S1/2 Parent information - Term 1

Dear Parents/Carers

Please see below some of the key topics your son/daughter will be studying during this term.

If you would like further information on any of the following, please contact the individual teacher at the school.

English – Term 1
We will be reading "The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle" and doing oral and written work based on the novel. Each pupil has the novel. Each pupil also has a copy of "Developing Comprehension Skills" and we will be working from this text too. They will be expected to do 1/2 an hour to an hour's written homework each week.

Maths – Term 1
S1/2 will study the following during Term 1:-
Integers- I can use my understanding of numbers less than zero to solve simple problems in context.

Ratio and Proportion- I can show how quantities that are related can be increased or decreased proportionally and apply this to solve problems in everyday contexts.

Powers and index form- Having explored the notation and vocabulary associated with whole number powers and the advantages of writing numbers in this form, I can evaluate powers of whole numbers mentally or using technology.

Algebra –with introduction to Brackets -Having explored the distributive law in practical contexts, I can simplify, multiply and evaluate simple algebraic terms involving a bracket.

Statistics –Interdisciplinary project with Science- I can display data in a clear way using a suitable scale, by choosing appropriately from an extended range of tables, charts, diagrams and graphs, making effective use of technology.

Mental/ Non Calculator Maths-I can use a variety of methods to solve number problems in familiar contexts, clearly communicating my processes and solutions.


Science –S1/2 - Term 1
S1/2 will study the following during Term 1:-
Electrical circuits- Having measured the current and voltage in series and parallel circuits, I can design a circuit to show the advantages of parallel circuits in an everyday application.

Cells- Using a microscope, I have developed my understanding of the structure and variety of cells and of their functions.

Atoms, Elements and compounds- I have developed my knowledge of the Periodic Table by considering the properties and uses of a variety of elements relative to their positions.

Making and breaking compounds- Having contributed to a variety of practical activities to make and break down compounds, I can describe examples of how the properties of compounds are different from their constituent elements.

Gravity and the university, Are we alone?- By using my Knowledge of our solar system and the basic needs of living things, I can produce a reasoned argument on the likelihood of life existing elsewhere in the universe.

I have collaborated in investigations into the effects of gravity on objects and I can predict what might happen to their weight in different situations on Earth and in space.

French – Term 1

BIENVENUE!- Welcome!

• Introducing oneself and one’s family.
• The date (days, months, year, current date + birthdays.
• Numbers from 1 to 31
• French alphabet (spelling out names)
• Classroom objects + classroom general commands & questions (Asseyez-vous s’il-vous plait, Sortez vos livres, etc...)
• Colours + adjectives (agreement)
• Nationalities & countries.
• Use of CDs, teacher and Foreign Language assistant for listening and talking activities. Paired talking exercises. Use of Smart board for various exercises and vocabulary reinforcement. Balance of the 4 skills in most lessons. Research on the "DOM-TOM" (overseas French regions) using ICT skills.

MA VIE – My life

• Daily routine: Reflexive verbs at the present tense - Verbs in -ER- The time and frequency (Tous les matins, deux fois par semaine, etc…)
• The French school system.
• Helping at home: Je fais la vaisselle, Je sors les poubelles, etc…
• Verb FAIRE at the present tense (Je fais de la plongée, etc… - Giving my opinions about hobbies and clubs.
• The Conditional (On pourrait + inf.) - Different types of TV programmes

 PSE – S1
At the beginning of this new academic year, all secondary pupils will be taking part in discussions which will inform their programme of study for the year. The focus for learning will be around the individual’s mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing. The programme this term will include work on:

• Study skills
• Target setting
• Reflecting on their own learning and using learning logs as a tool for personal development
• Social wellbeing and positive thinking

PSE S2
At the beginning of this new academic year, all secondary pupils will be taking part in discussions which will inform their programme of study for the year. The focus for learning will be around the individual’s mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing. The programme this term will include work on:

• Study skills
• Target setting
• Reflecting on their own learning and using learning logs as a tool for personal development
• Social wellbeing and positive thinking

RME – S1/S2

• Christianity (Work on the Christianity booklet)
• Slavery

Craft – Term 1

S1 SKETCHING AND RENDERING
This unit of work will introduce and develop Graphic Communication skills in rendering and sketching.
· S1 PRACTICAL CRAFT SKILLS
Pupils will design and manufacture a Spatula.
· S2 PRACTICAL CRAFT SKILLS
Pupils will design and manufacture A Mug Tree, Shelf unit, etc.
· S2 GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
This will include a scheme of work to develop Orthographic drawing techniques and skills

Home Economics S1/2 – Term 1
This term S1/2 will be studying Food Hygiene. They will be learning about personal and kitchen hygiene when cooking, food spoilage and contamination as well as food storage and preservation. This will be embedded with practical activities that address some of the issues in the Food Hygiene module.
Music Term 1

S1/2 – Performing/Instruments of the Orchestra
The S1/2 music course this term focuses on performing their chosen instrument, and a listening unit covering Instruments of the Orchestra.

Pupils will be required to document their practice regime, including target setting and goals. Teacher input will come in the form of short discussions with the pupil and help will be given both musically and in goal setting. Although there will be no formal assessment, pupils will be expected to show improvement over the duration of this term.

The listening unit introduces the Instruments of the Orchestra. Pupils will learn about the orchestra and listen to the various families of instruments. By the end of this unit pupils should be able to identify instruments by sound, construction and name. A test will end the unit along with a research project on one of the instruments from the orchestra.

Social Subjects – Geography

S/2 – Term 1

During this Term students will be involved in the study of the following topics:

What is Going on Under the Earth.

• What is the earth made of?
• Where do volcanoes and earthquakes occur?
• What happens at Plate Boundaries?
• Earthquakes
• Volcanoes

S1/2 History – Term 1
During this Term students will be involved in the study of the following topics:

• Europe and the Age of Exploration.
• Reasons for exploration.
• Examples and impacts of exploration.
• Individual Project.

S1/2 Art – Term 1
S1 & S2 will be designing and producing handmade wrapping paper and gift tags. They will look at examples of simple pattern development, symmetrical and non-symmetrical and investigating nature for a basis to build and create their own patterns. They will explore different techniques to produce wrapping paper, both handmade and digital.

Context for learning: Investigating work of designers including Timorous Beasties (contemporary) and William Morris (traditional).

Approaches to learning: Active learning, cooperative/collaborative learning, opportunities to work both individually and as part of a group. Practical art making informed by and linked to critical work.