OUR FOURTH FORM TEAM
AMY BEESLEY
HEAD of YEAR 7 & 8
Tel: +44 (0)1624 820400
Email: amy.beesley@kwc.im
MARK MOSS
DEPUTY HEAD of YEAR 7 & 8
Tel: +44 (0)1624 820400
Email: mark.moss@kwc.im
THE FOURTH FORM CENTRE (Y7 & Y8)
The Year Group Centre and the area outside is the social base for the Fourth Form. The Head of Years’ office is located in the building. Each student will be assigned a locker, this is where they should keep books, sport bag etc. Please make sure they have a padlock. All students will be required to wear a door fob wristband or pass for accessing the school door system. They will also have a photo taken for a school ID card. This card is used for getting the bus and for taking books out of the school library. Each student is given an email address, which will be firstname.surname@edu. kwc.im. They are also given a Firefly Account. Firefly is our Education Platform. It is very important for students to check their email and Firefly everyday because this is how teachers communicate and set homework. They will be shown how to access Firefly and their email during their first ICT lesson.
YEAR GROUP
STRUCTURE & CURRICULUM
Fourth Form at King William’s College represents Year 7 and Year 8. Each tutor group has a form tutor who is always on hand to look after the students’ interests. There are usually seven tutor groups (depending on numbers), these are vertical groups which combine Year 7 and Year 8 students. The form tutors closely monitor the students in their care, reviewing academic progress and pastoral matters and reporting back to the Head of Year on a daily basis. Tutors take morning and afternoon registration and will see students each Wednesday in tutorial time and PSHE lessons.
Students should always feel free to go and talk to their tutor at any time of the day to discuss any matter. Form tutors sort out rewards, assessments and homework diaries and will discuss any relevant matters with the students and contact parents if necessary. Most groups are mixed ability, but streaming is introduced in the first term in English, Maths and languages. Year 7 study the core subjects of English, Maths and Science, along with French, Spanish/Latin, History, Geography, Design & Technology, Computing, Art, Music and Religious Studies. There are timetabled lessons of Physical Education (PE), Games, Drama and Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE). In Year 8, the same subjects are taught and Adventure Training is introduced for two lessons a week in preparation for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Combined Cadet Force (CCF) activities, which start in Year 8.
THE SCHOOL DAY
Students should arrive at school by 8:20. Registration takes place from 8:20-8:25 and then in every lesson.
Students attend Chapel on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:30-8:45 and every other Friday from 15:25-16:20.
08:20 - 08:25 Registration
08:30 - 08:45 Community time
Year 7 & 8 Assembly (KCT)
Year 9, 10 & 11 Tutorial
Whole School Chapel
Year 10
Sixth Form Assembly (Bragg)
08:50-09:45 Period 1
09:50-10:45 Period 2
10:45 - 11:10 Break
Year 7 & 8 Tutorial
Year 9 Assembly (Bragg)
Year 10 Tutorial
Year 11 Assembly (KCT)
Sixth Form Tutorial
Whole School Chapel
Year 7 & 8 Tutorial
Year 9 Tutorial
Year 10 Assembly (Bragg)
Year 11
Sixth Form Tutorial
Year 7 and 8 spend their break in the Year Group Centre. There are two table football tables. There is water to drink and fruit or biscuits available in the Barrovian.
11:10 - 12:05 Period 3
12:10 - 13:05 Priod 4 (end 13:00 for Year 7 and 8)
13:00 Year 7 and 8 Lunch
13:05 Year 12 and 13 Lunch
13:10 Year 9, 10 & 11 Lunch (Year groups on rotation)
13:45 Lunchtime Activities
13:00 - 14:15 Lunch
Year 7 and 8 have lunch at 13:00. After Period 6, students should put their bags in the Year Group Centre and walk over to the Barrovian. There is a wide choice of hot or cold food. After lunch students can go to clubs, work in the library or play outside. Students need to be back in tutor groups by 14:10 in time for registration.
