Year 8 - Year 9 Options | 2024-2025

Year 8 to Year 9 Options

2024-2025

Year 8 to Year 9 Options All students (whether currently at King Edward’s or new applicants) entering into the Year 9 are asked to make choices about the range of subjects that they will study.

All pupils study, or continue to study, the subjects below: English History Mathematics Geography Biology Religious Studies Chemistry Physical Education & Games Physics We then ask pupils to choose a further five subjects to study alongside the mandatory ones listed above.

This can be either Two languages + 3 option subjects or Three languages + 2 option subjects.

Languages All pupils study at least two languages in Year 9.

Current pupils will continue to study their Modern Foreign Language 1, that being the language first started in Year 7. For their Modern Foreign Language 2 they have the option to continue to study their current Modern Foreign Language 2, i.e. the language started at the beginning of Year 8, or switch to Italian or Latin.

Pupils joining the school next year must pick two languages from French, German, Spanish, or Italian. It is expected that one language will have been studied for at least two years, and that the other will have been studied for at least one year – unless opting for Italian which is taught as a beginners language.

It is possible to study three languages, in which case one will be Latin.

If you decide on two languages, you can add any three subjects from the list below, whilst if you decide on three languages, you can add two subjects from the list below: Art*, Design and Technology*, Music*, Drama*, Computer Science, or Classical Civilisation.

Please note that whether choosing two or three subjects from this list, at least one must be a creative subject, marked *

Deputy Head (Academic): Dr B M Waymark bmw@kes.hants.sch.uk

Year 8 to Year 9 Information

For current Second Year King Edward VI School students:

Thinking Ahead to GCSE Options

All pupils must study at least one modern European Language at GCSE, which will have been studied during Year 9.

Please note that it will not be possible to begin a new additional language at the beginning of the Year 10.

It is preferable, but not essential, for those intending to take Design and Technology, Drama, Music, Art, Classical Civilisation, or Computer Science at GCSE to study the subject in Year 9.

You will be making more wide-ranging option choices next year, before entering Year 10. However, you will be able to make more important decisions about your languages.

If in twelve months’ time you decide you want to take only one modern language to GCSE, you will only be able to choose a language that you have studied in Year 9.

For students joining King Edward VI School in Year 9: - Although two languages must be studied in Year 9, only one needs to be taken through to GCSE. This decision is made in twelve months’ time.

- If you have only studied one language in your current school you must pick that and Italian.

- Should you need any advice regarding language options please do not hesitate to contact Mr A J Sinclair (Head of Languages) ajms@kes.hants.sch.uk

Deputy Head (Academic): Dr B M Waymark bmw@kes.hants.sch.uk

- If you do carry on with your second modern language or Latin, or you take up Italian as a new language in Year 9, you don’t have to follow it right through to IGCSE – you make the decision whether to carry on with it in twelve months’ time.

- If you wish to take other non-language subjects at GCSE in Year 10 it is preferable to take it as an option subject in Year 9, although not essential.

- Take lots of advice – from your tutor, your teachers, heads of department, Mrs Leatham or Dr Waymark. Visit the Guidance Centre and talk to the careers team.

Although every effort will be made to match everyone’s choices, unfortunately it is impossible to guarantee that you will be given all your preferences. Various timetabling pressures mean that a few people may be unable to do their preferred combination, which is why we ask you to list alternatives.

Subject Options

Art The Art course in Year 9 is predominately technique-based, the main aim to give pupils the opportunity to explore as many different materials and processes as possible in preparation for GCSE but also to make the year dynamic and fun. The topics are designed like an art foundation course and aims to encourage experimentation as having investigating materials and process.

Typically, a Year 9 artist will get the experience of working in plaster casting and carving, clay modelling, lino relief printing, dry point, painting and drawing in the broadest sense.

Projects usually last half a term and considerable emphasis is placed on pupils gaining awareness of the work of different artists and cultures. We look at a wide range of influences from Fine art to fashion illustration and everything in between. We have also taken students on trips such as a visit to the Harry Potter film studios to see the artwork that is behind the scenes. We also exhibit students finished pieces so they see their work in a professional setting.

