Art

Transition Year

The aim of the autumn term is for all pupils to take part in a range of different art activities that are short, experimental, challenging, fun and gives the pupils time to learn the ways and ethos of the department.

As a theme they have studied ‘personal identity’. They learnt the creative process of developing ideas, designs and creating concluding pieces in a range of media. They explored how to transfer a 2D image into a 3D sculpture. They concluded the term by further developing their basic drawing skills looking at the self portrait.

Biology

First years have considered how the structure of cells is related to their function.  They have also looked at the basics of human reproduction from fertilisation to birth and lactation.

Chemistry

The pupils have learned about laboratory safety, the Bunsen burner and various techniques used to separate mixtures.  Wherever possible we have adopted a 'hands-on' approach.

DT

This term the pupils have had an introduction to Computer Aided Design (CAD) using “2D Design” and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) using a professional Vinyl cutter to create their own sticker.

The students have had a general introduction to working with metals and have worked on projects in aluminium, brass and steel.

The students have had experience of working with hand tools and have designed and created a model yacht from an easily worked hardwood.

English

Pupils are reading and responding to literary and non-literary texts; they have opportunities to develop speaking and listening skills and are writing in a variety of styles. Pupils’ own wider reading is being encouraged by regular visits to the School’s Junior Library. English Skills covered this term include learning about word classes and practising punctuation. In Latin for Language Skills lessons, pupils have been introduced to the Latin language, its cultural context, as well as its grammar and vocabulary, and comparisons with the structure of their own language have been drawn.

French

This term pupils have learned to talk about themselves, describe their families and pets.  They have also learnt numbers to100, the alphabet, classroom objects and commands.

Games

GAMES - RUGBY

In rugby, pupils learn individual skills in running, passing, kicking, tackling and ball retention.  Unit skills in ruck, maul, scrummage and lineout are also introduced within conditioned games. 

GAMES – HOCKEY

In hockey, pupils explore different types of passing, receiving, tackling and shooting which are undertaken within small-sided conditioned games.

Geography

This term we have studied plate tectonics with links to the theory of the formation of earthquakes and volcanoes. The students have just begun to study settlements in association with Ordnance Survey maps.

German

Pupils have learned how to talk about themselves, where they live and their school.  They have also been introduced to simple sentence forms and basic questions.

History

The pupils have studied the Norman invasion and establishment of power in England, and have looked at aspects of Medieval society.

Maths

This term we have looked at statistical diagrams, symmetry and polygons.  We have also done some work on rounding and estimation, number patterns including primes and the use of decimals.

Music

1st year pupils have two music lessons each week and both are deliberately performance based. In their first lesson the pupils strengthen their sense of pitch and rhythm through clapping exercises, other rhythmic games and the singing of songs, exercises and rounds. These skills are then followed up in their written work. In their second lesson of the week the pupils are tutored in keyboard or other instrumental groups, according to their ability.

PE

PE -  BASKETBALL AND BADMINTON

During this term pupils undertake an introductory course in basketball and badminton.  In basketball, the individual skills of passing, dribbling, shooting and defence are taught.  In badminton, the underarm and overhead strokes and basic serves and positionial play are introduced in the singles game.

PE – MULTI SKILLS & SWIMMING

'Multi-Skills' consists of a variety of colour coded cards, structured around a staged series of challenges that introduce, build and develop the core fundamental movement skills of balance, co-ordination and agility. The cards allow pupils to work more independently and with reciprocal learning opportunities. Whilst there is a core physical content to the activities, the cards seek to challenge Personal, Social, Cognitive and Creative strands, alongside a developing understanding of Health and Fitness. For more information follow the link: www.createdevelopment.com

In swimming the fundamentals of recognised strokes are introduced through breathing, body position, leg and arm action and timing.

Physics

The course broadly follows the National Curriculum for year 7 involving the study of forces and motion and electricity, however, we start with a group of lessons on measurement. The approach is largely practical and the aim is that students understand the relationships in the physical world about them and how scientists describe those relationships.

RE

This term pupils have explored the concept of religion drawing on examples from Christianity