14:15 Afternoon registration
14:25 - 15:20 Period 5
15:25 - 16:20 Period 6 (House Time/Chapel on a two week rotation on Fridays)
16:30 - 17:30 After-school activities (Some activities end at 18:00, e.g. CCF on a Wednesday)
Afternoon Games arrangements P5/6 (to fit in with island fixtures and avoid taking from academic lesson time):
Monday Year 8, Tuesday Year 9 & 10, Wednesday Year 7, Thursday Year 11, 12 & 13, Friday Year 9
Please be aware that coaches leave promptly at the end of school at 16:30 and it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that they are there on time.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
There are lots of extracurricular activities to get involved in at lunchtime and after school, a full list of activities is displayed in the Year Group Centre during the first week of each term and will be available on Firefly and the website. Students are encouraged to get involved in as many as possible. There is also a supervised prep club in the library from 16:30 to 17:30 Monday to Thursday. Students need to remember to collect books and homework from the Year Group Centre before going home. The building will be locked at 18:00 each night.
ACADEMIC ASSESSMENTS & RECORDING
ASSESSMENTS
There are regular assessments throughout the year.
The assessment consists of a number and a letter grade. The number grade refers to the standard of the student’s work during the period of assessment and may, for example, be based on class tests.
For all Year 7 and Year 8 students, we assess using a 0 - 9 scale in line with IGCSE grades. Levels 8 and 9 are outstandingly good (similar to an A*) and 1 or 2 extremely underperforming. As such, a ‘pass mark’ on this scale would be considered to be a 4.
The letter grade indicates their attitude to learning:
A - Exceptional
B - Good
C - Room for improvement
D - Cause for concern
EXAMINATIONS
Year 7 & 8 exams are held in the second half of the summer term. Results are reported using the 0 - 9 scale.
REPORTS
All students will receive two written subject reports, one tutor report and a parents’ evening each year. All assessments and reports are published on Firefly.
PARENTS’ EVENINGS
There is a Parents’ Evening for each Year Group, at which parents have the opportunity to meet subject teachers, tutors and Year Heads to discuss their child’s progress. At some evenings there are also presentations on topics such as the curriculum, higher education options and extracurricular activities. Meetings are run on an appointment basis; we use a booking system called School Cloud to organise appointments. We run both face to face and online conferences depending on the circumstances of the event.
Should you wish to prolong the discussion you have at a Parents’ Evening please arrange another time mutually convenient to you and the member of staff. We are always happy to discuss the progress of any pupil at any time with their parent.
REWARDS & SANCTIONS
Each receive rewards from subject teachers for good work and also from staff for other good deeds, for example being kind to a fellow student or helping out at break. The rewards are recorded and accumulated through the term. Awards are given to the best individuals at the end of each term.
Form tutors keep a close eye on general attitude and behaviour throughout the term and poor performance in any subject will quickly be picked up by them or the Head of Year. Detentions and report cards may be issued.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS
Each student has a locker in the Year Group Centre to store books and other belongings. You will be required to provide one lock. Sturdy inexpensive padlocks are the preferred option. Please make sure that your child’s games bag is not too big, so that it can fit into the locker or bag rack.
Personal belongings can be brought to school but this is at the students’ own risk. Make sure items brought to school are properly named. For practical reasons students are encouraged not to wear jewellery at school. Students will be asked to remove any jewellery prior to Games sessions, but it is easier for all concerned not to wear jewellery, especially if it is valuable. Earrings should be of a single stud variety and only one in each ear.
Year 7 & 8 students should not bring mobile phones into school. However, if there is a strong reason for them to do so they must adhere to the school policy, which is as follows: Mobile communications must be invisible during the working day (8:00 until 16:30) in all areas of the College. Unless express permission is granted, mobile phones must not be used to make calls, send SMS messages, surf the internet, take photos or to use any other application during the school day. A student may ask permission from the duty member of staff to make a call on their phone if it is appropriate. There is a telephone in the Reception area that students may use in an emergency. Also, students may request to use the telephones in the Year Group offices. Parents may leave messages for their children with the receptionist.
HOMEWORK
Firefly is used by all teachers for setting homework tasks. Students will be shown how to use Firefly in their initial ICT lessons. Students must check that system every day to be informed about their homework tasks.
