Subject	Course Details
Art	In art, craft and design, students explore visual, tactile and sensory experiences to communicate ideas and meanings. Students investigate and develop a range of practical skills and processes. Students will explore the Formal Elements through projects including landscape and portrait painting. They will develop drawing skills through observational drawing and mark making. Three dimensional constructions will be explored resulting in the production of sculptures and vessels. By the end of Year 7, students are expected to achieve a level between 3 and 5, with an average student working at level 4.
D&T	Students cover food safety and hygiene, basic nutrition, dietary goals, sensory evaluation of foods and staple food commodities. They also complete, design and make tasks which involve developing basic food practical skills (preparation, cooking and serving). In textiles students make a tie-dye and applique cushion, based upon wildlife. They learn how to use a sewing machine to applique and make the cushion, and decorative techniques, such as beading and hand embroidery. In resistant materials students design and make a steady-hand game based on a simple electronic circuit.
Drama	The Drama course in Year 7 is a predominantly practical course with continuous assessment. The students look into a number of issues and themes mainly through group role-play. They are assessed on their development of drama during the rehearsal process, their presentation and performance skills and their evaluation of the practical work. By the end of Year 7 the average level is 3-4.
English	In line with the National Literacy Strategy, Year 7 begins with a ‘transition unit’ enabling teachers to assess students’ skills quickly, and to ease students into the routines of the Secondary English classroom. Students are then required within the National Curriculum framework to develop their writing over a range of different forms. Students’ learning is enhanced by the use of Interactive Whiteboards and ICT. By the end of Year 7, students are expected to have achieved Level 5.
French	In Year 7 students learn basic conversational language. They can introduce themselves and give some basic background information about their families, activities and living arrangements. They are familiar with basic grammar, including the present tense. Students should achieve at least a national curriculum level 2 and some may possibly reach level 4 in certain skills.
Geography	Students have studied the following topics: introducing geography, map skills, settlement, shopping, rivers & flooding, and sport. By the end of Year 7 the range of levels is from 3c to 6a.
History	During Year 7, the topics covered are an introduction unit called ‘What is History?’, the Romans, Medieval England and a focus on the Crusades . The students are expected to achieve a National Curriculum Level in the range 3c to 6a, which is assessed by teacher set assessments and an end of year exam.
ICT	There are 6 units in Year 7 ICT: students produce a presentation, make a leaflet, and assess their results critically. The use the internet and databases to collect and organise information, considering the purpose, reliability, bias and accuracy of what they find. They develop their understanding of computer modelling, developing a fully functioning spreadsheet. The final unit, control and monitoring, looks at how computers are used to control aspects of everyday life. The range of likely levels across the year group is 4c - 5a
Literacy	The aim of the sessions is to boost literacy skills in a small group setting. Students are offered support to enhance their skills in comprehension and organisation. Students also work towards gaining a greater understanding and acceptance of their differences.
Mathematics	Students are taught in their tutor groups in Year 7 covering the three main areas of the National Curriculum for Mathematics: Number & Algebra, Shape Space & Measure and Handling Data. Students use the Framework Mathematics text books to support lessons and all the homework is set both in a homework book and online with extra material available there. Each unit is assessed with a National Curriculum level. At the end of the academic year, students are assessed by a non-calculator and calculator examination, the percentage results of which are transposed to NC levels which are used in conjunction with the teacher’s input for setting in the subsequent year. By the end of year 7 the range of levels is from 3c to 6a.
Music	During Year 7 music students study a range of styles and traditions from folk music to melody writing and Indian music. They work individually and in groups to explore specific genres, styles and traditions from different times and cultures. Students perform and compose music in different styles to increase their understanding of musical devices, processes and influences. By the end of year 7 students are expected to reach level 4.
PE	Students have three periods a week. In the double period they do swimming or athletics. In the single period, students learn ball skills (football, basketball, tennis, cricket and rounders) for half a term, followed by dance and gymnastics for the next half term. At the end of year seven, students should have reached level 4b.
PSHCE	The Year 7 PSHCE course is designed to enhance students’ understanding and awareness of the personal, social, political and health issues important to the development of young people. We hope that students will become active, informed citizens, able to participate fully in their communities. Areas of study include anti-bullying, rights and responsibilities, careers, sex and drugs education. Debate and discussion, group activities, video and guest speakers form an important part of the course.
RE	Students are introduced to the key concepts and issues in Religious Education, whilst promoting awareness, respect and tolerance of the spiritual nature of life. Students explore the history, nature and founders of the main world religions. Religious signs and symbols and their meanings are also examined, as are debates about the creation of the world. A range of teaching methods is employed including debate, group work and videos.
Science	In Year 7, students have studied: Biology – Cells, Reproduction, Environment and feeding relationships, Variation and classification. Chemistry – Acids and alkalis, Simple chemical reactions, Solids, liquids and gases, Solutions. Physics – Energy resources, Electrical circuits, Forces and their effects, The solar system and beyond. Students have developed their practical investigative skills over the year. Students are expected to gain a National Curriculum level 3a to 5c at the end of Year 7 with the majority of students gaining level 5a/6c at the end of KS3 in Year 9.
Spanish	In Year 7 students learn basic conversational language. They can introduce themselves and give some basic background information about their families, activities and living arrangements. They are familiar with basic grammar, including the present tense. As this is a new subject for the students they should achieve at least a national curriculum level 2 and some may possibly reach level 4 in certain skills.