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Year 8 Curriculum Map

Click the term buttons below to see the curriculum for each subject.

Autumn term

	Autumn 1	Autumn 2
English	Power Poetry: analysing dramatic monologue; iamb/trochee; line analysis; rhyme variation	A Christmas Carol: shaping a narrative using using chronology manipulation; plot development; endings
Maths	N4: Multiplicative reasoning Ratio and proportion, compound measures	G2: Perimeter, Area & Volume Working out the perimeter, area and volume of 2D shapes including surface area
Science	Working scientifically Focuses on planning and carrying out a full scientific investigation. They will learn how to ask a scientific question, learn the steps required to plan an investigation, and learn how to record, analyse and evaluate data. Biology: Health & Lifestyle Introduction to the components of balances diet and the importance of maintaining health. Study the process of digestion and the roles of specific organs. Will look at smoking, alcohol and drugs and how each affect the body. Chemistry: Separating mixtures Using chemical knowledge to solve problems and linking the ideas of elements and sounds. Physics: Energy Students will look at energy resources, stores and transfers; including electricity generated by both renewable and non-renewable energy. Students will study the links between energy, work done and power by looking at real life scenarios.	Biology: Health & Lifestyle Introduction to the components of balances diet and the importance of maintaining health. Study the process of digestion and the roles of specific organs. Will look at smoking, alcohol and drugs and how each affect the body. Chemistry: The Periodic Table The arrangement of elements in the periodic table, cataloguing and categorising elements. It will illustrate how scientific ieades change over time. Physics: Energy Students will look at energy resources, stores and transfers; including electricity generated by both renewable and non-renewable energy. Students will study the links between energy, work done and power by looking at real life scenarios.
Computer Science	Understanding Computers Theoretical unit covering the basic principles of computer architecture. Identifying input, output and storage devices and their uses. Input-Process-Output sequence and the Fetch-Decode-Execute	Binary and Logic Gates Binary to decimal conversion and vice versa, and learn how text characters are represented using the ASCII code. Designing Boolean logic gates to simulate real-life scenarios.
Geography	Development & Economic Activity Gender Equality UK trade Globalisation Aid Sustainable development Fair Trade Trans-National Corporations (TNCs)	Africa The danger of a single story Africa’s climates Can we save the Sahel? Opportunities & Challenges Kibera Trade with China.
History	How did the Tudor monarchs change religion? The Reformation and the religious policies of Henry VII, Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I. Focus: Change & continuity;	What happened in the English Civil War? Factors which have shaped the development of London. Focus: Evidence
French	Vive les vacances Talking about the school holidays Revising the verb etre and avoir. Saying what you did during the holidays Using the perfect tense of regular –er verbs. Describing a visit to a theme park Using the perfect tense of irregular verbs. Saying where you and how. Using the perfect of verbs that take etre. Listening for negatives in the perfect tense	Vive les vacances suite Using the perfect tense of irregular verbs. Saying where you and how. Using the perfect of verbs that take etre. Listening for negatives in the perfect tense. Asking and answering questions