At the start of each term students will be given a prep diary. Students should keep this diary with them at all times; it fits easily in their blazer breast pocket. At the start of the autumn term we record their timetable and prep timetable in these diaries. If the prep that is set on Firefly is discussed during lessons students can record extra details in this diary. They can also use the prep diary to organise their Firefly tasks and log deadlines.
In Year 7 & 8 students get prep for two or three subjects a night. The suggestion is that students should spend around 20 minutes per subject each night, around one hour in total. If you find that your son/ daughter is taking a lot more time in any subject, talk to their form tutor.
SPORT
In Year 7 & 8, students have the opportunity to play sport throughout the week. Physical Education lessons take place on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, whilst Games afternoons are on a Monday and Wednesday. There are a variety of clubs and extracurricular sessions at break, lunch and after school. Fixtures run throughout the year and students will often get the chance to compete both on and off island in a variety of competitions.
MUSIC LESSONS
Private tuition in Music is offered during the week and students are taught individually. During the year there are a wide variety of opportunities for students to perform publicly both individually and alongside their peers. Students are also able to prepare for and take practical performance exams through a range of exam boards.
To arrange individual Music lessons, please complete the form on Firefly or contact music@kwc.im.
All Year 7 & Year 8 students are actively encouraged to immerse themselves in the extracurricular offer, be that in choir or in instrumental ensembles such as orchestra. Many of our pupils participate in performance opportunities in the wider island community including the Manx Folk Awards and The Guild.
SPEECH & DRAMA LESSONS
Private tuition in Speech and Drama is offered during the week. Students are coached individually or in small groups for the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) examinations.
To arrange tuition in Speech and Drama for you child, please complete the form on Firefly.
LEARNING SUPPORT
Learning support is offered to those students (following careful assessment) whom are deemed to have a need. The type of support offered is designed to suit the student.
THE HOUSES
All students will be assigned a house. There are three houses:
• Walters
• Dickson
• Colbourne
There are lots of inter-house competitions, including Sport, House Music, House Shout and House Drama.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
Pen, pencil, ruler, eraser, pencil sharpener, 30cm ruler, protractor, pair of compasses, scientific calculator, highlighter pen, coloured pencils, tin of watercolour pencils, sticky back plastic, a ring binder and water bottle.
BOARDING
Our Boarding House offers flexible full boarding facilities for Year 7 & Year 8 in designated boys’ and girls’ boarding accommodation. Boarders are taken care of by dedicated boarding house staff and have access to College facilities, outside of the College day.
Students may join boarding at any point during the school year to:
• Take advantage of the set prep sessions each evening;
• Work with their peers and subject teachers inhouse;
• Enjoy the vast array of activities on offer;
• Benefit from the fabulous breakfasts and great company;
• Build independence and new friendships across various year groups;
• In some cases, avoid long journeys to school.
Information on boarding can be found on our website or by contacting:
Susie Parry Head of Boarding
susie.parry@kwc.im 07624 483249
SUBJECTS ART
WHAT’S COVERED?
Autumn Term
Me, Myself and I - work on self-portraits, Fauvism, colour theory and drawing.
Spring Term
Jungles - Henri Russeau and landscape painting.
Summer Term
Aboriginal Art - an exploration into Aboriginal culture and art.
SUPPORT CLINICS
One lunchtime a week in the Kitto Studio with Mrs Beesley.
COMPUTING
WHAT’S COVERED?
Computational Thinking, Programming skills using microbits, Data & Data Representation, Hardware & Processing, E-safety, Creative communication using HTML and Information Technology.
WHAT PARENTS CAN DO TO HELP
Support and encourage students to come up with their own solutions to problems. We are trying to develop students’ computational thinking skills as these are necessary if students are to learn to program successfully.
All students have access to resources on Firefly which they can use at home to revise or to practise skills learnt in class.
DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
WHAT’S COVERED?
Design & Technology (D&T) is taught by specialist teachers in the Year 7 and Year 8, and you will experience a range of practical and design skills in your lessons, every week. You will work with a whole host of materials and specialist equipment in the workshops to create a diversity of products throughout the year.
Projects will include:
• Visual Communication - typography, packaging, technical drawing.
• CAD (Computer Aided Design).
• Textiles Technology - sewing machines, appliqué, printing, dye sublimation.
