Curriculum Information for Year 9

Note: If you are not sure who your child’s teacher is for English and Maths or what option subjects your child is studying then please contact your child's form tutor for more information.

Maths (Mr Stephen):

Learners are introduced to more formal algebraic manipulation such as solving linear equations and inequalities and they deepen their skills with straight-line graphs by plotting, sketching and interpreting gradient and intercept. Ratio and proportion are revisited through compound measures and problem-solving contexts, while number work is linked to more complex algebraic reasoning. 

Some learners will also be working towards achieving a Functional Skills qualification by the end of the academic year.

English (Mrs Margarita, Mr Battersby and Ms McGhee):

In Year 9 this half term, learners will begin by completing baseline assessments. Following this, they will develop their persuasive writing skills, including writing speeches, which will also support the development of their speaking and listening abilities. Learners will be assessed through a Functional Skills Level 2 speaking and listening assessment.

After half term, learners will move on to a Descriptive & Creative Writing unit. In this unit, they will enhance their creative writing skills, focusing on techniques such as tension building and the use of language devices, with a particular emphasis on writing about extreme weather.

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Science: (Mrs McCran, Dr Allouis, Mr Gamble, Mr Doza):

Entry Level Science (Mrs McCran):

This term, learners will study cells, genetics, inheritance and genetic modification. This topic will continue beyond the Autumn term, incorporating core practical tasks and a range of interactive lessons to reinforce understanding.

Physics (Dr Allouis):

This half term, learners are following a self-designed Science Essentials course, aimed at developing the key skills needed to succeed in their chosen GCSE Science courses. In the second half of the Autumn term, the focus will shift to the topic of forces and motion.

Biology (Mr Doza):

This half term, learners are following a self-designed Science Essentials course, aimed at developing the key skills needed to succeed in their chosen GCSE Science courses. In the second half of the Autumn term, the basic concepts of biology will be covered. 

History: 

In History this term, we will start by finding out how the Suffragettes fought for voting rights and equality during the early 20th century. We will then go on to examine the causes of the outbreak of the First World War. After half term, we will be finding out about some of the experiences faced by soldiers during the Great War, how the war came to an end and about the peace settlement that followed.

Geography:

In Geography this term, we will start by looking at the geology of the United Kingdom, how the rock cycle works and the importance of soil. After half term, we will be finding out about plate tectonics and how they create earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and how humans live alongside these dangers.

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RE:

In RE this term, we will be exploring many aspects about the Sikh faith. We will examine the key beliefs of Sikhism, find out about Guru Nanak, Guru Gobind Singh, the gurdwara and the authority of the Guru Granth Sahib. After half term, we will be looking at key people in the Sikh community, how Sikhs live their lives, about Sikh celebrations and significant places in Sikhism.

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PE: (Mr. Lee and Mr. Green): 

In P.E., learners will participate in a variety of sporting activities, including invasion sports, net and racket games, target sports, athletics, and health-related fitness. In Year 9, the focus will be on developing learners’ understanding of how to apply tactics and strategies within sports to successfully overcome an opponent.

PSHE: (Mr. Lee and Mr. Green):

Within the PSHE curriculum learners will access a different range of topics including healthy relationships, growing & changing, physical & mental wellbeing, bullying, online safety & discrimination, sex education and consent and living in the wider world. Within these topics the year 9 classes will develop an understanding of how the topic applies to them and how to deal with different situations that can arise through their adolescence. 

Careers: 

In careers this term learners will be introduced to Post 16 options. The unit will include sessions on A-Levels, BTECs, T-Levels and apprenticeships. We will also discuss the differences between sixth form and college. This unit allows learners to begin to understand what they could study after year 11.

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Option Subjects

Year 9 History GCSE Option:

In History this term, we will be looking at crime, punishment, law enforcement and different aspects of society in different periods of history from Anglo-Saxon, Norman, Medieval England and early modern England (c.1000 to c1700) in order to investigate change, continuity and to make comparisons.

Creative Digital Media (CDM): 

Learners will start their CDM year by developing skills learnt in year 8. They will use Google Slides to create posters combining text and images and extend their work by using Photoshop to create products that can be imported into InDesign. They will use these skills later in the term when they use InDesign to create a booklet about a topic of their choice. This work contributes to the Digital Publications unit of Media Courses.

Physics (Dr Allouis):

This term, learners will study forces and motion, covering topics such as velocity and acceleration, Newton’s laws of motion, momentum and braking and stopping distances.

Chemistry (Mrs McCran): 

In Chemistry lessons this term, learners will study the different states of matter and a range of separation techniques. After half term, the focus will shift to the structure of the atom and the periodic table.
 

Information Creative Technology:

Learners will start their ICT year by developing skills learnt in year 8. They will use Google Slides to create posters combining text and images and extend their work by using Photoshop to create products that can be imported into InDesign. They will use these skills later in the term when they use InDesign to create a booklet about a topic of their choice. This work contributes to the Digital Publications unit of ICT Courses. Where students are studying both ICT and CDM, students will extend their knowledge by creating this booklet for different audiences and platforms for sharing their booklet.

Art: 

This term, the learners are looking at how to draw realistic features, applying tone and plenty of detail  which they will then use to create a portrait. Once these are complete they will examine the surrealist work by Magritte and Dali and create a surreal portrait. This will progress onto creating a surreal model on their own chosen theme. 

BTEC Music: 

Throughout this term, we will be doing some general musical knowledge and skills development on which we can build the detail for this qualification. This will include some basic theory work, instruments of the orchestra, structures in music, composition techniques and a working understanding of Logic Pro X, our music software. This will enable us to start the units for the course in the new year. 

Drama:

Learners will take on a significant role in the Christmas pantomime ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ contributing both performance and selected production tasks. They will develop independence in rehearsals and actively make creative decisions about characterisation, staging and ensemble work. Performance focus will include vocal control, timing, and physical characterisation, building on prior experience and learners will begin to mentor or support younger peers in collaborative tasks, demonstrating responsibility and leadership within the rehearsal process. 

BTEC Sport: 

With BTEC Sport, the course is made up of four units; Sports Leadership, Online Exam, Rules and Regulations and Personal Development plan. In year 9, learners will work towards developing their research skills and implementing these into their assignments. Learners will be working through their unit 6; Sports Leaders, proving successful leadership with a chosen athlete or coach, leading a lesson or activity before personal review. 

Design Technology:

Learners are designing and making a 3D letter out of card or wood and decorating it related to their interests. Learners need to design the net that will eventually become their letter. They will learn how the iterative design cycle works due to trial and error in making a successful net to create the letter of their choice. They will be introduced to 2D CAD software to assist with the technical aspects of this project.

Psychology (Dr Allouis) 

This half term we are studying the processes involved in making memories, the different types of memories and how memories are encoded, stored and retrieved. After half term, we will move onto the topic of perception and factors affecting it, including how nature and nurture affect our perception, visual cues and visual illusions.

Food Technology: 

This term, Year 9 learners will build on their existing skills and knowledge by creating a workbook to support their cooking. They will learn new dishes and develop greater independence in the kitchen, while continuing to focus on kitchen safety, including knife skills and expanding their knowledge of food hygiene.