Spanish	La gente Talking about activities Describing friends using adjectives Describing celebrities Talking about Understanding nationalities	¿Vamos a salir? Talking about places in town Future activities Inviting someone to go out Making excuses 3rd person likes/dislikes
Art	Portrait What is a portrait? Learning correct proportions and how to draw facial features. Students will build up their skills and knowledge to create realistic self-portraits Key artists: key portrait artists from different periods of Art, Jonathan Yeo, Adrian Brandon	Portrait What is a portrait? Learning correct proportions and how to draw facial features. Students will build up their skills and knowledge to create realistic self-portraits Key artists: key portrait artists from different periods of Art, Jonathan Yeo, Adrian Brandon
Citizenship	Why was the struggle to vote important? The changes in political rights over time, the role of Chartists and Suffragettes in extending the franchise, reflection on future extensions to the franchise	How has the law changed?The difference between criminal and civil law, the age of criminal responsibility and young people in the justice system
Dance	Bollywood Kathak and Bharatanatyam Group and individual performances	Emancipation of Expressionism AQA GCSE Set Work Group and individual performances
Design Technology	Design and Technology Measuring and Marking out Health and Safety in the workshop Kinetic Pen STEM challenge Communication techniques: Graphic design Food Health and safety in the kitchen Units for weighing and measuring ingredients Knife skills Pizza Toast Scones Cheese and Onion tartlets (tolerances, shortening, gluten, egg) The importance of a healthy diet The Eatwell guide. Food related illnesses *2022-2023 Students in Year 8 will study either Food or Design and Technology rotating from the subject studied in Year 7	Design and Technology Material knowledge: Wood and man-made boards: Trinket Box Or Cultural Cushion textiles project Food Function of ingredients: Yeast Bread project: including practicals of: Bread rolls Chelsea Buns Yeast based pizza or Pizza Pinwheels Allergens and Natasha’s Law
Drama	The Stones / Drama Skills Toolkit (part 2) Exploring status, staging and cross-cutting in response to a script.	Gothic Thriller – Theatre Design Developing lighting and sound design skills within the Gothic Thriller genre.
Music	Jazz and Blues Background and cultural of Jazz and Blues Improvisation skills developed Keyboard skills developed Paired performance using the Blues scale and 12-bar Blues Critical listening skills Ukulele revisited Small group ensemble Blues performance	Minimalism and Music Technology Critical listening skills History of minimalism and compositional techniques Understanding how a piece of music is put together and a motif developed Solo performance / composition piece Using Soundtrap to sequence a piece of music Understanding of texture in music
PE	Introduction to PE Understanding and developing core fundamental skills of physical exercise, health and fitness.	Sport 1- Netball, Football or Rugby Develop a range of core skills in isolation and perform rules and tactics in a game situation. Sport 2- Badminton or Gymnastics Develop a range of core skills in isolation and perform rules and tactics in a game situation. Core skills in isolation and developed through a routine Sport 3- Handball, Volleyball, Basketball or Hockey Develop a range of core skills in isolation and perform rules and tactics in a game situation.
Religious Studies	Religion and the Environment Religious responses to environmental issues, including global warming and climate change.	Different Types of Relationships Exploring ethical questions around human relationships.