• Product Design - structural design, 3D printing, laser cutting, electronics.
• Food Technology - healthy eating, food miles, culinary skills.
WHAT DO I NEED?
All equipment, CAD applications, materials, and resources are provided in the department, however we do advise that all students have access to good quality drawing and coloured pencils, a fineline pen, and a willingness to get creative and productive!
SUPPORT CLINICS
Support is available at any time by asking for assistance from D&T teaching staff or technicians.
DRAMA
WHAT’S COVERED?
* Extracurricular
YEAR 7
Autumn Term
Introduction to drama, Myths and Legends, House Drama Festival*
Spring Term
Story Telling, Improvisation, Public Speaking*
Summer Term
Script Work, Boal Games, The Guild*, Festival of Celebration*
YEAR 8
Autumn Term
Public Speaking, Much Ado About Nothing/ Macbeth, House Drama Festival*
Spring Term
Conflict & Stage Combat, Comedy and Theatre of the Absurd
Summer Term
Mono/Duologues scripted or devised, The Guild*
SUPPORT CLINICS
Whole School Production rehearsals Wednesday and Thursday lunchtime 13:40 - 14:05 and Mondays after school 16:30 - 18:00 in King’s Court Theatre or in West Side Studio. Students are encouraged to join in extracurricular activities.
WHAT PARENTS CAN DO TO HELP
Encourage students to get involved in Drama productions and remind them of any rehearsals.
USEFUL WEBSITES
National Theatre Discoverwww.youtube.com/user/ntdiscovertheatre
ENGLISH
WHAT’S COVERED?
During the Year 7 & Year 8, students begin their journey through the English Literature landscape, exploring a range of works, all with a view to developing a love of literature. Exploring both the canon and modern literature, students cover a breadth of eras and genres, ranging from Medieval Literature to Gothic Fiction. In doing so, we read a range of prose texts, poems and playscripts, in order to develop comprehension and writing skills. Alongside this, students are encouraged to hone their skills in creative writing, having the opportunity to enter writing competitions, compose short stories, and tackle a range of non-fiction texts. Throughout, there is a focus on spelling, punctuation and grammar and all students are encouraged to keep reading journals to track their reading outside of class.
SUPPORT CLINICS
Weekly lunchtime clinics are available to provide additional support as required. The Learning Support Department offers handwriting, reading and writing support at lunch-times by prior arrangement to enhance the fundamental skills that underpin all subjects.
WHAT PARENTS CAN DO TO HELP
The most helpful thing that parents can do is to encourage reading: 10-20 minutes reading of a suitable book every day makes a significant difference. We encourage all students to make the most of the School Library in order to immerse themselves in fiction. Students are encouraged to log their reading in their reading journal, and they should be able to steadily increase their reading speed as well as the difficulty level and variety of their chosen texts.
FRENCH
WHAT’S COVERED?
All students in the two sets will cover the same topics as per the Scheme of Work for the acquisition of basic vocabulary and grammar rules. The students will get a piece of prep per week and these are either vocabulary-based tasks, writing or reading comprehension. The two groups in Year 7 will have a test before half-term based on what they have learnt so far and they will be put in the appropriate sets after the October holidays. As all of them will cover the same aspects, students might be moved if necessary based on their classwork and end of year examination.
SUPPORT CLINIC
Every Tuesday lunchtime, there is a rota at the entrance of the Barrovian Hall.
WHAT PARENTS CAN DO TO HELP
Students should ask their teachers for help in the first instance. If parents want to help at home, they can make sure that they go over the work done in class, test them on their vocabulary prep and do periodic revision of previously covered topics.
USEFUL WEBSITES
College is subscribed to a variety of language websites and students are most welcome to go online at home and revise vocabulary or simply have fun playing some of the games in French. Login and password details will be provided in due course.
GEOGRAPHY
WHAT’S COVERED?
In the Year 7 year we will study What is Geography?, Ordnance Survey Maps, Weather and Climate, Climate Change, and Kenya and Africa.
In Year 8 the students study Weathering, Rivers and Coasts, Economic Activity, Population and India and Asia.
SUPPORT CLINICS
Geography clinics are available at request where work can be caught up on or help can be given as and when needed.