The department is well equipped in a new building with spacious creative open studios.

The department has excellent printmaking facilities, large kiln, ceramic wheels, small darkroom and specialist Apple iMac suite running Adobe Creative Cloud and giclée printer. We have one the best art libraries of any school with titles covering Fine Art to Sculpture, Graphic design and Art History. The studios are regularly open after school and lunchtimes for students to work in lovely creative environment.

We have a dedicated gallery.

Head of Department: Mr G L Piggott glp@kes.hants.sch.uk

Year 8 to Year 9 Options

Classical Civilisation This course is ideal for students who

Topics covered (amongst others)

•

Enjoy the Classical world but do not wish to pursue the Latin language further

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Wish to supplement their Latin studies with a wider understanding of the Classical world.

The Minoan civilisation (the ‘pre-Greeks’, as it were), looking at myths associated with them and at sources that inform us about their society

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Roman leisure and entertainment

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The notion of the Roman hero in mythology

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An overview of ancient Greek life

Why study Classical Civilisation?

Why wouldn’t you?! Classical influences are all around us in almost every sphere of our lives, and whatever your interest there will very likely be an ancient background to it.

You will learn how to analyse information and source material to gain the perspective of Greek and Roman society and values: in short, what it was like to be normal people in a different time and place. These are valuable skills.

Your studies are supplemented by a visit to the Greek and Roman rooms in the Ashmolean Museum. There are opportunities for discussion, comparison, debate, independent research and project work.

Head of Department: Miss I M Painter imp@kes.hants.sch.uk

Classics - Latin Why study Latin?

Course content

You are already two years into Latin, and the rules of language do not change. If you are growing increasingly confident with vocabulary, verb endings and word order, you will find yourself well-prepared for Latin in Year 9. Latin complements many other subjects, both linguistic, literary, historical and even scientific – many a medical student has reached university and been glad of their Latin education!

We use the de Romanis course and will cover about 6 chapters. Each chapter requires you to learn 30 words and consolidates those words repeatedly as you cover new elements of grammar. You will practise your translation and comprehension skills on longer passages of Latin based around the background topic for each chapter, which concentrates on elements of Roman life.

Your studies are supplemented by a visit to the Greek and Roman rooms in the Ashmolean Museum. It is possible to study both Latin and Classical Civilisation.

Head of Department: Miss I M Painter imp@kes.hants.sch.uk

Year 8 to Year 9 Options

Computer Science What is Computer Science

In this year students will study:

Fundamentally, Computer Science is about problem solving. It is about using new and existing technologies to make a difference.

One of the core ideas of Computer Science is computational thinking. Computational thinking involves looking at, and breaking down a problem, in order to determine how a computer might be used to help solve it.

Usually this involves writing some code but to do this well, you need to understand how computers process information. This is the difference between a self-taught coder and a Computer Scientist.

Problem solving skills – Further develop their understanding of programming techniques and develop a working knowledge of the Python programming language.

Why Study Computer Science Studying Computer Science develops immensely useful skills that are transferrable to just about every subject and discipline.

You will develop problem-solving skills that will improve how you think logically and creatively. You will gain a unique perspective that you can use to break problems down, and you will gain a better understanding of how computers work.

Subject Context In Year 8 students were introduced to key ideas like algorithms, logic gates and programming techniques using Small Basic.

Now in Year 9, we get to properly dive into Computer Science and explore in a bit more depth.

Impact on the world – Develop an understanding of the wider implications of digital technology by looking at advances in artificial intelligence.

Cybersecurity – One of the fastest growing industries with growing implications for our modern and connected world – learn about how cyberattacks occur and how to safeguard against them.

Connected world – Building on topics from previous years, looking at web design, students will get a “look under the hood” of web page technology by learning some HTML and CSS, two of the principal technologies that the web is built on.

Head of Department: Mr DG Cutler dgc@kes.hants.sch.uk

Design & Technology Design and Technology in Year 9 gives pupils the chance to build on the skills and knowledge acquired previously. The increased complexity and challenges of the course allow pupils to gain further insight into Design and Technology in its many forms.

