YEAR 7

CURRICULUM GUIDE

FOR PARENTS AND CARERS

Our aim is to work in partnership with Parents and Carers, we will

try our very best to involve you in the educating of your child.

We hope you find this information useful; it sets out subject by

subject the content of courses throughout the year.

English Subject Content Students follow the National Curriculum for English. Content is delivered in half termly modules using a core scheme of work. This is linked to the National Framework for English objectives. Each year students cover a range of reading stimulus; a novel; a play; a collection of poetry; a work by William Shakespeare; a non-fiction collection. Each year students will also experience a range of writing opportunities; writing to argue, persuade and advise; writing to inform, explain, describe; writing to analyse, review and comment; writing to imagine, explore and entertain. Assessment Students are assessed half termly in relation to National Curriculum levels. Intermediate work is marked and comments given to aid improvement. Teaching Group Arrangements Classes are set according to ability. Extra-curricular Activities The Faculty run theatre and cinema trips and has theatre groups visiting us. We have a Creative Writing club and students regularly participate in writing competitions. We have a School Newspaper club that creates a monthly newspaper. There will also be a Carnegie/ Greenaway Shadowing club for keen readers (new in 2013-2014.) In addition, the Faculty celebrate World Book Day and World Poetry Day in March each year. Provisions for Gifted and Talented Teachers of Gifted and Talented students make provision in addition to the set schemes of work to extend and develop ability in English. Useful internet websites and other resources: www.poetrysociety.org.uk www.samlearning.com http://www.spellingtime.com/ How the work in Year 7 builds through the work in Year 6 Progression is ensured through the Key Stage 3 National Literacy Strategy. How Parents can help

To ensure 20 minutes of reading is completed each day. To encourage their child to use the Accelerated Reader online quizzes to measure their reading

comprehension. (More information will be shared at a meeting in September regarding this programme.)

Provide a dictionary at home and encourage your child to correct and learn new spellings independently.

Talk to students about their learning each day. We will also be offering Parents’ workshops on how to support your child in their reading. If there are any other parental workshops you would like to see us offer, please do not hesitate to make us aware and we will arrange these.

Mathematics Subject Content Mathematics is delivered through the Collins Frame working programme. Staff use schemes of work to ensure that there is cohesion. Mathematics tasks are divided into attainment targets, Number and Algebra, data handling and Space and Shape. Assessment Students will be given an MTL; Motivation to Learn grade and a National Curriculum level. Teaching Group Arrangements Students will be set using Key Stage 2 results to set students, thereafter, students are regularly tested and set changes are made where appropriate. Extra-curricular Activities Pi Club is held after school on Wednesday. Provisions for Gifted and Talented Teachers of set 1 differentiate work for Gifted and Talented students. Useful internet websites and other resources www.samlearning.com www.coolmath4kids.com www.counton.org www.teachingtables.co.uk www.mymaths.co.uk How the work in Year 7 builds through the work in Year 6 The same attainment targets are used, so the format remains the same. Students are exposed to elements of investigative mathematics. How Parents can help

By being aware of their child’s Key Stage 2 result, parents/carers can review progress through the data provided termly. Parents can discuss progress with their child’s tutor or mathematics teacher if there are any concerns.

Using the websites listed will provide fun challenges in mathematics and looking through books to keep up to date with work topics will help with your child’s learning.

Science Subject Content In years 7 and 8 pupils follow the ‘Science Works’ course, and in Year 9 pupils will follow a new ‘upd8 Segue’ course which is a flexible four-unit course designed to provide a smooth transition from Key Stage 3 (KS3) to Key Stage 4 (KS4). In year 7 pupils study the following topics: Term 1 Acids, Particles, Forces, Space Term 2 Cells, Reproduction, Energy, Electricity and Magnetism Term 3 Chemical Reactions, Atoms and Elements, Classification, Variation and

