Learners will be exploring the infamous story of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ by Roald Dahl and using it to introduce drama techniques such as freeze frame, mime and both spontaneous improvisation and rehearsed improvisation Learners will then be introduced to Physical Theatre as a way of storytelling. A focus on a Persian folktale called ‘The Phoenix of Persia’ by Pomme Clayton and Amin Hassanzadeh Sharif and a Bangladeshi folktale called ‘The King with Dirty Feet’
Music Musical elements and musical theory
To develop and demonstrate their musical skills, knowledge and understanding of musical elements including pitch, tempo, dynamics, duration, timbre, texture and structure. To develop their understanding of music theory and notation and be able to use this on a practical level with musical instruments in the classroom. The Origin of Song
To explore the roots and different forms of song from blues and spirituals through to opera
PE In PE we will be taking part in swimming and gymnastics this term In the pool we aim to increase pupils' confidence and skill level in the water During Gymnastics we will explore different balances and shapes
PSHE Living in the Wider World
Topics covered will include: Identities, Diversity & Communities, National Government. The Law & Democracy.
Relationships
Pupils will look at respecting differences, negotiation and compromise, trustworthiness, values and traits.
YEAR 6
English The Nowhere Emporium
by Ross Mackenzie War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
Following the CLPE, Power of Reading Approaches, children should enjoy the writing process and engage in challenging texts therefore encouraging a strong desire to learn.
Weekly spellings and grammar using Spelling Shed which will involve interactive learning differentiated accordingly.
Creative writing: focus on descriptive and sensory writing
Exam techniques and practice
Comprehension skills: skimming and scanning, retrieval, prediction, deduction, inference and authorial technique
Accelerated Reader reading range assessment x 2
Maths
Children will continue to consolidate known facts and further develop mathematical fluency. New learning and revision will cover but not be limited to:
● Place Value: In this unit, children will expand their understanding of numbers up to 10,000,000 They will work on reading, writing, comparing, and ordering these large numbers, understanding powers of ten, and working with negative numbers
● Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division: Students will build on their existing knowledge of these operations, focusing on more complex calculations, including long multiplication and division They will also work on solving multi-step problems and applying divisibility rules
● Fractions part 1: This unit will see children deepen their understanding of fractions, including comparing, ordering, adding, and subtracting both simple and mixed fractions They will also tackle more challenging problems involving fractions
● Fractions part 2: Continuing their work with fractions, children will learn to multiply and divide fractions by whole numbers and other fractions They will also solve problems involving fractions of amounts and mixed questions that require multiple steps
● Converting Units: This topic focuses on measurement, where children will practise converting between different metric and imperial units, including miles and kilometres, and perform calculations involving these conversions
Science More About Dissolving
This will include the states of matter and the principles involved in making solutions and the factors that affect solubility
Microbes
What microbes are, how they are affected by environmental conditions and how this relates to food storage and food wastage
Pupils will gain an understanding of bacteria, viruses and fungi They will also study the history of vaccinations
Modern Foreign Languages: Spanish
Pupils will learn how to talk about their free-time activities, describing others and nationalities They will also be able to invite friends out using the places in the town, creating authentic conversations
The children will also research Christmas traditions and discuss cultural differences, with a focus on Spanish speaking countries
History World War I and World War II
Year 6 pupils will explore the causes and impact of World War I We will begin by learning about the complex web of alliances and events that led to the war’s outbreak in 1914 Pupils will then investigate why the war was not over by Christmas, examining the factors that contributed to the prolonged and devastating conflict
Next, we will delve into the global nature of the war, understanding how countries from around the world became involved A significant focus will be on the Battle of the Somme, where we will study this pivotal and tragic event in detail
Finally, we will explore the reasons behind the war’s end in 1918, gaining insight into the factors that brought about the conclusion of one of history’s most significant conflicts.
After half term, pupils will think about how Hitler was able to become the most powerful person in Germany, and why the population did not necessarily consider him a tyrant. They will look at the Treaty of Versailles and understand what the long term causes of Hiler’s rise to power were and why many people in Britainparticularly in positions of power - were open to the idea of appeasement.
Geography
OS maps and skills
Pupils will develop their skills of OS maps, 4 and 6 fig grid references, OS map symbols, using scale when measuring distance, follow routes and use compass directions
Where do we live? Pupils develop their understanding of Felsted and its environment. They will show knowledge of location of Essex, UK and Europe.