WHAT PARENTS CAN DO TO HELP
Spend time exploring our wonderful island together to see and learn about Geography in action. Encourage students to complete prep to the best of their ability.
USEFUL WEBSITES
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zrw76sg https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/mapzone/ games https://climatekids.nasa.gov/menu/play/
HISTORY
WHAT’S COVERED?
We begin our studies with Medieval History in Year 7 and finish with Victorian Britain by the end of Year 8. Through exciting topics such as the Battle of Hastings, the Black Death, Henry VIII and his wives, the English Civil War, the Slave Trade, and Victorian crime, we work on developing the historical skills of analysis, detecting bias, and causation through the key events of these exciting few hundred years where Britain changed beyond recognition and became a dominant world power.
SUPPORT CLINICS
No support clinics necessary, however help is always available when requested. History Club takes place every Wednesday lunchtime.
WHAT PARENTS CAN DO TO HELP
Encourage discussion of current events and encourage students to ask why. Enjoy films and documentaries about this time period, as well as excursions to locations of local history. Encourage students to read around the topics in their free time and complete their prep to the best of their ability.
LATIN
WHAT’S COVERED?
Over the course of the year, students will learn to recognise key features of the Latin language, such as verbs, nouns and adjectives. Each week, a piece of prep will be set; this will either be a translation exercise or a learning homework (vocabulary or grammar). Students will also study Classical Civilisation topics, to give them an understanding of what life was like for the Romans.
SUPPORT CLINICS
Support is available at lunchtimes.
WHAT PARENTS CAN DO TO HELP
Parents can provide a supportive learning environment at home by providing students with a quiet place to do prep and encouraging them to keep on top of assignments.
USEFUL WEBSITES
https://www.clc.cambridgescp.com/books/book-i https://files.cambridgescp.com/CLC/ VocabTesters/vocuk1.html
MATHS
WHAT’S COVERED?
Analysing and displaying data, number skills, expressions, functions and formulae, decimals and measures, fractions, probability, ratio and proportion, lines and angles, sequences and graphs and transformations, percentages, geometry and shape.
SUPPORT CLINICS
A variety of lunch times throughout the week.
WHAT PARENTS CAN DO
TO HELP
Provide a supportive learning environment, encourage independent learning and ensure your children have the correct mathematical equipment – Casio scientific calculator, geometry set, pens, pencils and 30cm ruler.
USEFUL WEBSITES
Mathsisfun.com
Drfrostmaths.com
MUSIC
WHAT’S COVERED?
Lessons are designed to foster and encourage creativity through listening, live performance and use of music technology. We cover a wide range of genres and topics including Elements of Music, Musical Form, Song Writing, World Music and Sequencing. This enables pupils to develop their creative skills and self-expression, growing in confidence in both composing and performing music at every stage.
All pupils are welcome to be involved in ensembles and choirs which rehearse weekly. Currently these include:
• Orchestra
• Folk Group
• Theory Club
• Music Theatre Group
• Chapel Choir
• Accompaniment Session
Participation in music is proven to positively benefit academic achievement as well as being immensely beneficial to wellbeing. We work with our musicians of all abilities to encourage them in their music making and enjoy the array of benefits to be gained from making music together as a community.
WHAT PARENTS CAN DO TO HELP
Help to ensure child attends the ensembles/clinics to which they have committed themselves.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
WHAT’S COVERED?
Lessons are aimed at developing physically literate individuals who have the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthy physical activity. Activities include swimming, gymnastics, cross country, athletics, health related fitness, tennis, table tennis and basketball to name a few.
GAMES
Competitive team sports are at the heart of our sports programme at KWC.
Boys: rugby/football/cricket/basketball
Girls: hockey/football/netball/rounders
STUDENTS SHOULD:
• Make the most of the provision on offer to them, in order to better themselves as individuals and team players. Where possible, students are encouraged to join clubs outside of school.
• Always give their best in everything that they do, regardless of whether they find something easy or difficult to master.
• Develop good attitudes of pride, sportsmanship, and ethical behaviour.
