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English
The English programme in this part of the school
teaches literature and language in a combined manner. Each term
students have a class reader, which forms a literature unit. The
literature unit consists of at least two comprehension
exercises; two writing assignments; at least one talk task;
several language tasks and one reading essay. In addition to the
literature unit there is a separate language lesson to revise
basic language skills, which includes spelling and vocabulary.
As the need arises there are individual lessons focusing on
student needs as required.
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Skills we wish to develop in
English: |
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To
increase the students’ ability to communicate in a variety of
purposes, both oral and written
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To develop an appreciation of writer’s techniques and
encourage students to respond imaginatively to what they
hear, read and experience
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To explore areas of universal human concern, leading to
greater understanding of themselves and others
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To identify different types of comprehension questions,
identify problems and provide appropriate answers
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To read and understand a variety of different genres
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To develop research skills and become independent readers
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To communicate in a clear, logical, precise manner—in talk
and writing
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Mathematics |
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The Keystage 3 syllabus follows the STP National Curriculum
Mathematics scheme of work. The work in is carefully graded to
stretch all pupils to their full ability and consolidate the
main concepts. Many of the exercises are investigative in their
approach allowing pupils to access a topic at their own level.
Mathematics in Keystage 3 also takes full advantage of
the ICT laboratories. |
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Where appropriate some of the topics are introduced through a real
life context which enables pupils to see how mathematical models
are made and used in the world around us. Assessment is both
summative and formative.
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Science
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In Key Stage 3 covers Biology, Chemistry, Physics and
Earth Science. There is a strong emphasis on learning through
practical work and field trips, aiming for 60% of our time to be
spent actively discovering. The well equipped laboratory is
stocked with equipment, chemicals and text books - and we make
full use of the excellent ICT facilities within the school. When
not occupied during lunchtimes and after school, the students
are invited to make use of the facilities to cement, extend or
clarify their understanding of scientific principles. |
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Spanish
Our overall aim is to enable all pupils to develop sophisticated
literacy skills. By the end of Year 7, we expect each pupil to
be:
a shrewd and fluent independent reader:
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orchestrating a range of strategies to get at meaning in text,
including inferential and evaluative skills;
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sensitive to the way meanings are made;
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reading in different ways for different purposes, including
skimming to pick up quickly the gist of a text, scanning to
locate specific information, close reading to follow complex
passages and re-reading to uncover layers of meaning;
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reflective, critical and discriminating in response to a wide
range of printed and visual texts.
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a confident writer:
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able to write for a variety of purposes and audiences, knowing
the conventions and beginning to adapt and develop them;
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able to write imaginatively, effectively and correctly;
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able to shape, express, experiment with and manipulate
sentences;
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able to organise, develop, spell and punctuate writing
accurately.
an effective speaker and listener:
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with the clarity and confidence to convey a point of view or
information;
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using talk to explore, create, question and revise ideas,
recognizing language as a tool for learning;
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able to work effectively with others in a range of roles;
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having a varied repertoire of styles, which are used
appropriately.
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Spanish as a Second Language (SSL)
Learning Spanish as a second language offers opportunities for
pupils to:
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become increasingly familiar with the sounds, written form and
grammar of a modern foreign language;
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use their knowledge with growing confidence and competence to
understand what they hear and read, and to express themselves in
speech and in writing;
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develop language skills and language-learning skills, including
applying their knowledge of grammar and structures, so that they
become increasingly independent learners and users of Spanish;
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use Spanish as the principal means of communication within the
classroom, and beyond it where opportunities exist;
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increase their cultural awareness by learning about
Spanish-speaking countries and their peoples, and by working
with materials from those countries;
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form a sound basis for further study in Key Stage 4 and
beyond.
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