Focus on Key Stage 3

These pages include details of the curriculum followed by Year 7 and 8.

A powerful way to help learning is to ask your son/daughter about the topics they have experienced and encourage them to talk about their understanding and interests with you.

English

Year 7 are still reading Jamila Gavin’s fascinating historical novel, ‘Coram Boy’. The novel explores childhood, class and poverty against the backdrop of 18th century England. Our two key heroes, Thomas and Alexander, were drawn together by their music, but in the second half of the novel they are separated and the focus moves on to the Coram Hospital itself and two of its young inmates, who are struggling to uncover a dark secret beneath the generous exterior of the mysterious hospital benefactor Philip Gaddarn. The novel keeps its readers guessing and finally draws all the characters together in a thrilling climax as the Thomas and Alexander move from childhood into adulthood and a second generation of children expose the crimes at the heart of the Coram Man’s business.

Year 8 are continuing with Malorie Blackman’s brilliant novel ‘Noughts and Crosses’, a story exploring life in a dystopian society, riven by prejudice, where black and white members of society are brutally segregated. Despite the constraints of their society, Sephy, a wealthy Cross, and Callum, a poor Nought, have fallen in love. However their fate is determined by forces beyond their control and, as the novel moves towards its dramatic ending, it is difficult to see how their love can survive. Students have been discussing complex issues around prejudice and equality and are beginning to consider how society shapes our identities, and what it really means to be a compassionate human being.

Maths

Year 7 students have been studying Data presentation and analysis this term.

This is an excellent opportunity to understand how data can be presented differently and the pros and cons of each way.

It is important that when the word average is talked about in the media, we remember it could represent mean, median or mode. All of which have their advantages and disadvantages.

Year 8 have been looking at Pythagoras Theorem and how it was used to create right angles before protractors were invented.

After a very successful assessment fortnight, Year 7 students will be continuing to learn about plants and ecosystems this term, looking at how seeds are made and dispersed. This follows on from what they would have studied in KS2 and looks at photosynthesis in some more depth. Students were also treated to a whole day of STEM where they completed a design and build task in groups.

Whilst Year 8 students have been challenged with their assessments this term, they have also been practising lots of maths and practical investigation skills. Students are delving deeper into chemical reactions this term by looking at how hand warmers and instant icepacks work. They have also been linking respiration and photosynthesis to these types of chemical reactions, as well as how exercise can be affected by different types of respiration.

Year 7 History students are studying the impact of the British Empire and Slave Trade on Brighton.

They are investigating Brighton's diverse history and also how the people of Brighton celebrate Black History today. They have also been using primary sources to analyse the varied experiences of enslaved people, including Sarah Forbes Bonetta, who ended up living in Brighton.

Year 8 historians have just finished their final KS3 assessments in History, well done! They are now returning to their investigation of 9/11 and will be studying the consequences of the attacks and how they've impacted modern society.

Geography

Year 7 Geographers have been studying a module on sustainability which is one of the most important parts of the subject. Sustainability is minimising our impact on the environment and protecting the planet for future generations whilst maintaining a good standard of living. Pupils have learnt a lot about energy, fashion, agriculture and waste and should hopefully be coming home with ideas about how they can be more sustainable.

Year 8 pupils have been studying a module on ecosystems this term as well as revising hard for their second assessment on Africa and Haiti. Pupils are learning about the characteristics of ecosystems around the world from native British habitats to global biomes. There is a particular focus on tropical rainforests and why it is essential that we protect places like the Amazon Rainforest. Year 8s have also undertaken some local fieldwork investigating the health of small scale ecosystems on the school site and how small actions like leaving long grass can boost biodiversity.

Computing

Year 7 students are developing digital skills that they will need for the future, learning how to use spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel. They discover how to use spreadsheets effectively, gaining proficiency in organising and manipulating data and creating formulae, gaining crucial employability skills.

Year 8 are exploring the fundamentals of app development using App Lab. They are learning the building blocks of creating mobile applications, developing their coding and logical thinking skills while developing an app. They learn about interface design and event driven programming, gaining a solid foundation in the principles of app development, skills which are in high demand in today's digital landscape.

Design & Technology

This term, Year 7 have been learning about electronic components and systems and have soldered their own light sensor circuit.

Year 8 students have been learning how to complete effective research into existing products and materials to help them develop their own designs.

Year 7 have been investigating the science behind cooking by exploring dextrinisation, shortening and gelatinisation with practical lessons including jam tarts, fruit crumble and macaroni cheese. They have also looked at Seasonal Food and linked this to their carbon footprints and the environment.

Year 8 have been learning about protein and carbohydrates and considering food security and environment issues.

They have also used their previous knowledge on pastry and shortening to make scones, quiche and sausage rolls.

French

This term, our “années 7” learnt about Bastille day, which takes place on 14th July, understood and listened to the French National Anthem: “La Marseillaise”. The students learnt about places in towns or villages and expanded their opinions and justifications. They learnt about prices in Euros, described activities during the weekend and how to invite a friend out. They have also learnt more food items, including ice cream flavours. A quick survey amongst MFL teachers revealed that they are not conventional regarding their choices. Mr Fioresi’s favourite is passion fruit and coconut. Mrs Fox chooses pistachio. Mrs Ridgwell likes sweet strawberry, Ms Lamarsaude prefers sorbet, lemon and basil is a winning combination for her and Dr Passe is all about mint chocolate chip. Miam miam!!

Year 8 learnt how to describe where they live, with some input on French regions. They also talked about how they should do chores at home and expanded their knowledge on the past tense. Students ended the year by giving their opinions and justifications regarding sport, which links nicely with what they need to do to stay healthy. Students also focused on exam skills (picture based description) to smooth the transition towards Key Stage 4.

To all students, bonnes vacances et à l’année prochaine! Don’t forget to send us a postcard in French to: MFL department, Heathfield Community College, Cade Street, Heathfield, TN21 8RJ.

Spanish

In Term 6, Year 7 learnt how to talk about their town, developing vocabulary about places in a town, playing lots of games and stretching their grammar knowledge and building on prior learning. With this in mind, they were taught how to structure the near future tense and discuss future actions. Before ending the year, students will be taught how to order food in a café! ¡Buenas vacaciones!

In Year 8 during Term 6 students discuss, describe and create their ideal holiday homes! They are shown sophisticated structures such as: se puede and the use of the infinitive to say what you can do in the local área: Aquí se puede hacer deportes acuáticos. Students will have fun asking for and giving directions which could be helpful when on holiday! They widen their cultural awareness this term by engaging in their wider curriculum day for Spanish and we are very excited about this!