2006-07

This page will give you some guidance about your child’s first year at The County High School Leftwich:

• An introduction to the Year 7 work covered in your child’s subjects, including the kind of homeworks which may be set.
• An approach to helping your child to spell those (and other words).  This is the approach which is most used by staff in school.
• Some ideas about helping with homework
• Some hints about using the Internet, Encarta and other ICT sources

If you have any further questions on subjects, approaches etc. in Year 7 do not hesitate to contact your child’s tutor, or myself.

Mrs C Steele
Learning Leader - Year 7

ENGLISH

IIn English in Year 7 pupils will work on eleven units:

Unit 1: Narrative Writing: Autobiography (2 weeks)

Pupils will read and analyse examples of autobiography and write poetry Final Assessment Task: Pupils will plan and writ a story based upon an experience of their own.

Unit 2: Non-Fiction Text Types (4 weeks)

Pupils will revise a number of text types covered at KS2.

Final Assessment Task: producing a speech, a diary and a letter.

Unit 3: Independent Reading (ongoing throughout the year)

Pupils will read a range of fiction, both at home, during registration and in lessons. Certificates will be awarded upon completion of the bronze (5 books), silver (10 books) and gold (10 books) reading records. A variety of tasks are undertaken.

Unit 4: Drama – Bullying Unit (7 lessons)

For one lesson a week, over 7 weeks, pupils will be introduced to a variety of dramatic techniques and issues.

Final Assessment Task: Pupils will evaluate their performance throughout the unit.

Unit 5: Research topic – A famous person (2 weeks)

Pupils will use a range of note making methods in researching a famous person.

Final Assessment Task: Pupils will be assessed on their presentation, commenting on the skills they have used.

Unit 6: Poetry (5 weeks)

Pupils will read a range of poetry looking at the poet's craft and analysing meaning.

Unit 7: Media Unit – Newspapers (6 weeks)

Pupils will look at content and styles of stories from local and national papers, exploring structure, bias and language and producing a comparison of the same story in different newspapers.

Final Assessment Task: Pupils will write their own article.

Unit 8: Novel (6 weeks)

Pupils will read a novel chosen by their teacher. There will be a range of tasks looking at the writer's craft

Final Assessment Task: Pupils will be assessed on their ability to produce a critical analysis of one character.

Unit 9 Non-Fiction Unit on Bullying (4 weeks)

Pupils will look at a variety of sources that provide information on bullying and examine the features of leaflets

Final Assessment Task : Pupils will produce a persuasive leaflet on bullying and explain the techniques they have used to the rest of the class.

Unit 10: Pre-Twentieth Century Prose (4 weeks)

Pupils will look at extracts by Charles Dickens, exploring the themes and language in a variety of ways.

Final Assessment Task: Pupils will be assessed on the writing of a short story of their own, commenting on the skills they have used.

Unit 11: Drama – Play Text (5 weeks)

Pupils will ready a play and learn about the techniques of a playwright.

Final Assessment Task: Pupils will dramatise part of a scene.

ICT/Media Opportunities: ‘ Frankenstein' clips from BFI materials (Links to ‘Monster in the Garden')

Examination

• Formal examination will take place later in the year, to assess reading and writing.
• Reading Paper – three linked passages with questions.
• Longer Writing task and Shorter Writing Task

MATHEMATICS

The mathematics syllabus in Year 7 consists of a series of topics linked to four attainment targets:

Attainment Target 1: Using and Applying Mathematics

Pupils are allowed to develop their thinking and analytical skills through appropriate tasks set within the other three attainment targets.

Attainment Target 2: Number and Algebra

Pupils spend approximately two weeks studying each of the following topics: Fractions, Decimals, Percentages, Place Value and Rounding, Ratio, Negative Numbers, Sequences, Equations and Formulae

Attainment Target 3: Shape and Space

Pupils spend approximately two weeks studying each of the following topics: Shapes and Measures, Lines and Angles, Length, Area and Volume, Co-ordinates and Transformations.

Attainment Target 4: Handling Data

• Pupils will collect data using an appropriate method such as a survey, questionnaire or internet research. They will then present their findings using suitable diagrams e.g. Pictograms, Bar Charts and Pie Charts. Finally they will analyse their results by considering the Mode, Median, Mean and Range.
• Probability is taught as a separate topic.
• Pupils are encouraged to express themselves orally, and through pencil and paper and calculator methods throughout the course.
• ICT is increasingly used to enhance the study of mathematics.
• A typical Year 7 mathematics lesson would consist of an oral and mental starter of 5/10 minutes, a main activity of 30/35 minutes and a plenary/summary session of 5/10 minutes. This is the format as recommended by the National Numeracy Strategy.

SCIENCE

The year is organised into six modules of work – two in each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Each module lasts six weeks.

A rota operates so that the order in which forms tackle the modules is different. The only exception to this is Biology 2, which all pupils study after the Whit half-term holiday.

