The Charter School

Art

In Year 8 pupils continue to develop skills in observational drawing, collage, 3-D installation and print-making. They study perspective, and a range of experimental drawing techniques in order to develop their ideas. Each module allows pupils to investigate, explore and develop their ideas, as well as giving them an opportunity to evaluate their work and the works of others. Knowledge and understanding of artists, craftspeople and designers informs this process. Pupils work with a range of materials and equipment. They also keep a sketchbook throughout the year to assist them with researching, designing and analysing.

Citizenship

In year 8, pupils develop a variety of skills, knowledge and understanding of various citizenship and PSHE topics. Module 1 - the focus was on the concept of Rights, examining the Human Rights Act and its effects. Module 2 introduced the concepts of democracy and power, and their development in the UK. Module 3 - pupils gain knowledge and understanding of UK government, including the study of institutions such as Parliament, and the roles of political parties, elections and voting. Module 4 - pupils learn about the dangers of drug use, discussing the health risks and the problems drugs can cause in communities, followed by a focus on crime and punishment. Module 5 - pupils study Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) with an emphasis on relationship building, respect for themselves and others and good sexual health.

D&T

During Year 8 students have built on the Design Technology work done in year 7 to give them a broad experience of design and technology areas and help prepare for choosing a DT subject at GCSE. This work covers the National Curriculum requirements for Design & Technology, and includes four of the following:

·      Textiles –batik pencil case

·      Engineering- mechanical toy

·      Resistant materials and CAD- ball bearing game

·      Food – Exploring staple food

Drama

During year 8 pupils work to develop a wide range of co-operative learning skills such as, listening, concentration, trust, co-operation. They learn and practice a wide variety of drama devices and use props, costume, lighting and sound to support their performance work. They study different theatrical styles such as, Melodrama, Pantomime, Commedia D’ell Arte, Improvisation, and Musical Theatre. They also use themes and issues as a starting point for dramatic exploration.

English

In English, pupils are taught to speak fluently, listen attentively and participate cooperatively in group, pair and individual activities. When writing, they learn to compose in different styles, from creative writing, to writing to argue and persuade. They are taught to plan, draft and proofread. They are taught spelling, punctuation and the principles of grammar. They learn to appreciate and analyse a range of texts from the literary heritage and from different cultures and traditions as well as studying non-fiction and media.

Geography

Pupils begin year 8 studying multicultural Britain and developing their understanding of diversity. They move on to study River processes and analyse impacts of flooding in Bangladesh. During module 3 pupils investigate the geography of crime, combining geography and maths to present their enquiry findings in a report. Module 4 studies extreme environments, enabling pupils to contrast a variety of opinions including their own and develop their debating skills. The final unit is about the impact of tourism on a range of destinations, focusing on sustainable tourism.

History

In year 8 pupils are expected build and develop their knowledge and understanding of the past. Pupils investigate some of the big political, social, religious and economic changes that take place in Britain and the world between 1500 and 1900. Pupils follow the national curriculum for history at Key Stage 3 through the examination of questions such as: “What were the causes of the civil war?”, “How did the understanding of medicine develop?” and “Why are there different interpretations of children’s working conditions in the industrial revolution?”

Pupils will be expected to present their knowledge and understanding in a variety of way including the use of ICT.

ICT

Maths

Throughout year 8, students follow the KS3 National Strategy and work from the Maths Links scheme. There are 4 tiers of work relating to National Curriculum levels: Level 2 and below, Levels 3-5, Levels 4-6 and 5-7 with extension work available at Level 8 if necessary. All pupils have access to support materials within this scheme and tiers are re-evaluated every half term.   We use a variety of teaching methods to build upon work on number, algebra, shape and space, and data handling. Students can revise from home using the website www.mymaths.co.uk, for which each student has a personalized login and password. Homework may also be set from this site. Pupils are expected to complete an investigative task in the Summer term which provides an opportunity for pupils to demonstrate their ability to use and apply mathematics.

MFL

Pupils continue to work in the four skills : speaking, listening, reading and writing and should reach a National Curriculum level 4/5 by the end of the summer term.

In French topics explored include home and environment, daily routine, leisure, clothes and media.

In Spanish, topics explored include home and environment, shopping, free time activities, food, daily routine.

New grammar introduced in Year 8 includes referring to past, present and future events using different tenses, and extending work by using more complex language structures. They improve their understanding of Spanish and French by using materials from a variety of sources and from different Spanish and French-speaking countries to increase their cultural awareness.

Music

During Y8 pupils study Opera and the Symphony Orchestra, Music of the Caribbean, History of Western Classical Music and Introduction to Music ICT. They explore various notation systems, instruments and software during this time.

Work has been organised to cover the national curriculum requirements for Music: composing, performing, listening and appraising. Each module includes a range of listening, analysing and appraising tasks against specific criteria. Pupils improvise, compose and perform individually, in small groups and as a whole class, expanding their repertoire, knowledge and practical skills.

PE

In Year 8 students studied the following activity areas: rugby, football, table tennis, cricket, sport education and gymnastics.

They have been assessed in their ability to combine skills and techniques and apply them with consistency and precision; plan for and analyse themselves and others in specific skill related activities; and understand the effects that a variety of activities have on fitness levels.

RE

Year eight start the year with a module of philosophy called’ ultimate questions2’. They then spend a module studying the beliefs and practices of Christianity. During module three they investigate the core aspects of Islam before learning about religious themes in the media during module four. Finally, during module five they explore the topic of rites of passage including birth ceremonies, death ceremonies and initiation rituals.

Science

Pupils continue to develop their understanding of scientific principles by applying the concepts learnt in year 7 to more abstract topics. These topics are electric circuits, magnets and electromagnets, light and sound in Physics, the chemistry of combustion, the chemistry of rocks and the development of the Periodic Table in Chemistry, and habitats, variation and inheritance, digestion and respiration in Biology.

The course includes references to the historical development of scientific ideas. Pupils continue to develop their skills of planning, carrying out and reporting their practical work and they use ICT to support these activities.