Year 9 Mini Options Brochure

Year 9 Mini Options Over 425 Years of learning

Academic PE This is an introduction to the academic side of physical education and sport and introduces the theory behind physical activity and performance.

Course Outline The course develops on the practical PE lessons and games that pupils will have undertaken and runs in conjunction with these.

Topics to be covered include: - What makes an elite performer/performance - The principles behind Games - Components of Fitness - Types of training and planning training - Physiology of the human body - Injury prevention and rehabilitation

GCSE Choices and beyond While much of the course is practically based, theory is also derived within this and there is a requirement for pupils to complete written tasks and assessments. It is aimed at developing understanding and appreciation of the wider variety of aspects that sport covers so while NOT essential for GCSE PE it should benefit pupils who then choose to follow this subject. We also offer A Level PE at Wellingborough for those who choose to continue beyond GCSE.

Further Information Please contact Miss Irvin, Head of Academic PE, csi@wellingboroughschool.org

Art & Photography There is so much more to Art than drawing and often students can be very creative but struggle to draw which is why we started the GCSE Photography course. We want your Year 9 experience to be fun and exciting where you learn the skills which will prepare you for the two creative GCSE option subjects we offer - Fine Art & Photography.

“Creativity is intelligence having fun”. Albert Einstein You will be in groups of approx. 11 which will enable you to get lots of teacher attention and help you to develop your skills and ideas. You will also have access to industry standard equipment and resources used in a wide range of art, design and photography disciplines.

Course Outline During the year you will design & create a three-dimensional sculpture, learning how to evaluate and modify your design as it progresses. You will learn a range of techniques such as how to produce Photograms and images in the darkroom, experiment with Photoshop and develop your technical ability. You will learn how to make a print, (this may be lino, screen printing or etching) and create an animation. Drawing, design and art history research will be integral to the course.

We will take you on an art trip or you will have an art workshop.

GCSE Choices and beyond If you are thinking of studying Art or Photography at GCSE then you must select this option for Year 9.

There are a huge range of different careers, where studying a creative subject at least to GCSE is essential but the value of creative skills no matter what you want to do is increasingly being recognised. Research by LinkedIn found that the top skill companies now need is creativity. During Art lessons you are inspired to use your imagination and thus develop your overall creative thinking.

As technology infiltrates our world of work further and further, it is our innate, human skills, such as our creativity, which will hold the highest value. According to a report from the McKinsey Global Institute, the demand for higher cognitive skills, including creativity, will rise almost 10% by 2030.

Further Information Any questions please contact Mrs J. Hennessy, Head of Art & Photography jch@wellingboroughschool.org.

Computer Science Let us start with, what is computer science? Computer science is the study of the many and various processes that interact with data. In other words, it is the science of creating algorithms that are capable of making a computer manipulate, communicate and store data.

Why is computer science so important? The truth of the matter is, computers are everywhere around us. They are making life easier for us. Moreover, they are involved in everything we do, from watching your favourite clips on YouTube to searching for the best restaurants around a location. All the computers involved in the process have algorithms behind them and these have been developed by human beings of course. This is precisely why studying computer science is so important, as technology is going to have an increasingly profound effect on our job market, social life and public services, having a capability to be part of this world has to be important.

Course Outline The central aim for our pupils taking this subject is to gain an understanding of the concepts of how computers and technology work. To do this we base much of the teaching through completing the OCR Entry level in Computer Science. This provides pupils with both the foundations for them to move on to the IGCSE in Year 10 but it is also an excellent, externally recognised standalone qualification by itself.

The course will contain both practical and theoretical elements, covering the ways in which computers process, manipulate and store information and how we can make the best use of technology. From a practical perspective, students develop the ability to analyse problems in computational terms through problem-solving and writing computers to create a workable solution.

The course consists of three modules of work covering:

- Computer Systems - Algorithms, Logic and programming Techniques - Programming Project

Modules One and Two (Computer Systems & Algorithms and Logic & Programming Techniques) will form 80% of the total marks for this qualification (40% each).

Each module will have 2x30 minute tests at the end of them to determine the pupils grades.

The programming project will make up to 20% of a pupils final grade and will consist of a programming problem to solve, in which pupils must design, develop, test and evaluate the solution.