Biomes; hot and cold deserts
Pupils will look at major Biomes around the world, with a particular focus on hot and cold deserts Using Svalbard and Namibia as case studies They will discover the adaptations of Flora and Fauna in the environments
RS How Muslims show commitment to God
A study of the different ways Muslims choose to show commitment to God. To reflect on the meaning of commitment and the different degrees of which religious believers show this Pupils will also start to draw comparisons between Christianity and Islam to celebrate differences and most importantly to recognise similarities that reflect the diversity of modern Britain
DTE
Communication Skills
Pupils will learn and develop drawing techniques used to support the communicating of their design solutions They will learn how to free hand sketch and produce design work in isometric They will also learn how to add tone through rendering techniques to enhance their work further Following this, pupils will gain extended experiences of how computers are used within the world of DTE through Computer Aided Design software
Art Investigating Pattern
Using trees as inspiration create your own artwork investigating patterns and using Impressionist and Fauvist colour pallets
Computing Repetition in Shapes
Students will create programs by planning, modifying, and testing commands to create shapes and patterns. They will use Logo, a text-based programming language.
UK Bebras Computing Challenge
Pupils will participate in this event after the half-term break.
Web Page Creation
This unit introduces learners to the creation of websites for a chosen purpose Learners identify what makes a good web page and use this information to design and evaluate their own website using Google Sites Throughout the process learners pay specific attention to copyright and fair use of media, the aesthetics of the site, and navigation paths
Drama Learners will be exploring the Greek Myth of ‘Pandora’s Box’ Using freeze frames, mime and physical theatre to experiment with interesting storytelling techniques A focus on improvisation to understand the dilemma Pandora faces ‘Take me to the Mountains’ allows learners to explore Japanese culture and our relationship with the older generation using improvisation and other drama techniques.
Music Junior Brass
Year 6 will learn to play brass instruments in our whole class Junior Brass Band Pupils will learn the basics on either trumpet, trombone or tenor horn This topic will also engage the pupils in the history of brass music from Tudor times, the music of Handel, Copeland’s ‘Fanfare for the Common Man’ and the film music of John Williams
Music theory
To develop and demonstrate their musical skills, knowledge and understanding of musical elements including pitch, tempo, dynamics, duration, timbre, texture and structure. To develop their understanding of music theory and notation
PE
In PE we will be taking part in swimming and gymnastics this term 6F will swim up to half term while 6A complete gymnastics, with both groups swapping at half term
PSHE Relationships
Different family set-ups and the value of marriage will be explored
Living in the Wider World
Pupils will explore inclusion and human rights
Digital Awareness - positive self-image, managing online behaviour Responding to online risks and challenges.
Year 6s will also continue with the Mental Health Champions programme that they began last year.
Courtauld House
As we begin another exciting academic year our first priority is ensuring the pupils settle quickly into their new Year Group. Once they are settled and confident then we can begin to assess how they learn and revise and make good progress. Our broad syllabus will hopefully challenge and inspire them and there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to be excited about what they are studying. All subjects are taught by subject specialist teachers and the pace of the lessons are based on individual needs.
All lessons promote good learning behaviours and reinforce positive in-class habits alongside consolidation of their knowledge and understanding. Independent learning is very much promoted with the continued use of chromebooks in Year 7 for all pupils. All subjects will also focus on the basic reading, writing and numeracy skills that are so vital at this age. Year 7 is the beginning of a 5 year journey towards GCSE and the skills the pupils learn in Courtauld House will lay the foundation for the step up into Year 9
The pupils are constantly assessed both formally (through end of topic assessments) and informally (in daily lessons) and regular discussions take place to ensure pupils are at the right level and making the expected progress for them An online tracking system also allows individual teachers, Heads of Departments, Tutors and the Head of Phase alongside the Assistant Head (Academic) to keep track of each individual's level of attainment and progress Regular Departmental meetings also ensure individuals are discussed in each subject
Alongside the academic progress of each child we also monitor the wellbeing of each individual The pastoral system and regular Phase meetings ensure all the pupils are discussed and any concerns are quickly raised Additional support and catch up opportunities are also available through the normal channels where we consider it necessary There are also plenty of opportunities for academic enrichment and extension
YEAR 7
What will they cover next term?
English Wonder
by
RJ Palacio Macbeth by William Shakespeare
Following the CLPE, Power of Reading Approaches, children should enjoy the writing process and engage in challenging texts therefore encouraging a strong desire to learn.