Interdependence During these topics, they will cover investigation skills, thinking and communication skills. Assessment At the beginning and end of each topic, the pupils are encouraged to set themselves assessment targets by completing a RAG sheet. In the course of each topic the pupils will complete an APP based open ended assessment. They will be given a National Curriculum KS3 level for this work. Pupils will also complete an assessed homework project every three weeks which is also open ended and gives pupils every opportunity to lead their learning and achieve their maximum potential. At the end of each term, pupils will sit a test comprised of SAT style questions based on the topics taught that term. They will be given a level for each test. At the end of year 7 pupils will sit a formal Science examination covering all topics learnt in year 7. This will help assess the class setting (by level) in Year 8. Teaching Group Arrangements Pupils in year 7 are set by tutor group arrangement. Extra-Curricular Activities We run a very successful Robot Club. We also have KS3 Science STEM Club which is a lunch time activity working towards CREST awards. The club also goes out on Science trips to venues such as the London Science Museum. The science department also runs a gardening club in conjunction with Lonsdale School. During the summer term Science also offers regular booster sessions for Key Stage 4 pupils after school and at lunch time. Provisions for Gifted and Talented We run several trips each year for Gifted and Talented pupils to STEM events held at nearby universities. Our Key Stage 3 course is fully differentiated through the use of extension versions of activity sheets to provide extra challenge when appropriate. Useful Internet Websites and other Resources Should you wish to purchase a Key Stage 3 Revision Guide for reference at home, we recommend the CGP guides, available from most bookshops. There are many science based websites such as BBC bitesize and Newsround which offer quality science resources. The Science Department also promotes the use of Sam learning which is proven to increase subject engagement and pupil attainment.

How the work in year 7 builds on the work in year 6 Our course is designed to build on the investigation skills and scientific knowledge developed in Key Stage 2. As the pupils progress they begin to move from concrete to abstract models and develop greater details in their thinking and skills. How Parents can help

Allowing pupils to watch some of the many high quality science programmes on television.

Promote the development of scientific literacy by encouraging your child to read non-fiction books.

Design and Technology Subject Content Working with a design brief Research Analysis Specifications Design ideas Making Developing/modifying Evaluating Focused practical tasks Hygiene and Safety Assessment Assessment is through MTL grades; Motivation to Learn and the National Curriculum level the student is working at Teaching Group Arrangements Students cover three main subject areas in Design and Technology:

Resistant Materials - two lessons per fortnight for the whole year Food Technology - two lessons per fortnight for half a year*

(cook every other week – 9 times) Textiles - two lessons per fortnight for half a year*

* Food and Textiles change over the February half term. Extra-curricular Activities Christmas Cooking Club runs in November and December. Provisions for Gifted and Talented Extension tasks Differentiated learning Useful internet websites and other resources Food: www.nutrition.org (healthy eating/cad/cam) www.foodtech.org.uk (subject detail/industrial practice) Textiles: www.next.co.uk (fashion) www.debenhams.co.uk (fashion) How the work in Year 7 builds through the work in Year 6 On arrival at Marriotts the Technology Department implements the Key Stage 3 National Curriculum which aims to build on existing good practice in Key Stage 2 e.g. using stimulating activities and materials to undertake a variety of design and make tasks. How Parents can help

Ensuring their child has the necessary ingredients when they are cooking. Students usually cook fortnightly and they are given the recipe a week in advance.

Checking that homework is completed Ensuring their child has the correct equipment for Resistant Materials; an apron, pen and pencil

Geography Subject Content What is geography? Introduction to physical, human and environmental geography. Map skills – Core geography knowledge of place globally and nationally London 2012 Olympics – How did the Games improve the lives of the people in London, the economy and environment? How sustainable were the ‘greenest games ever’? Tropical Rainforests – The characteristics of rainforests, tribes of the forest and why the rainforests are at risk. Assessment Pupils will be given an MTL; Motivation to Learn grade and a National Curriculum level. Teaching Group Arrangements Students will be placed into groups with students of similar ability (higher, middle and lower) and will have 3 hours a fortnight. Extra-Curricular Activities Planned trips – 2014 will see KS3 students visit the Olympics site. Lunchtime school clubs exist as do the positions of Humanities Leaders for students to get involved and contribute. Provisions for Gifted and Talented Extension tasks. Differentiated learning. Humanities Leaders. Useful Internet Websites and other Resources http://mapzone.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/mapzone/PagesHomeworkHelp/index.htm help with maps. http://www.kidsgeo.com/ games and activities How the work in year 7 builds through the work in year 6 On arrival at Marriotts the Geography Department implements the Key Stage 3 National Curriculum which aims to build on existing good practice in Key Stage 2 e.g. using stimulating activities and materials to undertake a variety of geographical investigations. Geography also aims to contribute to whole school objectives such as literacy, numeracy and ICT. How Parents can help

