Curriculum Information for Year 11

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

English (Mr Roberts): 

During the spring term, learners will be upskilling their descriptive writing using the techniques and devices they explore in lessons. These include “zooming in” on the details of pictures and photographs, then self assessing to make any edits to improve the work. In addition to this, students will be practising and preparing for Functional Skills exams, so they will revisit formal writing such as articles and letters. 

English (Dr Csengei):

In the first half of the spring term, the group will prepare their narrative writing coursework piece for the Cambridge International GCSE assessment. In preparation for this, learners will develop their story writing skills by learning about genre, story openings, plot structure, character development, as well as creating tension and suspense through the use of verbs and sentence structure. In half term 2, learners will prepare their third coursework assignment, which is a personal response to a piece of writing (usually a newspaper article) in the form of a letter to the author. In this assignment, learners will be expressing their views on the topic discussed in the article in a nuanced and critical way, responding to specific points raised in the original piece.

English Literature (Dr Csengei)

In the spring term, learners will be studying John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men in preparation for the Pearson Edexcel English literature iGCSE examination. We will read the novel first, moving on to analysing context, characters and plot development. By the end of the half term, learners will answer exam-style practice questions on the text. In the second half term, we will continue discussing the remaining poems from the Conflict poetry anthology and revise the poems that we had studied previously. 

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Maths (Mr Stephen):

This term's curriculum is designed to foster a deep understanding of fundamental mathematical reasoning skills across various domains. Commencing with "Reasoning," learners will engage in critical thinking and problem-solving, laying the groundwork for more advanced mathematical concepts. Next, we will look at "Multiplicative Reasoning," which involves exploring mathematical relationships involving multiplication. Building on this, "Geometric Reasoning" will challenge students to think about spatial relationships and geometric properties.

In the realm of algebra, learners will delve into "Algebraic Reasoning," honing their ability to analyse and manipulate algebraic expressions and equations. The curriculum also emphasises the importance of effective "Revision & Communication" strategies, ensuring that learners not only grasp mathematical concepts but can articulate and communicate their understanding to others. "Transforming & Constructing" will involve manipulating mathematical objects and structures.

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PE (Mr Green and Mr Lee):

This term we are studying health related fitness in which we will test the learners on their different components of fitness; strength, power, speed, reaction time, muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance, strength and balance. Learners will test in weeks 1 and week 7 and in between they will look at different health related fitness sessions they are able to use to show improvement on their component of fitness. We will be completing circuit training, FIIT class, continuous training and Fartlek training to provide knowledge of exercises students can use to lead a healthy active lifestyle before retesting. 

PSHE (Mr Watkins):

This term, we will be studying topics centred around relationships and sex education. They will include different types of relationships, how to look after our reproductive health, LGBTQ awareness and how to manage relationship conflicts effectively. For further information, please visit our school website.

Option Subjects.

Chemistry GCSE (Mrs McCran):

Learners are nearing the end of the chemistry course and they are looking at hydrocarbons, and polymers. After half term, they will begin an extensive revision course for their GCSE exams.

Physics GCSE Mr Doza and Mr Gamble): 

In physics the GCSE course will be completed this term. The short topics of static electricity, magnetism and the motor effect, the particle model and forces and matter will be covered.

Biology GCSE (Mr Doza and Mr Gamble):

The final topic for the biology GCSE is quite extensive and looks at ecosystems and material cycles. The spring term is particularly suited to this topic as it involves some experimentation outside.

Entry Level Further Science (Mrs McCran): 

The Entry Level this term looks at electricity and energy and particles which are both physics topics.

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Design Technology (DT) Miss Norris: 

Learners will continue to work towards completing their portfolios ready for submission to the exam board.  This will include continuing  to develop and refine their projects and completing the required written assessments to support their knowledge and understanding.

ICT (Mr Rowntree):

During the start of the spring term, learners will be working towards their Audio unit which will involve recording their scripts and editing their work. They will also continue preparation for their Online World examination which will take place towards the end of January.

In spring term 2, learners will review websites created by other people and plan and make their own website, showcasing their skills and work. This will continue after Easter and conclude their BTEC Information Creative Technology course.

Drama (Mrs Khairdean):

Learners are working towards their medal exams for the remainder of this year and our focus this term will be on Macbeth, studying the play in its entirety so they can bring their individual monologues to life with a rich understanding of their character.

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Learners will be entered for their exam on the 24th May and their exam will fall on the 6th or 7th July (time and day released 2 weeks prior).

Art (Mrs Easton):

During the spring term, learners are looking at Roy Litchenstein, the Pop Artist, and creating large 3D letters to be decorated with comic book style onomatopoeia words and images. 

They will ensure all their research and written tasks are complete for their Arts Awards.

Once complete they will design and construct a horizontal dragon marionette puppet with wings or make a final project of choice.

Sociology (Ms Porter):

This term, the year 11 sociology students will study the sociology of education. This will include looking at a range of sociological perspectives on education for example Functionalist, Marxist and Feminist theories. The class will then explore the socio economic factors that can affect the educational attainment of learners.

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Food Technology (Mr Carter): 

Learners have now completed their BTEC in Home cooking skills level 2. Learners will be covering nutrition and costing this half term so we can look at the comparison between the price of healthy foods and unhealthy foods so learners will be able to identify the cheapest and healthiest ways for them to prepare meals in the future.

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BTEC Sport (Mr Green): 

During the spring term BTEC sport students will be learning about Unit 1- components of fitness, methods of training, interpretation of data and fitness testing. Learners will complete an exam on this. Going through towards the end of the spring term, learners will create a lesson plan as well as understanding skills and techniques of teaching a lesson. Learners will then teach a lesson and evaluate it. 

Careers 

This term, learners will be completing the applying for jobs unit of the ASDAN qualification, this will include learning about and writing CV’s as well as discussing interviews. Learners will also be using the schools new careers software Xello to create profiles and begin to explore and research potential future careers.