To write creatively. Write accurately, fluently, effectively and at length for pleasure and information through writing for a wide range of audiences, including well structured formal expository and narrative essays and stories.
Weekly spellings and grammar using Tier 3 vocabulary differentiated accordingly
Accelerated Reader reading range assessments x 2
Maths
As students progress into Year 7, they enter a new key stage that marks a significant step forward in their mathematical education. This year will see a deeper exploration of algebraic thinking and a solidification of foundational mathematical concepts. The curriculum will cover:
● Sequences: Students will begin by studying sequences, where they will learn to describe, continue, and predict terms in both linear and non-linear sequences, using tables and graphical representations to understand patterns
● Algebraic Notation: The focus will then shift to understanding and using algebraic notation This includes working with expressions, simplifying them by collecting like terms, and solving one-step linear equations
● Equality and Equivalence: Students will explore the concepts of equality and equivalence, understanding the meaning of these terms in both numerical and algebraic contexts They will solve equations and understand the significance of balance in mathematical operations
● Place Value and Ordering: A key focus will be placed on place value, particularly ordering integers and decimals up to one billion Students will also compare and order numbers, round them to significant figures, and understand place value in both whole numbers and decimals
● Fraction, Decimal, and Percentage Equivalence: The term will conclude with a comprehensive look at the relationships between fractions, decimals, and percentages Students will convert between these forms, understand their equivalence, and apply this understanding in problem-solving contexts
Science Year 7 will be following the Kerboodle Scheme of work that links in with the equivalent scheme studied in Year 9 and beyond at the Senior School Within this programme of study, pupils will improve experimental design, data handling and conclusion making In addition, they will be expected to make progress in the understanding and accurate use of scientific vocabulary Your child will have login details given to them at the start of Year 7
Organisms 1
The cellular nature of life, how complex organisms are built up from single cells compared to single celled organisms, the hierarchy of how a multicellular
organism is composed (cell, tissue, organ, system, multiple systems), skeletal system in more detail along with muscles Structure of plant and animal cells, movement of substances into / out of cells, microscope skills as well as slide preparation
Matter 1
The particle model, states of matter, changes of state, diffusion, gas pressure and inside particles
They will also learn about pure substances, mixtures and solutions, solubility, filtration, evaporation, distillation and chromatography
MFL: French Pupils will be following the Dynamo 1 online textbook.
Topics include:
Greetings, numbers, age, family, birthdays, pets, sports, weather and free-time activities
Grammar includes: Avoir / être verbs, forming questions / role-plays, near future tense
MFL: Spanish Pupils will be following the Viva 1 online textbook
Grammar includes:
Consolidation of regular and irregular present tense Asking and answering questions
Topics include:
Greetings, age, numbers, character traits, family members, birthdays, pets, sports, weather and free-time activities
MFL: German Pupils will be following the Stimmt 1 online textbook
Topics include: greetings, numbers, age, birthdays, home location, pets, St Martin's Day, Christmas traditions
Grammar includes: phonetics, pronouns, formula for regular verbs in the present tense, haben/sein, adjectives, connectives, intensifiers
Latin An introduction to Latin and Life in Pompeii
The nominative and accusative cases; the present, perfect and imperfect tenses; daily life in Pompeii including houses, family, the theatre, slavery
History This term, Year 7 will begin by exploring the struggle for the English throne in 1066. The students will also uncover the reasons behind Harold's defeat at Hastings and the varying interpretations of this event. Additionally, they will analyse the necessity of the harrying of the North in maintaining control of England
Exploring the social and political aspects, we will study the introduction of the feudal system and the valuable insights provided by the Domesday Book about post-Conquest life
After half term, we will think about the political developments of the Middle Ages, where pupils will look at Magna Carta as a case study, before moving onto the ways in which the political landscape of the British Isles changed
Geography Geomorphological processes
Looking at the erosional processes responsible for the development of river landforms Geology and how rock type and weathering assist river formation
Understand why flooding occurs Case study: The River Severn
Environmental issues: The Rainforest
Pupils will look at factors affecting the rainforest biome, including sustainability of the rainforest and deforestation Case study: Amazon Rainforest
TEP Who was Jesus Christ and how did his life have such an impact on the world?