Ensuring their child has the necessary equipment such as pen, pencil and a ruler.

Parents could also ask students to discuss their homework.

History

Subject Content History is a vital subject. It allows us to understand the world we live in. It is a subject where we ask questions about what happened, and more importantly, why. Knowledge of History is very useful for other subjects and careers. The skills of enquiry, dealing with evidence and communication are perhaps more important. In Year 7 we will be developing the concepts of chronology, diversity, change and continuity, cause and consequence, significance and interpretation. We will first be learning about what History is and The Romans, specifically, Life in Ancient Rome, the development of the Empire and Roman Britain. We will then be learning about the Middle Ages - The Normans, Ordinary Life, Medieval Kingship and the British Isles. Assessment Pupils will be given an MTL; Motivation to Learn grade and a National Curriculum level. Teaching Group Arrangements Classes are set within the Humanities Faculty according to ability. Extra-Curricular Activities We are hoping to organise a trip and run a History Club. Provisions for Gifted and Talented Teachers of Gifted and Talented students make provision in addition to the set schemes of work to extend and develop ability in History. Useful Internet Websites and other Resources www.schoolhistory.co.uk www.bbc.co.uk/schools/websites/11_16/site/history.shtml How the work in year 7 builds through the work in year 6 Progression is ensured through following the National Curriculum in History. How Parents can help

Encourage your child to complete all homework tasks on time.

Help them to learn the relevant important words along with meanings from the glossary.

Encourage your child to research beyond the curriculum – other topics and in depth.

Encourage your child to use a variety of sources - the internet, books, film and television

Encourage your child to always ask questions.

Modern Foreign Languages Subject Content French Personal details Family School Free time Where you live Time Opinions Assessment Informal/formal assessment of all four skill areas: listening, speaking, reading and writing. National Curriculum levels used wherever possible, results of work used to target set. Teaching Group Arrangements Students are split into five groups across the year group; all groups are taught French. Students will study French for four hours per fortnight. Extra-curricular Activities Language Leaders Trips Pen Pals Foreign Language Assistant Provisions for Gifted and Talented Modern Foreign Languages Club Mary Glasgow magazines Pen Pals Useful internet websites and other resources Dictionary Studio 1 Computer rooms Fun sites for Key Stage 3 new learners: www.linguascope.com How the work in Year 7 builds through the work in Year 6 We draw from the Key Stage 2 Literacy Strategy building on student’s prior learning in English to form the foundation for teaching Modern Foreign Languages. We are also aware that students may have studied some French as Key Stage 2 and aim to build on their awareness and understanding of the language. How Parents can help

Students can access linguascope; this is a great resource for French. Learning Vocabulary at home from exercise books and having a French dictionary.

Physical Education (PE) Subject Content Students will participate in a range of activities following the five strands of the PE National Curriculum. They will develop skills, tactics, compositional ideas and understanding of physical activity through: Football Rugby Netball Hockey Tennis Athletics Gymnastics Cricket Rounders Dance Fitness Table Tennis Badminton Basketball Assessment Assessment is continuous, from the initial base assessment through to the formative feedback and target setting in every unit of work. There are also summative, end of unit assessments where students are given an attainment level, progress level (based on the five strands) and an effort grade for each activity. Students also use self-assessment following each activity and peer assessment. Teaching Group Arrangements Students are taught in single sex groups, which are set by ability. Extra-curricular Activities Clubs and teams are available in a range of activities, for anyone to join: Netball Rugby Football Rounders Athletics Table Tennis Cricket Basketball Trampolining There are also links with local clubs to promote further participation in sports: Gymnastics and Dance. Provisions for Gifted and Talented A Gifted and Talented programme is in place for those competing at high level of sport which allows for further support and training opportunities. Useful internet websites and other resources www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize.pe www.the-fa.org www.laaf.org www.netball.org www.ita.org.uk www.sportengland.org.uk www.uk.athletics.net www.uksports.gov.uk How Parents can help