Spring term

	Spring 1	Spring 2
English	Survival Novels: analysing hero/anti-hero; plot twist/ back story/ reveal; cyclical structure	Cliffhanger/suspense/tension; Unreliable narrator; multiple narrators; third person limited narration
Maths	A2: Solving Equations Finding unknown quantities in equations of all types G3: 2D Shapes & 3D Shapes Properties of shape and extending the learning in this area from Year 7	N5: Factors and powers Factors and finding prime number decomposition of numbers, working with powers and roots, understanding the laws of indices
Science	Biology: Biological process The process of photosynthesis and its importance for all life on Earth; the effect of plan minerals on plant growth with a ficus on aerobic respiration and anaerobic respiration. Chemistry: Chemical energy Introducing the concept of thermodynamics building on prior knowledge of chemical reactions. Physics: Motion and pressure Introduces speed, pressure and turning forces. Students will learn about pressure in gases, liquids and solids. They will develop mathematical skills using equations.	Biology: Ecosystems and adaptation The relationship between food chains and webs and how this can result in bioaccumulation. Students study the interdependence of organisms and the adaptations of organism to enable them to be successful competitors and survive in harsh and changing environments. Chemistry: Metals and non-metals The reaction of metals with links to industries such as construction and engineering. Physics: Motion and pressure Introduces speed, pressure and turning forces. Students will learn about pressure in gases, liquids and solids. They will develop mathematical skills using equations.
Computer Science	Microbits: Using the BBC micro:bit pocket-sized computer to understand how software and hardware work together. Creating programs using the LED light display, buttons, sensors and many input/output features.	Intro to Python: Focus on the process of developing programs, the importance of writing correct syntax, being able to formulate algorithms for simple programs and debugging their programs.
Geography	Population Population distribution Population change Population pyramids Development and birth rates Migration and climate change Rocinha, Rio de Janero Government policies to control population size.	Hazards & Rocks Structure of the Earth Rock types Causes & effects of earthquakes & volcanoes Predicting tectonic hazards Hotspots Super volcanoes Tsunami Why people live in hazardous areas
History	How did industrialisation change the lives of people in Britain? Economic, political and economic impact of industrialisation. Focus: Causation; Consequences	Why was the slave trade abolished? The impact of the slave trade and the abolition of slavery. Focus: Causation; Consequences.
French	J’adore les fetes Talking about celebrations and festivals Saying what you like and dislike Describing festivals and special days Buying food at a market Using transactional language Talking about a future trip using the future tense.	A loisir Talking about celebrities and TV program Talking about digital technology Arranging to go to the cinema Talking about leisure activities Spotting synonyms Using 3 tenses when speaking
Spanish	Mis vacaciones Where you went on holiday What it was like How you travelled What you did on holiday Additional details	La comida Mealtimes Time expressions Shopping for food Eating at a restaurant A past meal Likes and dislikes
Art	Portrait What is a portrait? Students will continue to explore an idea of a portrait through distortion (joiners, Cubism), mixed media. Students will learn basic Photoshop edits Key artists: David Hockney, Cubism, Naum Gabo	Portrait What is a portrait? Students will continue to explore an idea of a portrait through distortion (joiners, Cubism), mixed media. Students will learn basic Photoshop edits Key artists: David Hockney, Cubism, Naum Gabo
Citizenship	Are people treated equally in the UK? Historical changes to discrimination law in the UK, the Equality Act 2010, how discrimination still affects different groups in society	Why do people move around the world? Exploring the reasons why people migrate, factors that affect migration and the debate around migration control
Dance	Dance Through Time Ballet, Charleston, Jive Group and individual performances	Dance Through Time Jive, Hip-Hop, Contemporary Group and individual performances
Design Technology	Design and Technology Material knowledge: Wood and man-made boards: Trinket Box The 6Rs and sustainability in design Or Cultural Cushion textiles project Systems and Control: Levers and linkages Gears and cams Food Food safety and Cross contamination Chicken Fajitas Deboned and cheese stuffed chicken thigh enrobed in breadcrumbs Meatballs in Ragu sauce The role of an EHO Careers in the Hospitality and Catering Industry	Design and Technology Materials knowledge: Polymers Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacture KeyFob Food Tasty Careers Food Choices : Reasons and Influences: Health/Medical Design a menu for……….
Drama	Shakespeare – A Midsummer Night’s Dream Developing vocal technique, staging skills and relationship with the audience.	Stanislavsky – Naturalistic Acting Understanding and applying Stanislavsky’s methodology to scripted work.
Music	Rap and Grime Lyric writing Composing a bass riff and a backing track in a contemporary style Understanding of how Hip hop and Rap have changed over time Critical Listening skills Soundtrap mixing and editing skills developed	Popular Music Ukulele revisited chords and TAB notation Introduction to harmony and chords Keyboard skills developed – two hands together Critical listening skills Knowledge of development of popular music since the 1950s
PE	Sport 1- Netball, Football or Rugby Develop a range of core skills in isolation and perform rules and tactics in a game situation. Sport 2- Badminton or Gymnastics Develop a range of core skills in isolation and perform rules and tactics in a game situation. Core skills in isolation and developed through a routine Sport 3- Handball, Volleyball, Basketball or Hockey Develop a range of core skills in isolation and perform rules and tactics in a game situation.
Religious Studies	Evil and Suffering How does evil and suffering provide a challenge to religious belief? How do religious believers seek to defend faith in light of challenges?	Humans are Special Understanding the difference between the quality and sanctity of life. Religious beliefs about what makes human beings unique.