Pupils will explore the key events of the life of Jesus Christ They will be required to reflect and enquire as to why and how the life of one person has had such an enormous effect on not only our society and culture but the world as a whole In this part of the topic they will consider general facts of Jesus, the chronology of his life with extra focus on events such as ‘The Baptism’ and ‘The Temptations’ and relate these messages and teachings to contemporary life
DTE Focused Practical Task - Modern Mood Lighting
Pupils will develop their understanding of contemporary product design and use this to support them designing and manufacturing their own desktop LED mood light They will acquire a variety of skills to complete this task including - design sketching, Computer Aided Design (CAD), electronics / soldering, intermediate workshop skills, finishing techniques, creating a brand and packaging design
Art Portraiture
Using Renaissance drawing techniques create a portrait investigating chiaroscuro
Computing Networks: From Semaphores to the Internet
Imagine a world without computer networks: there would be no more YouTube, Google, instant messaging, online video gaming, Netflix, and iTunes; no online shopping; no file sharing; and no central backups of information This unit begins by defining a network and addressing the benefits of networking, before covering how data is transmitted across networks using protocols
UK Bebras Computing Challenge
Pupils will participate in this event after the half-term break
Cryptography
This unit introduces students to the fascinating world of cryptography They will explore the history, principles, and practical applications of cryptography, learning how to encode and decode messages using various techniques The unit aims to develop students’ logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and understanding of computer science fundamentals
Drama Using the significant event of the sinking of the Titanic to explore characterisation and explore the issues surrounding class. How to use body language and facial expressions to communicate a character to an audience Learn the difference between spontaneous and rehearsed improvisation Sharing ideas in groups, developing the drama and creating tension. Alongside
this learners will be exploring Shakespeare's ‘Twelfth Night’ A focus on practically staging Shakespeare’s play, allowing learners to experience language, rhythm and meaning.
Music Film Music
A study and composition unit exploring the use of Music in feature films. Pupils will analyse film music from a range of genres, exploring how the music is used to enhance the viewing experience. Pupils will work in groups to compose their own action film soundtrack.
Keyboard Skills.
Pupils will be setting their own targets to improve their piano and keyboard skills, depending on their own ability As well as melodies and accompaniments pupils will learn riffs and chords used in contemporary music
The Musical elements
Throughout the term knowledge and terminology of the musical elements will be reinforced New elements are introduced including articulation and orchestration and pupils will complete their own online project
PE In PE we will be taking part in swimming, gymnastics and football this term In swimming students will be learning three major swimming strokes: front crawl, breaststroke, and backstroke In addition to developing these important skills, students will receive instruction on water safety In gymnastics, pupils will develop their shapes, rolls and balances With football focusing on skill development as well as teamwork
PSHE Health & Wellbeing, Relationships
Topics covered include: What is Emotional Health? Coping with change; Forming Positive Relationships
Relationships & Sex-Education Sessions are offered (inc Puberty, Consent, Relationship Values, Signposting for further support)
Living in the Wider World
Topics covered include: Your Money personality, next step in your financial journey and dealing with financial dilemmas
Leadership Business, Entreprene urial and Careers
Education
Unifrog
Pupils will have the opportunity to explore a variety of careers through the Careers Library section of the Unifrog Platform. They will have the opportunity to explore specific areas of personal interest and developm and understanding of different things to be considered when choosing a career.
Entrepreneurial and careers awareness
Pupils will have the opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills linked to promoting and selling a product.
They will specifically focus on careers linked to STEM, Sustainability and Green Awareness and they will have the opportunity to enter the Bright Ideas Challenge run through Shell.
Visiting speakers will also talk to the pupils about their experiences in different
work settings and careers
Global Citizenship Pupils will be exploring current global topics in their Global Citizenship lessons, focusing on personal values and what it means to be a global citizen We will begin by helping pupils identify their own core values, which are the guiding principles that shape their thoughts, decisions, and actions
Following this, we will broaden the discussion to what it means to be a global citizen Pupils will learn about the interconnectedness of our world and the importance of empathy, respect, and responsibility in contributing positively to global communities We will discuss current global challenges and explore how individual actions can make a difference
YEAR 8
What will they cover next term?
English Woman in Black by Susan Hill.