• Take a pride in appearance by attending each session with the correct kit and equipment
WHAT PARENTS CAN DO TO HELP
Positive sports parenting can go a long way towards promoting positive sports people. Supporting decisions on selection, respecting officials and positive touchline behaviour go a long way to helping us promote our values.
We aim to foster an environment where your child can enjoy, improve and compete in a variety of sports and activities.
PHILOSOPHY, RELIGION & ETHICS (PRE)
WHAT’S COVERED?
In Year 7 students begin their journey through the religious landscape with an exploration of two of the three Abrahamic faiths, Judaism and Christianity. Throughout the year they will investigate the foundations of these religions while learning about the major beliefs, worship, rituals and festivals associated with each one. They will also delve into the Isle of Man’s Celtic history, learning about the change from belief in Celtic Gods to Christianity. Alongside this they will also be introduced to some philosophical studies covering questions such as ‘What is religion?’, ‘Do miracles exist?’ and ‘How did the world begin?’ In Year 8 students will continue their religious journey as they learn about the eastern religions of Hinduism and Buddhism. They will explore further philosophical themes and be introduced to ethics as well. Throughout these students will be able to deepen their understanding of the world and begin to learn to question and debate topics from multiple perspectives.
SUPPORT CLINICS
Clinics are available as required and by prior arrangement.
WHAT PARENTS CAN DO TO HELP
Parents can provide a supportive environment for students’ study, encouraging awareness and open-mindedness through discussion.
SCIENCE
WHAT’S COVERED?
A range of topics, including: Practical Skills, Cells, Plant and Animal Reproduction, Digestion, Breathing, Particles, Separating mixtures, Acids and Alkalis, Periodic Table, Earth, Forces, Energy, Electricity and Space. The syllabus details are available on Firefly.
SUPPORT CLINICS
Support clinics are available in Biology, Chemistry and Physics and are advertised on the clinics’ timetable.
WHAT PARENTS CAN DO TO HELP
Encourage your child to take an interest in Science in the wider world by watching documentaries and looking for Science in the news.
USEFUL WEBSITES
BBC Bitesize KS3 Science bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zng4d2p Education Quizzes educationquizzes.com/ks3/science Textbook
Science Progress 1 (Year 7) and Science Progress 2 (Yeart 8), Hodder.
SPANISH
WHAT’S COVERED?
All students in the three sets will cover the same topics as per the Scheme of Work based mostly on their text book and emphasising the acquisition of basic vocabulary and grammar rules. Students will be set in November with a class test on what they have learnt so far and then they will be put in the appropriate sets. As all of them will cover the same aspects, students might be moved if necessary based on their classwork and end of year examination. The students will get a piece of prep per week and these are either vocabulary based tasks, writing or reading comprehension exercises.
SUPPORT CLINICS
Spanish support clinic is on Monday at 1.45pm. If students need any help they can go to see their teacher each week. All the Spanish teachers are available for support at that time.
WHAT PARENTS CAN DO TO HELP
Students should ask their teachers for help in the first instance. If parents want to help them at home, they can make sure that they go over the work done in class, are up to date with their vocabulary and do periodic revisions of previously covered topics.
USEFUL WEBSITES
College is subscribed to a variety of language websites and students are most welcome to go online at home and revise vocabulary or simply have fun playing some of the games in Spanish. Login and password details will be provided in due course.
KINDNESS
NOTICE KINDNESS
Recognise and praise others when you notice them being kind.
STAND UP FOR OTHERS
Give support to others and let them know they are not alone.
BE KIND TO YOURSELF
Do not expect perfection. Challenge yourself while looking after your wellbeing.
WELLBEING
MIND YOUR HEAD!
Connect with the people around you. Be active. Go for a walk or run, cycle, play a game, garden or dance. Take notice. Be observant, look for something beautiful or remark on something unusual. Keep learning. Give what you can: time, patience, and understanding. Be kind.
CHALLENGE
SET YOURSELF GOALS
Everyone has their own goals. What can you do to challenge yourself?
BE REALISTIC
Consider having four realistic goals at a time: academic, mental, social and physical.
BE RESILIENT
What do you do when you face a challenge? What do you do when things do not go to plan?
BE DETERMINED
If at first you do not succeed, try, try again.