This year sees students utilising design and practical experiences to develop their own styles and ideas.

Students will be expected to apply experiences from their personal and social lives and a wide variety of other creative areas within their work when designing and making products.

The Year 9 course increases the complexity of practical tasks and the design work for students.

This year acts as a foundation to GCSE study and allows pupils to experience a blend of the three GCSE Design and Technology areas offered at King Edward’s.

Head of Department: Mrs A Blow amlb@kes.hants.sch.uk

Year 8 to Year 9 Options

Drama The Year 9 Drama course offers students a comprehensive exploration of all aspects of drama and the theatre. The course has been designed to provide a well-rounded education for all students and is especially useful preparation for those considering Drama GCSE.

Through practical workshops, students have the opportunity to develop their performance skills, as well as exploring costume, set, lighting and sound design. They will learn how to approach scripted and devised performances and explore different staging techniques, including mask work and storytelling. Students will build their confidence when working with different groups and will learn how theatre production teams work to create each performance.

Head of Department: Mrs L A Gilmour lag@kes.hants.sch.uk

French French at King Edward’s is taught in a lively and communicative way and the Year 9 programme should prove stimulating and rewarding to all pupils, whether studying French as their first or second modern language. By the end of the year, all French pupils should feel confident enough to continue with French in the Upper School.

Pupils in Year 9 continue the ‘Dynamo’ course which they began earlier in the Lower School.

Pupils in their second year of French will meet six times a fortnight rather than four and use the ‘Dynamo 2’ textbook. Those who have studied French for longer at KES will follow the ‘Dynamo 3’ course and meet four times a fortnight. The aim is that all students will have a solid foundation before they embark on their IGCSE. As well as the textbooks, pupils have access to complimentary resources on the Dynamo website and teachers can assign tasks and assignments accordingly. There are videos that accompany the course and pupils enjoy following a group of French teenagers and their adventures.

French teachers work closely together to encourage and challenge all pupils. At this stage, all classes are mixed ability, allowing all pupils to access materials evenly. French teachers aim to open students’ eyes to the possibilities and opportunities of studying French at IGCSE. We are lucky to have a French assistant who organises a French speaking club every week and also sees pupils in lessons to work on their spoken French.

We have an annual visit from a French speaking theatre group, which allows students to appreciate the progress they have made in their French-learning journey and this coupled with further opportunities in the Upper School to explore the language, such as an annual trip to France, means that our students truly grow in their knowledge and understanding of French culture and language.

French is the first or second language of many countries; France is our nearest continental neighbour and an important business partner and provides many leisure opportunities.

Fluency in such a major language is an asset in many careers and the French department aims to engender passion from the outset in this excellent subject.

Head of Department: Ms K M Clement kmc@kes.hants.sch.uk

Year 8 to Year 9 Options

German German is the EU language with the largest number of native speakers and the second most commonly used scientific language in the world. Germany is also the world’s largest exporter and the financial capital of Europe, so a knowledge of German makes good business sense as well as providing the key to an understanding of much of our shared European literary and musical heritage.

The German Year 9 continuers’ course at King Edward’s continues the lively approach to language learning experienced by Year 8 beginners, using a range of up-to-date materials: course-books, frequent use of ICT, whether on individual devices or school computers, many online materials and DVDs. It continues to cover topics most likely to be of interest and relevance to young people - such as holidays, TV and film, food and hobbies - with a firm emphasis on communication and understanding. This approach is supported by an appreciation of language structure and regular access to our German language assistant, providing an ideal foundation for the Edexcel IGCSE course in Year 10 and Year 11. Extra resources are uploaded to the King Edward’s intranet and to Google Classroom, which can be accessed from home as well as in School, providing extra practice when it is needed.

The course also focuses on the culture and customs of the German-speaking nations of Germany, Austria and Switzerland and encourages contact with these countries. The Department offers a weekend trip to Cologne for Lower School students.