Students will study and explore social and historical context; Victorian ideals & beliefs; ideas concerning the supernatural; gothic genre; Victorian attitudes towards pregnancy outside of marriage; patriarchy; class divisions; poor laws; isolation; urbanity Vs rurality; psychological manifestations of fear
To write creatively Write accurately, fluently, effectively and at length for pleasure and information through writing for a wide range of audiences, including well structured formal expository and narrative essays and stories
Maths
Pupils will continue to build on their previous learning while revisiting and strengthening key mathematical concepts. The Autumn term curriculum will focus on:
● Ratio & Scale: This unit will delve into understanding and applying ratios and scales, including solving problems involving direct proportion, conversion graphs, and interpreting maps and scale diagrams
● Multiplicative Change: Students will explore multiplicative relationships, understanding how to use and interpret various graphs, including those for direct proportion They will also convert between different units of measurement and currencies
● Multiplying and Dividing Fractions: The focus will shift to deepening their skills in multiplying and dividing fractions, including working with improper and mixed fractions and applying these skills to solve complex problems
● Working in the Cartesian Plane: This unit will cover graphing skills, including plotting coordinates in all four quadrants, understanding linear and non-linear relationships, and exploring the gradient and equation of lines
● Representing Data: Students will develop their ability to represent and interpret data, using a variety of methods such as scatter graphs, frequency tables, and Venn diagrams They will also learn to calculate
Science: Biology
Science:
Chemistry
Science
Physics
MFL: French
probabilities from these representations
● Tables & Probability: The term will conclude with a focus on probability, where students will construct sample spaces, find probabilities from various representations, and apply the product rule to determine possible outcomes
Throughout the term, Year 8 students will revise and reinforce these concepts, ensuring they have a solid understanding and are well-prepared for the challenges of their upcoming transition to the next stage of their education.
Year 8 will be following the Kerboodle Scheme of work that links in with the equivalent scheme studied in Year 9 and beyond at the Senior School Within this programme of study, pupils will improve experimental design, data handling and conclusion making In addition, they will be expected to make progress in the understanding and accurate use of scientific vocabulary Your child will have login details given to them at the start of Year 8
Ecosystems 2 ( Photosynthesis)
Structure, function and adaptation of plant for photosynthesis
Water and nutrient uptake
Genes 2 (Evolution, Adaptation and Genetics)
Darwin
Extinction
Preserving Biodiversity
Inheritance
DNA
Genetics and genetic modification
Matter 2
Elements,Atoms and compounds
Periodic Table
Reaction formulae / equations both word and symbol
Reactions involving Group 1 and 7 of the Periodic Table
Assessment→ There will be a mid topic and end of topic assessment in addition to a Practical Skills assessment, set as prep
Forces 2
Forces 1 (Recap) and 2
A brief recap of the theories encountered towards the end of Year 7 (Forces 1)
Introduction to forces, balanced and unbalanced forces, speed, distance - time graph, forces at distance, the effects of gravity, friction/drag, Forces 2 →squashing and stretching (Hooke’s Law), turning forces, (Moments), pressure in all three states of matter, stress on solids
Assessment→ There will be a mid topic and end of topic assessment in addition to a Practical Skills assessment, set as prep
Pupils will be following the Dynamo 2 (tiered green and red) online textbook
Grammar includes: Past tense, irregular verbs, forming the negative Topics include: Holiday activities, transport, time phrases
MFL: Spanish Pupils will be following the Viva 2 online textbook
Grammar includes:
Present and near future tenses as well as the introduction of the preterite
Topics include:
Holidays, transport, free-time activities and food
MFL: German Pupils will be following the Stimmt 2 online textbook.
Grammar includes: phonetics, revision of present tense, perfect tense with haben/sein, imperfect tense using war, hatte, es gab
Topics include: weather, comparing places ‘then’ and ‘now’, holidays and travelling
Latin Roman Britain
Revision of noun cases and verb tenses; the verb to be
Roman Britain - life in a province and the impact of Roman rule Fishbourne
Roman palace
Comprehensions and translations of stories about Roman Britain
History The Industrial Revolution and the growing franchise
Pupils will investigate the reasons behind the significant changes in agriculture, how farming methods evolved, and the role of canals in fostering the growth of towns. They will also delve into the mining industry and the introduction of machinery, uncovering the challenges of industrialisation such as the prevalence of disease in crowded urban centres and the emergence of cholera.
Reflecting on the social dynamics, pupils will explore the factors contributing to high crime rates in the cities and the subsequent emergence of forensic science in crime investigation Furthermore, they will learn about Britain's pivotal role as the "workshop of the world," reflecting on its economic prowess and global influence during this time
Will will then shift our focus to the political landscape of the 19th and early 20th century in Britain This is a period in history where the idea of democracy developed into something which pupils would recognise today Pupils will examine the reasons for the increase in franchise, whilst also taking the opportunity to study the women’s suffrage movement in more depth
Tectonic Processes
Geography
Pupils will discover the structure of the Earth They will explore why earthquakes and tsunami’s occur in particular locations, and how they affect the people who live there Case studies: Haiti and Sumatra
Settlement in HIC’s
Pupils will learn about pattern and function of settlements, and gain an understanding about how settlements have developed, and how this affects the people who live there Pupils will investigate the issues occuring in urban areas, and how these might be solved Case study: Ely
TEP What is the significance of Christmas for Christians?