The content of the Year 7 modules is :

Biology 1: Cells, Environment and Feeding Relationships

Biology 2: Variation, Classification and Reproduction

Chemistry 1: Acids, Alkalis and Burning.

Chemistry 2: Kinetic Theory and Solubility

Physics 1: Energy Resources and Electrical Circuits

Physics 2: Forces and The Solar System

Homework

A homework of approximately 30 minutes should be set each week.

The following sorts should occur during the year:

•  Learning of key facts for end of module tests/end of year exam (last week before Whit holiday)

•  Answering written questions, some drawn from previous test papers.

•  With prior permission from parent/guardian, carrying out simple experiments, e.g. pH of household products

•  Research, using any available material e.g. books &/or computer software (including the internet).

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

During this year your child will be able to experience how designers work and learn, focusing on why technology is so relevant to our lives. By following a common design process they will solve problems completing projects in five different material areas.

In Resistant Materials (woods, metals and plastics) pupils will learn about the materials they are using and the tools and skills needed to shape them. They will produce an animal sculpture and an aluminium figure.

When studying Food pupils will learn about foods and nutrition, producing a number of practical outcomes including coleslaw and pizzas. When studying the food module pupils will be required to bring ingredients.

In Textiles pupils will learn to use the sewing machine and basic construction skills resulting in the production of a beanbag and a pencil case.

When studying Electronics they will learn about the principles of electronics, basic components, producing circuit boards and will produce a trivia game.

Structures will help to investigate how strong materials can be made using simple engineering principles and in groups they will build a bridge to carry as much weight as possible.

HUMANITIES

Humanities is the umbrella term for three subjects. Geography, History and Religious Studies which are taught in separate blocks throughout Year 7.

In Geography pupils will learn about using maps, about climate and weather systems and about the placing and development of settlements.

In History study will cover the medieval realms 1000 – 1500; with a special focus on a turning point in European History, the Crusades.

In Religious Studies pupils will learn about the beliefs, festivals and Holy Buildings of some of the main world religions including Islam, Hinduism and Christianity.

ICT

At Key Stage 3, the school follows the National Strategy for ICT with some additional Media-based units.

Year 7 provides opportunities for pupils to work on information searching and presentation with the internet, desktop publishing of text and images, modelling with spreadsheets, capturing and structuring databases, control systems.

The work is organised in the following units:

• Using ICT – basic use of a computer network and multimedia screen presentation.
• Using data and information sources.
• Processing text and images – making a leaflet.
• Introduction to modelling and presenting numeric data.
• Data handling : designing structure, capturing and presenting – using a database to analyse a survey.
• Control and monitoring: input, process and output – using sensors and sequencing to control devices.

MEDIA

Integrated into their National Curriculum ICT course, Year 7 students are offered timetabled Media lessons in the ICT suites, completing a module on digital media. Students consider safe and responsible internet use, then learn how images can be digitally manipulated and improved using graphics software. An extended project is completed where students redesign and re-theme the playing board for the traditional game Othello, considering how it could be made more informative and interesting for the player, and how it could be advertised.

Paint Shop Pro is used for all graphics-based work.

MUSIC

The course is divided into six half term blocks. Each half term is devoted to one unit of work, which through the study of a particular topic concentrates on the National Curriculum assessment objectives of Listening, Composing and Performing .

The topics run as follows:

The Basics
Pupils use improvisation as a means to composition. They will listen to and observe the composing process before trying their hand. They are helped along by a ‘virtual' composer.

Performing together
The pupils will prepare and take part in a large group performance. They will learn how to play by ear, read simple notation, rehearse a part and work as an ensemble.

Musical Cycles
This unit combines performing, listening and composing activities to explore the structures and characteristics of West African music and its instruments. The unit unfolds to enables pupils either to complete a composing activity, modelled by our ‘virtual' composer, or to prepare a performance of “djol é ”.

Musical Structures
Pupils learn about repletion and contrast; being guided through key features including phrases, cadence, chord structure, chord progressions and tonality

Homework will be set periodically and may involve listening to specific styles or pieces of music, factual research or revision and consolidation.

ART

During Year 7 pupils will work extensively, though not exclusively, in a sketchbook. During Year 7 pupils are introduced, many for the first time, to the practice of art and design and the specialist vocabulary essential to the development of skills and understanding within the subject.

Sketchbooks will house pupil observations and imaginative work through drawing, painting, design related activity and printmaking. It is the place where new words particular to the study of art and design can be logged and where the information and thoughts on the work of artists, designers and craftspeople from different times and cultures can be recorded. During Year 7 pupils will begin to evaluate their own work and the work of others through teacher led group discussions. They will record these evaluations in a sketchbook.

Sketchbooks are valuable tools for assisting the development of organisational ability and presentation skills, fostering pride in achievement and developing an understanding of the learning process. The sketchbook is where we can emphasise and explore links between image and word as a means of understanding our observations, thoughts, experiences and interaction with the world around us.