This is a stimulating course for pupils with the desire to acquire a major European language, which will be increasingly marketable in the UK as a direct result of the current national climate of low language uptake at GCSE. Head of Department: Ms M J Gorbat mjg@kes.hants.sch.uk

Italian In Year 9, a beginner’s Italian course is offered as a second Modern Language.

Students are quickly introduced to the basics of this beautiful, musical language, spoken by around 80 million people

Learning Italian, knowing a language different from the more typical foreign languages taught at schools, allows students to stand out from the crowd, and will enable access to a fantastic country, culture and people.

This course is suitable for strong, keen linguists, who already have a foundation in the romance languages. An intensive but enjoyable first year can lead to study of the language as a GCSE in the Upper School, and an A Level in the Sixth Form. Grammatically, Italian shares roots closely with French and Spanish, however studies of Latin also help significantly, particularly with recognition of vocabulary. Lessons are taught over six periods per fortnight and students will have gained a good grasp of the language by the end of Year 9. Additionally, we have a native language assistant who works closely with the group on a fortnightly basis.

A study trip to Italy of four days is offered during February half-term.

Italian Coordinator : Mrs S Rugge-Price srp@kes.hants.sch.uk

Year 8 to Year 9 Options

Music Music in Year 9 shifts focus to performance and practical music making. Through topics such as: film and video game music; Rock and Roll of the 1950’s and musical theatre students explore how these styles are created. Through practical tasks such as whole class performances or group project work, students can better understand the musical elements that make these genres successful and utilize the skills learnt in performing to aid their musical literacy.

Music in Year 9 offers a creative approach to homework as students can use their cocurricular contributions to KES ensembles towards their homework. We encourage all Year 9 students to take part in one or more musical activity in the School, (such as Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonia, Senior Choir, Chamber Choir, Swing Band or Big Band) as this supports musical literacy and key skills such as resilience, organisation and creative problem solving.

Although many students who play musical instruments/ voice select the course, there is no requirement to learn a musical instrument/ voice in Year 9. Students should have a curiosity for the subject and be willing to enjoy the performance element. The course also includes workshop and concert trip opportunities specifically tailored to the topics and enrichment of Year 9 Music.

In preparation for GCSE Music students will build composition skill and begin to master software such as MuseScore and Logic Pro for notation. The topics are designed to prepare students for the continued study of academic music into GCSE whilst maintaining a focus on practical, engaging music making above all.

Head of Department: Mr A Eadon ace@kes.hants.sch.uk

Spanish Studying Spanish allows you to become increasingly competent in a major world language, it also means that at the end of Year 9 you will be able to choose which Modern Language to take as your core language for IGCSE. The main advantage of Spanish is that it enables you to communicate with the 400 million people who have Spanish as their first language, whether that be on holiday in Spain or Latin America or in a work-related environment. The course also gives you an insight into some of the liveliest and most vibrant cultures on the planet.

The course in Year 9 is fast-moving and practical. The textbooks Viva 2 and Viva 3 gives you a firm basis of the grammar and structure of the language for you to build on successfully.

This is supplemented by online resources which students can access both at School and at home, as well as fortnightly contact with the language assistant in order to practise speaking.

Year 9 pupils traditionally travel to Spain at the beginning of the Easter holidays. Students take part in a Homestay programme in Córdoba, where they stay with families in pairs and attend Spanish lessons at a specialist language school.

Head of Department: Mrs E M Ladislao eml@kes.hants.sch.uk

In Summary

All Year 9 pupils study the core subjects: English History Mathematics Geography Biology Religious Studies Chemistry Physical Education & Games Physics They then decide on the rest of their curriculum, i.e.

Either Two languages + 3 option subjects or Three languages + 2 option subjects Please note: The second modern languages courses assume a minimum of one year of previous study. If your son or daughter has taken only one modern language in their current school, please opt for Italian which is taught as a beginner’s class.

It will not be possible to begin a new additional language at the beginning of Year 10.

Deputy Head (Academic): Dr B M Waymark bmw@kes.hants.sch.uk

Year 8 to Year 9 Options

2024-2025