Outside of the OCR course, pupils will cover a wide range of topics such as knowing how to build computers, programme robot vehicles, make simple computer control devices and programme mini gaming consoles, for example.

GCSE Choices and beyond Upon successful completion of the course, pupils can choose to continue studying the subject at GCSE and then A level, both of which are offered at Wellingborough School. The potential to take a Computer Science degree opens up an enormous range of vocational possibilites, many of which offer an extremely attractive longterm earning potential.

Further Information Please contact Mr P. Waugh, Head of Computer Science pbw@wellingboroughschool.org

Design and Technology Design and Technology allows you to demonstrate the full extent of your problem solving engineering, communication and creative abilities.

Course Outline By working with a wide range of materials and processes, you will develop hands on practical skills that allow you to produce functional and beautiful products for modern life and industry, using 21st century technology. This course provides the opportunity to explore and use new technologies such as laser cutting and engraving, understand the broader issues related to consumer products and be educated to make ethical judgments in our modern consumer society.

Design and Technology challenges every aspect of your education, a course where risk-taking is encouraged alongside independent analysis, to apply theory and solve problems.

“

Design and Technology is a phenomenally important subject. Logical, creative, it’s the only opportunity students have to apply what they learn in maths and science - directly preparing them for a career in engineering. Policy-makers must recognise design and technology’s significance for the UK economy and strive not just to preserve it - but to ensure it appeals to the brightest of young minds.

”

James Dyson - Patron of “The Design and Technology Association”

GCSE Choices and beyond Appropriate for all, this subject can lead to a range of fascinating careers in fields such as Design, Engineering, Graphical Design, Advertising, and Architecture, to name a few.

It is recommened that this subject is chosen in Year 9 in order to continue with this subject at GCSE.

Looking ahead to the full GCSE course, should you continue with Design and Technology, at the end of Year 11, you will sit one exam worth 50% of your GCSE that tests your understanding of design topics and materials theory. For the other half, you will produce a coursework portfolio demonstrating how you solved a design challenge set by the exam board.

Design is the process that produces the products that affect all our lives. Good design is invisible; bad design is everywhere.

Further Information Please contact Mr S Egan, Head of Design and Technology, sle@wellingborough.org.

Drama Drama is exciting and challenging; it will help you build confidence and develop essential skills such as team work, and understanding others.

Course Outline What will I do in Drama? I will...

- Gain an understanding of Drama the subject - this includes exploring plays such as Noughts and Crosses and Blood Brothers. (This will develop an understanding of theory and practical elements within Drama.)

- Develop my performance skills - Acquire an understanding of design within Drama (Costume, stage and set, puppets, sound and lighting design).

- Learn how to create exciting Drama projects through devising theatre (plays) in groups.

- Explore texts practically as a performer, director and designer.

- Develop an understadning of how to review the work of professional theatre makers by watching and analysing productions.

There is a balance of practical and theory (about 50/50) to enable you to build up key skills in both areas.

GCSE Choices You do NOT need to take this option in Year 9 in order to study Drama at GCSE.

Further Information Please contact Mrs Lamberton, Head of Drama, rjl@wellingboroughschool.org

Year 9 French You will learn how to speak French more confidently by studying three themes: Yourself & Others

Hobbies & Leisure Time

Celebrations

Course Outline

1

You will start the first term by talking about yourself and the people around you. You willl be able to describe their physical and character traits and your relationship with them. Activities include playing “Guess who?”, talking about robot portraits and famous people too.

2

In the second term, you will learn to speak about your hobbies in more detail.

This includes sport, films, going out and invitations. You will learn how to understand event advertising, how to book events and invite others too.

3

Firstly in the last term, you will learn about celebrations in French-speaking countries.

It is an exciting topic as you will cover birthdays, parties and religious events. You will even learn how to invite French speakers to these events!

You will build on what you have already learnt and develop your skills further in listening, translating, reading and writing as well as speaking. You will also learn more about the culture and traditions in French speaking countries.

WHY choose this subject?

A world language - You will join more than 300 million people who speak French across 29 countries and five continents A language for the international market - The ability to speak French opens doors to employment in France and other French speaking parts of the world.