Ensuring their child has the correct kit for lessons, which is labelled with their child’s name in kit or on back of shirt.

Ensuring their child follows the expectations of handing in all valuable items to their PE teacher for lessons.

Ensuring their child has a note to explain of any injury or illness for not participating in lesson and ensuring they still bring kit to change into.

Encouraging their child to attend school clubs in and after school.

Religious Education Subject Content Religious Education (RE) provokes challenging questions about the ultimate meaning and purpose of life, beliefs about God, the self and the nature of reality, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human. Issues covered during year 7 include: Love RE Looking at Jewish identity Life of Jesus Assessment Pupils will be given an MTL; Motivation to Learn grade each half term, along with a National Curriculum level each term. Informal assessments take place continually within the classroom. Teaching Group Arrangements Classes are set within the Humanities Faculty according to ability. Extra-Curricular Activities Cornerstone, who represent a group of Churches within Stevenage, hope to visit at least twice during year 7. They provide a stimulating and innovative look at both Remembrance Day and the meaning behind Christmas celebrations. Provisions for Gifted and Talented Teachers of Gifted and Talented students make provision in addition to the set schemes of work to extend and develop ability in Religious Education. Useful Internet Websites and other Resources www.bbc.bitesize for KS3 How the work in year 7 builds through the work in year 6 Progression is ensured through following the Hertfordshire agreed syllabus of Religious Education. How Parents can help

Encourage their child to complete all homework tasks on time.

Help them to learn the relevant important words along with meanings from the glossary.

Encourage them to read the newspapers every day or to watch the news on television.

Discuss events in the news and encourage your child to look at different ethical viewpoints.

Additional Student Support Subject Content The Support Faculty offer support to students with additional educational needs. Students require differing levels and types of intervention depending on whether they are on SA (School Action) SA+ or Statemented. All teachers are informed of student attainment in reading and spelling and area of need. Some students are given specific targets to improve through Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or Individual Behaviour Plans (IBPs). Those on SA receive a Provision Map. Assessment Some students may require an individual assessment if there is a learning need that has not been formally diagnosed. Most learning assessments for students with a history of learning need will take place in Year 9 to determine if they meet the criteria for access arrangements in GCSEs. Teaching Group Arrangements A number of students are supported by Teaching Assistants in curriculum areas, depending on the area of need. Teaching Assistants will provide in-class, group and/or one to one support depending on level of need. Other Additional Support Homework club four times a week Maths Intervention Emotional Literacy Lunchtime sanctuary Literacy Intervention Local Support Groups that can be accessed by parents include: North Herts Dyspraxia, Hitchin, Tel 01462 454986 Angels Support Group 07815 458355 Herts Autism HARC helpline 01707 259700 Marriotts Counselling Service Parent Partnership – parent.partnership@herts.cc.gov.uk Stevenage Education Trust, Tel 01438 310044 Continuity of Support

Phased Induction Programme

“Taster Day”

Liaison with Primary School teachers

In-class support

“Named Person” support The Teaching Assistants work in close liaison with subject teachers, both in the planning and the delivery of the curriculum. Useful Internet Websites and other Resources hand@herts.cc.gov.uk Hertfordshire Additional Needs Database www.dfes.gov.uk/sen www.parentcentre.gov.uk www.dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk www.afasic.org.uk www.nas.org.uk www.youngminds.org.uk www.hertsdirect.org/hand charlottehegarty@nobel.herts.sch.uk. Family worker Family Lives, Tel 0808 800 2222 (was Parentline Plus)