Summer term

	Summer 1	Summer 2
English	The Gothic: analysing drama for duologue; subplot; set; writing description using sound/contrast/hyperbole; writing rhetoric using contrast and exaggeration	Emma: analysing women writers and characters in literature; research/independent reading skills
Maths	S2: Probability Working with probability in different ways to produce sample spaces, tree diagrams and work out the probability of conditional and unconditional events A3: Sequences & graph Continuing sequences, finding rules for sequences and identifying types of sequence in and out of context.	N6: Fractions, decimals and percentages Over view of all work on fractions decimals and percentages including compound interest Preparation for Year 9
Science	Biology: Inheritance Introduces the concept of variation in characteristics in individuals within a species and determines whether these are a result of inherited variation, environmental variation or both. How evolution occurs through the process of natural selection, why some organisms become extinct, and the role of gene banks. Chemistry: Climate The issue of global warming and climate change is discussed through a scientific lens, giving an awareness of the effect of human activity on the atmosphere. Students examine the ethical and moral cases surrounding extraction of materials and suggest how chemical processes can provide alternatives. Physics: Electricity & Magnetism Introduces students to electric fields, current and magnetism. Students will learn how to build simple circuits and take measurements of current and potential difference using ammeters and voltmeters. Students will then study electromagnets and plan how to investigate the shape of magnetic fields.	Biology: Inheritance Introduces the concept of variation in characteristics in individuals within a species and determines whether these are a result of inherited variation, environmental variation or both. How evolution occurs through the process of natural selection, why some organisms become extinct, and the role of gene banks. Chemistry: Earth’s resources Students will learn about the composition of the Earth and the atmosphere. They are reintroduced to the different types of rocks, learn how they are made, their properties and how their properties make them suitable for their uses. Physics: Electricity & Magnetism Introduces students to electric fields, current and magnetism. Students will learn how to build simple circuits and take measurements of current and potential difference using ammeters and voltmeters. Students will then study electromagnets and plan how to investigate the shape of magnetic fields.
Computer Science	My App Use Microsoft Power Apps to build professional-grade apps by using prebuilt templates, drag-and-drop simplicity, and quick deployment, then roll out continuous improvements as needed	Faking IT Practise skills in design, photo-editing and image manipulation using Adobe Photoshop
Geography	Rivers & Glaciation Drainage basins River processes Deltas Causes & effects of flooding Glacier location, uses, processes & features Investigation locations using GIS Climate change impacts.	Energy & Natural Resources Natural resource origins Fossil fuels & climate change Alternative energy Middle East climate and economic opportunities United Arab Emirates Conflict in the Middle East
History	Was the British Empire a force for good in India? The impact of the British Empire on India. Focus: Interpretations	How did women in Britain get the vote? The campaign for women’s suffrage. Focus: Causation; Interpretations
French	Le monde est petit Talking about where you live and describe it using pouvoir + infinitive. Discussing the weather. Using different strategies to decode words when reading. Talk about daily routine using reflexive verbs. Talking about moving houses using irregular adjectives. Using 3 different tenses when writing.	Le sport en direct Talking about sports using jouer a + faire de. Giving opinions using the comparative. Asking the way and giving directions using imperative. Using il faut to say you must. Translating from French to English.
Spanish	De moda Clothes School uniform Comparing Choosing an item What you wore in a fancy dress ball	La ciudad Saying what there is to see and do in Barcelona Justifying opinions Different types of shop Directions Describing a holiday
Art	Portrait/culture Students will incorporate the idea of portrait into the creation of masks inspired by non-western cultures. Non-Western culture: Asia/Africa	Portrait/culture Students will incorporate the idea of portrait into the creation of masks inspired by non-western cultures. Non-Western culture: Asia/Africa
Citizenship	How does the media affect us? The concept of news, the role and responsibilities of the media in a democracy, and freedom of the press	How can citizens bring about change? The role of pressure groups and other social movements in campaigning for changes in society
Dance	Gumboot Gumboot Group and individual performances	Summer Spotlight Own choreography Group and individual performances
Design Technology	Design and Technology Biomimcry and the iterative design process Food Food Choices: Reasons and Influences: Cultural/Moral/Social Where does our food come from? Food miles and sustainability Cultural Food Project	Design and Technology Biomimcry and the iterative design process Food Presentation skills Tunnocks Tea cake challenge style task. Apple Swans (enzymic browning) Lemon Berry cheescake
Drama	Devised Theatre Using an extract from Top Girls as a stimulus to create original performance work. An Introduction to Frantic Assembly - Physical theatre and an exploration of Frantic assembly’s devising techniques.	Live Theatre Evaluation Analysis and evaluation of professional theatre performance work.
Music	Film Music Understanding of Leitmotifs Using the musical elements to create a specific mood or effect Composing a Leitmotif relating to a film character Solo keyboard performance Using Soundtrap to compose music for a set film clip	Reggae Band Project Ukulele and keyboard skills developed. Small ensemble performance Critical listening skills Understanding of Reggae and Jamaican culture Optional introduction to guitar and bass guitar
PE	Athletics Develop a range of core skills in isolation across a variety of events. Cricket Develop a range of core skills in isolation and perform rules and tactics in a game situation. Street Sports Develop a range of core skills in isolation and in group challenges across a variety of street sports.
Religious Studies	Prejudice and Discrimination What is prejudice and what is discrimination? How do religious believers use their faith to challenge discrimination?