Pupils will explore the vast tapestry of symbols and traditions that are used and celebrated over Christmas Most significantly we will look at the gospels, paying careful attention to the meanings and beliefs that are derived from these stories/scriptures They will also differentiate between the secular and religious
traditions/symbols whilst recognising the value they hold for members of our society regardless of belief
DTE Designing for a client
Pupils will be set the brief to design and manufacture a contemporary bluetooth speaker for the Italian design company ‘Kartell’. Their product will be sold throughout their shops and online retail platform.
Pupils will use the work of ‘Memphis Design Group’ as their design inspiration for their designs and will complete a detailed product analysis on similar existing products. From this point, they will create a series of design solutions (sketching & CAD), which will lead into creating a scale card prototype model of their chosen idea. This design will then be run through Artificial Intelligence (AI) rendering software Finally they will manufacture a full size working outcome which they will add an appropriate finish to
They will also look to create the branding for their new product and generate the launch advertising
Art Michael Craig-Martin
Still Life study inspired by the work of Michael Craig-Martin
Computing Layers of Computing Systems
This unit takes learners on a tour through the different layers of computing systems: from programs and the operating system, to the physical components that store and execute these programs, to the fundamental binary building blocks that these components consist of. The aim is to provide a concise overview of how computing systems operate, conveying the essentials and abstracting away the technical details that might confuse or put off learners The last lessons cover two interesting contemporary topics: artificial intelligence and open source software These are linked back to the content of the unit, helping learners to both broaden their knowledge and focus on the topics addressed in the unit
UK Bebras Computing Challenge
Pupils will participate in this event after the half-term break
Python Turtle
This unit continues to develop the students' Python programming skills through the visual medium of Turtle Graphics Students will learn more fundamental programming concepts while creating drawings The unit aims to build students’ confidence in coding and enhance their problem-solving and logical thinking skills
Drama The learners will be developing their understanding of the American Civil Rights movement by exploring significant people Rosa Parks and Mohammmed Ali Using improvisation, character work, freeze frames and slow motion mime to deepen understanding of this period of history and the effects on individuals Learners will be exploring the use of Masks in drama and using them as an introduction to physical theatre The main focus of this work will be on the use of
body language to convey meaning to an audience
Music Music for Dance
A study of dance music from prehistory to contemporary dance Focused practical work using West African percussion will allow pupils to compose and perform together, developing basic percussion techniques and improvisational elements
Minimalist Music
Pupils will study Minimalist music from the 1960s, relating this to modern art and 20th century culture Pupils will compose pieces primarily on tuned percussion with direct reference to the music of Steve Reich
PE
Leadership and Careers
In PE we will be taking part in swimming, gymnastics and football this term. In swimming students will be learning three major swimming strokes: front crawl, breaststroke, and backstroke. Should time and ability permit, we will also introduce the butterfly stroke. In addition to developing these important skills, students will receive instruction on water safety In gymnastics, pupils will develop their rolls, balances and vaulting With football focusing on skill development as well as teamwork and tactics
Leadership
Pupils will work to develop teamwork and leadership skills with support from their Heads of League and School Leadership Team
Pupils will have the opportunity to think creatively to plan and take ownership of the Fun for Funds fete
Careers
Pupils will have the opportunity to explore the Unifrog careers platform, following the specific programme for Year 8 pupils
PSHE Health & Wellbeing, Relationships
Topics covered include: Committing to a Healthy Lifestyle; Drug, Alcohol & Vaping education; Sleep quality; Diet & Exercise
Global Citizenship Pupils will be exploring current global issues in their Global Citizenship lessons, focusing on personal values and what it means to be a global citizen We will begin by helping pupils identify their own core values, which are the guiding principles that shape their thoughts, decisions, and actions
Following this, we will broaden the discussion to what it means to be a global citizen. Pupils will learn about the interconnectedness of our world and the importance of empathy, respect, and responsibility in contributing positively to global communities. We will discuss current global events in the news and media and explore how these events are reported across different media platforms.