A language for travel - France is the world’s top tourism destination, attracting more than 87 million visitors a year. You can visit amazing French-speaking countries in the world, where you will be able to communicate with local people; New Caledonia, Seychelles, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Quebec and Switzerland are some of the countries where French is spoken.

A language for international relations - French is an official language of the United Nations, the European Union, UNESCO, NATO, the International Olympic Committee, the International Red Cross and international courts.

By Studying French, you will gain access to a rich cultural world: Art, Food, Cinema and Music.

IMPORTANT - You MUST study this course in Year 9 to take it at GCSE

GCSE Choices and beyond Where could this subject take me in the future?

France and other French speaking countries make up an economically successful part of the global economy so French speakers are highly sought after by British employers. France is the UK’s closest trading neighbour.

Careers for which a French speaker would be an advantage include: medical assistant, doctor, banker, interpreter, translator, human resources manager, lawyer, border agency staff, journalist, civil servant, diplomat, voice-over artist, Foreign Office roles and flight attendant to name but a few!

Further Information Mrs Stroud, Mr James, Miss Clark and Mr Charlton will be happy to answer any queries about the Year 9 programme. Alternatively, email Mrs Stroud, Head of MFL cts@wellingboroughschool.org.

Latin In Year 9 Latin, we continue to build on the knowledge of grammar and vocabulary acquired in Years 7 & 8.

Course Outline In particular, we look at passive tenses of verbs, comparisons of adjectives and a gradual extenison of vocabulary knowledge. As well as improving a pupil’s memory, Latin teaches you how to apply the tools learned to translate from Latin into English, and English into Latin. This is taught through grammar exercises and translating passages of Latin.

With increasing knowledge of the language, pupils are able to translate longer passages of Latin. These tend to be stories from classical history and mythology, looking especially at the origins of the Roman race, following the adventure of Aeneas.

These stories are always popular with students. Latin is in many ways a puzzle solving exercise, and as a pupil’s knowledge grows, so too does the challenge and the satisfaction at working out what an increasingly complex passage of Latin means.

GCSE Choices and beyond As with all languages, Latin builds on the foundations laid in previous years and thus it is necessary to study Latin in Year 9 to study the subject for GCSE. We are also pleased to offer this subject at A Level to enable keen latinistis to continue their classics journey.

Further Information Please contact Mrs A. Holley, Head of Classics, ash@wellingboroughschool.org.

Learning Development Course Outline The Learning Development Option is available to invited pupils. It recognises that pupils are unique and that some pupils benefit from a more personalised timetable and a reduction in the overall workload. The two lessons weekly enable additional literacy and numeracy teaching, as needed and the explicit teaching of Study Skills.

This Option complements the core of the curriculum of English, Maths and the Sciences.

GCSE Choices You do not have to take this option in Year 9 to be offered this option at GCSE, it is personalised for individuals as and when there is a need.

Some pupils will continue with Learning Development Option in Years 10 and 11, whilst for others it is a one year personalised support programme.

Further Information Do please contact Mrs Sharon Lawson, Head of Learning Development, if you feel that your daughter or son could benefit from the Learning Development Option, or if you wish to discuss any aspect of Learning Development support. sdl@wellingboroughschool.org

Music We study music to enjoy an exciting range of practical activities and cultural experiences that cover a broad spectrum of styles and genres.

Course Outline

The curriculum is designed to inspire and engage all pupils through creative and challenging activities. Pupils will explore the following three main areas of music.

- Listening and Appraising - Composing - Performing The following topics are studied: - Blues, Jazz and Improvisation - The Classical Concerto - History of Popular Music - Film Music - 19th Century Romanticism - Song Writing

In addition, we will complete a programme of theory-based work to support our understanding. The following is indicative of the content studied in the course of a full year: - Rythm and Pitch Notation

- Intervals

- Note Values

- Chords and Harmony

- Time and Key Signatures

- Common Italian Terms

Finally, we provide an opportunity to get involved in a group performance task to develop ensemble skills, as well as allowing time to rehearse as a soloist.

GCSE Choices and beyond You do NOT need to study this subject in Year 9 to choose GCSE Music.