Homework will be set regularly.

LANGUAGES – FRENCH & SPANISH

All year 7 pupils will study French until Christmas. Spanish will be introduced in the second term which begins in January. By this time Year 7 will have been monitored and arranged into ability sets. Pupils will then study Spanish in alternate weeks during two half terms.

From the beginning, the skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing are developed. Pupils learn how to communicate simply in French on the subjects of themselves, families, pets, leisure time and towns and villages. They learn to express their likes and dislikes; to spell and to count in French; to talk about other countries and nationalities and to order food and drinks in a restaurant or café. In Spanish pupils will study greetings and simple introductory dialogues, the alphabet, days of the week, months of the year and birthdays. They will also learn simple instructions for use in the classroom.

Both languages use ICT as a reinforcement of lessons.

The courses give an insight into these foreign countries and encourage pupils to be aware of cultural differences.

The courses used are: Metro 1 for French, and Listos 1 for Spanish.

Homework is regularly set. A typical homework task would be expected to take about half an hour and might be a written homework in exercise books or on a worksheet; a learning or revision homework or a task in preparation for a following lesson.

At the end of each unit of work there are unit tests in each of the four skills, and the marks achieved will be entered in your child's book.

ECM - EVERY CHILD MATTERS

In Year 7 the programmes of study in Every Child Matters are designed to encourage the pupils to achieve the five outcomes of the Every Child Matters Agenda. The outcomes are :

• Be Healthy
• Stay Safe
• Enjoy and Achieve through learning
• Make a positive contribution to society

Achieve economic well-being

Year 7 Topics

• Belonging
• Enterprise
• Roles and Responsibilities
• Personal Safety
• Healthy Lifestyles

An approach to helping your child spell 
This is the approach most used by staff in school.

Teach your children to learn how to spell the easy way.

If they ask for a word, write it down and encourage them to

• look at the word
• say the word correctly aloud
• cover it up
• write it down
• check if it is right

Praise their effort – if it is right encourage them to use the word frequently until they are fully confident with its spelling .

If they get it wrong – praise the effort and encourage them to practise until they get it right.

Don’t just tell them how to spell a word.

Remember

• look
• say
• cover
• write
• check

Some ideas for helping with Homeworking

Helping your children with their homework can ease their anxiety about school as well as help them to learn.

• check their homework diary each day, and sign it at the weekend
• negotiate a time for doing homework, eg. after tea
• decide together how much time your child can cope with spending on homework when it is set
• If they struggle with homework discuss ways of helping them with their teachers
• If they have difficulty remembering or recording homework legibily arrange with the school for someone to record it for them
• give as much help as you can but……
• don’t do the homework for them

Some hints about using the Internet and other ICT sources

Homework research using a computer

During this school year the school’s website will continue to be developed to include links from subject pages to selected websites.

The school website's address is www.chsleftwich.com.
The Subjects Index page is at www.chsleftwich.com/subjects.htm
A specially-designed Internet Search page is at www.chsleftwich.com/search.htm - it includes over 40 useful research links, and an Internet Search box.

The Subject and Search pages are routinely used on our school web browsers.

Ideally, computer-based research shouldn’t simply consist of finding a large amount of information and printing it all in full. Pupils should attempt to select the most relevant information from the pages then copy and paste it into another application such as MS Word or Notepad. Notepad is normally found in the Start > All Programs > Accessories area of your PC.

To select, copy and paste text, carefully highlight the text you want, select Edit > Copy (or Ctrl + C), then go to MS Word or Notepad and select Edit > Paste (or Ctrl + V). You may need to adjust the appearance of text copied from webpages into MS Word. If this becomes too difficult, try pasting into Notepad instead.

To select and copy images from webpages, Right Click over the image and select “Save Picture As” from the menu that appears. You can now save the image on your computer for later use. You can also copy and paste webpage images using Right Click > Copy then Edit > Paste in Word or in a graphics program. However, neither of these techniques will work on Flash or Shockwave animations, which are often found on webpages and CD-ROMs.

A third technique for copying images from your PC is to take a “screenshot” with Alt + Print Screen. This takes a snapshot of the currently open window on your screen. This snapshot is stored in the computer’s clipboard and can be retrieved with Edit > Paste in either MS Word or in a graphics program where it can be edited.

If you want to use an Internet Search Engine, the most popular one in general use is Google which is organised and maintained by specialist editors. A Google search box is included on our Internet Search page.

If you are searching a Search Engine for more than one word, remember to link them with a plus (+) sign (eg Springfield+Simpson). If you want to search for two or more words that are normally found together (like names) then use quotation marks (eg “Homer Simpson”). To find images using a search engine like Google, make sure you click the “Image” tab before entering your search words. For recent news stories about a particular topic, go to BBC News via our Internet Search page and use the search box at the top of the BBC News page.