English: 

During the first part of the half term, learners will be developing skills to synthesise information from a variety of sources, whilst also exploring facts from fake news. After half term, learners will explore the features of transactional speech, including famous speeches in history and the techniques used that made them so effective. 

 

Maths:

In maths this half term we are studying algebraic techniques including brackets, equations and inequalities, and algebraic sequences. After the half term break, we will be focusing on number development with an in depth look at fractions and percentages and standard index form. 

 

Science: 

During the spring term, learners will be covering all three disciplines of science. In biology, we will learn about breathing and respiration. Experiments will be carried out in chemistry on metals and their uses and we will discover the wonders of the Periodic Table. Within physics, we will learn about light, how we see and colour.

 

Humanities: History, Geography & RE.

History:

In History this term, we will start by finding out about the English Civil War and the trial and execution of Charles I. After half term, we will be looking at how Parliament and Oliver Cromwell governed the Commonwealth before we then examine the Restoration of Charles II and the major events of his reign.

 

Geography:

In Geography this term, we will start by exploring the topic of coasts and how our coastline has many different features. We will look at the importance of waves in creating coastal features and investigate coastal flooding and coastal sea defence. After half term, we will be finding out about different types of weather systems and investigate the weather and the climate in the UK and around the world. 

 

RE:

In RE this term, we will be exploring many aspects about the Hindu faith. We will examine Hindu beliefs about God, karma and rebirth and also look at the different types of Hindu scripture and how Hindus worship in temples or at home. After half term, we will be looking at how Hindus live their lives, about Hindu celebrations and finding out about different types of Hindus.

 

PSHE: 

We will start the term by revisiting topics from the autumn term based on relationships and sex education: what are STIs, sexting and the impact of the media on body image. We will then move onto living in the wider world topics, such as what is extremism, why is it so dangerous, and how can we keep ourselves safe online from radicalisation. Further information can be found on our school website under the PSHE link.

 

ICT:

In the first half of the term we will work to understand the need to keep data safe from being intercepted and what can be done to protect data. We will consider passwords, access to devices, protecting from malware and encryption. We also will look at the structures we use to store data efficiently. After the half term, we will look at databases; we will learn what their uses are, how to put information into one and how to search using precise criteria. We will also create a simple database table and add data to it, creating a custom form for data entry and creating queries to extract data.

 

DT (Design and Technology):  

Learners will be designing their own working clock based on their individual ideas. The focus of the project is to design and use creative skills along with developing skill and confidence with using some basic workshop tools and techniques. Learners will also design and make a phone stand to increase knowledge and skill around using a broad range workshop tools and techniques.

 

CDM (Creative Digital Media):

During the spring term, learners are completing their audio tasks started in the autumn term. This involves recording their prepared scripts and editing the audio files with additional sound effects and / or music using Adobe Audition. Learners have chosen their own projects which include a rap, comedy sketch and interviews. Some learners have completed these projects and have started creating small stop motion videos.

Music: 

In the first half of the spring term, we are studying the Blues. From it’s roots in the slave trade, right through to performing a 12 bar blues and writing our own lyrics, this is a very creative unit where learners combine their historical and musical knowledge.

In spring term two, we will make the natural progression from the Blues into the 1950’s Rock ‘n’ Roll. Still based on the 12 bar chord progression, this music is lovely, fun and full of larger than life characters! We’ll look at the life and career of Elvis Presely and find out why music changed so much during this decade. 

 

Art: 

This term, learners are looking at Roy Litchenstein, the Pop Artist, and creating comic book style portraits using primary colours, black outlines, Ben Day dots and thought bubbles. Once these are complete they are going to learn how to draw features following a step by step guide. They will then draw a portrait in an Expressionist style adding shadows and tone. This portrait will be transformed into a WANTED poster by adding cowboy hats, cactus, a sunset sky behind and of course the WANTED and REWARD message. 

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Forest School:

Over the course of the spring term, learners will have the opportunity to learn how to use a fire striker and to build and keep a fire alight. There will also be opportunities to take part in collaborative games, campfire cooking sessions, whittling and natural crafts. We will also be making the most of the changing seasons in our beautiful Forest School area by playing with ice and making ice decorations. As spring blossoms, we will be looking out for birds making nests and the first signs of spring springing!

 

Drama: 

In the spring Term we will be studying and participating in various workshops on the play Blood Brothers by Willy Russell.

 

PE:

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. 

 

Mandarin:

In the Spring term, we are going to learn the following things linked to numbers, a topic which has a wide appeal to our year 8 learners:

 

• 0-10 to talk about year 2024 (with each single number reading out individually), students’ and parents’ birth years, 

• Days of the week (which are numbered in Mandarin) and class schedules.

• 11-20 to talk about months of the year(which are named based on their ordinal sequence), and important occasions throughout the year.

• 20-99 to talk about family birthdays.

 

We will also talk about the ‘Year of Dragon,’ and possible celebrations such as practising Chinese calligraphy and making traditional Chinese food such as bao buns and dumplings.

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Food Technology: 

This term learners will be covering a large base of cooking skills and processes needed to be able to approach cooking a variety of dishes. Also they will be introduced to the five main food groups and the eatwell plate. They will also be taught the correct terminology in which to address different ingredients, this is in preparation for learners to choose their options (optional subjects). As always we will be revisiting safe ways of working and the hygiene rules needed in a kitchen environment.