Many of the topics studied, whilst not linking directly to the specification of GCSE Music, nonetheless will provide excellent preparation for the course beginning in Year 10. Skills learnt and knowledge gained will prove invaluable, allowing for a strong start to the exam course.

Further Information Please contact Mr Runnells, Director of Music, ir@wellingboroughschool.org

Religious Studies Curriculum Focus Critical thinking; empathy and emotional intelligence; working collaboratively; awareness of other cultures and world views; oral and written communication: these are all skills identified by the world economic forum as essential in today’s global economy. They are also the skills we promote through our Year 9 curriculum By this age, our pupils are developing in ability and maturity and have a greater awareness of the world around them. The freedom from curriculum restraints allows us an opportunity to foster this and embed knowledge, skills and character, that will aid them in whatever direction they take as they progress through the school.

A curriculum that is relevant to today’s pupils

Engaging topics that stimulate enquiry

Creating a respectful forum for debate Challenging pupils to aim above Key Stage 3

Course Outline We focus on the idea of our ‘world view’ as the collection of beliefs and values that shape how we see the world, and how other people may see the same world in a very different way. Pupils will explore a range of religious and secular world views and consider the challenges of living in a society where these must coexist. Pupils will also explore both ethical and philosophical debates and use these as a spring board to develop their skills of analysis and evaluation.

How religious is UK society?

Has secularism become the norm? Can people have beliefs without religion? How can someone be ‘spiritual but not religious’? What about ‘religious but not spiritual’?

World views: What are they?

Do we all have them? What happens when they clash?

The Ethics of Human Relationships: Is our society heading in a positive and progressive direction or losing its moral way?

Does one religion equal one view?

Islam in 21st Century Britain Is death a comma or a full stop?

A philisophical enquiry into the beliefs in life after death

Pupils will encounter some elements of the GCSE course, to give them an informed view, but any essential GCSE content will be revisited later.

GCSE Choices and beyond Taking RS as a Year 9 option is NOT essential to taking the subject at GCSE but it is strongly recommended. We are also pleased to offer A Level Religious Studies at Wellingborough for those pupils who decide to pursue this subject further.

Further Information Please contact Mr Low, Head of Religious Studies, pdl@wellingboroughschool.org

Year 9 Spanish Course Outline In Year 9 you will continue to work on and develop your competence in all four skill areas: listening, speaking, reading and writing. We will delve further into the culture of Spanish speaking countires to give you a flavour of how diverse the Spanish speaking world is; how education differs in Spain and activities you can do when visiting Hispanic countries, of which there are many.

There are a total of 580 million people who speak Spanish (7.6% of the worlds population) and it is spoken in 23 countries, making it the second most spoken language in the world. This means that no matter where you go in the world, you will be sure to meet someone who speaks it.

If you enjoy travelling and want to visit some of the most beautiful countries in the world, you will be able to communicate with the local people; Costa Rica, Peru, Argentina are but a few of the places where Spanish is the offiicial language.

In addition, when studying Spanish, you will gain access to the unparalleled world of rich Hispanic culture: Art, Food, Cinema and Music.

IMPORTANT - If you would like to study GCSE Spanish, you MUST continue your studies of this langauge in Year 9; we focus on skills and basic vocabulary which form the basis of your studies in Year 10 & 11

GCSE Choices and beyond WHERE could this subject take me in the future?

Learning Spanish makes you more employable. Spanish is one of the six official languages of the United Nations, and the third most used language in the media. With the economic development of Lation American countries, the importance of Spanish as a business language is undisputable.

Learning Spanish will open up endless possibilites in the world of work: interpreting/translating on a global level, broadcast journalism, international aid/developmental work, marketing and law along with many others.

Further Information Ms Lavin-Campo, Mrs James, Miss Clark and Mrs Stroud will be happy to answer any queries about the Year 9 programme. Alternatiely, please email Mrs Stroud, Head of MFL, cts@wellingboroughschool.org

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated Admissions Team on 01933 222427 or admissions@wellingboroughschool.org. Further details, and the dates for key admissions events and deadlines, can be found on our website at https://www.wellingboroughschool.org/ Wellingborough School