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  • Year 9 Curriculum Map

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

    Autumn term

     

    Autumn 1

    Autumn 2

    English

    Non-Fiction: analysing and writing using counter argument and rebuttal; emotive language; fact and opinion

    Shakespeare’s Comedies: analysing asides; blank verse; comic relief; dramatic irony; deus ex machina; exits/entrances

    Maths

    Delta
    Number
    Algebra

    Theta
    Number
    Algebra

    Delta
    Algebra
    Data

    Theta
    Algebra
    Data

    Science

    Biology: B1 Cell structure and transport
    Microscopes, cells specialisation. Transport- diffusion, osmosis and active transport and the importance of surface area to volume ratio.

    Chemistry: C1 Atomic Structure
    Structure of the atom
    Development of the atomic model
    Separating Techniques
    Formation of ions
    Isotopes
    Isotopic abundance

    Physics: Conservation and dissipation of Energy
    Identify different energy stores and its conversion between one store to other

    Understand the concept of the law of conservation of energy. Learn the skills to calculate the work done and energy transformation.

    Calculate power using energy and time. Be able to calculate the efficiency of devices and power dissipation.

    Biology: B2 Cell division
    The cell cycle, differentiation and stem cells


    Chemistry: C2 The Periodic Table
    Development of the modern periodic table
    How scientific discoveries are affected by technology
    Explanation of Properties of Group 1, 7, 0 elements
    Transition Metals
     

    Physics: Energy Transfer
    Learn about the factors that affect the amount of energy required to increase the temperature of an object and be able to calculate this amount of energy. Learn about what Infra-red radiation and how this is absorbed by objects. Learn about the effect of insulation to prevent heat loss in buildings

    Computer Science

    Unit 3 - Data Representation
    Conversion of integers from decimal to binary to hexadecimal.
    Representation of images and sound and data compression

    Unit 4 - Computer System
    Boolean logic
    Software classification
    Systems architecture and factors affecting performance. Memory and Secondary Storage uses.

    Geography

    Energy & Natural Resources
    Sustainability
    Middle East climate and economic opportunities
    United Arab Emirates
    Conflict in the Middle East

    Environmental Regions
    Biome locations & characteristics
    Tropical Rainforests: location, soils, adaptations, opportunities & challenges
    Cold locations: location, soils, adaptations, opportunities & challenges.

    Environmental Regions
    Hot deserts: location, soils, adaptations, opportunities & challenges.

    Asia
    Asia: human & physical geography
    Russia: characteristics, climates & population
    Russia and the North Pole
    Flooding in Asia.

    History

    How do historians find out about life on the Western Front?
    Causes of war; Recruitment
    Conditions in the trenches
    Medical treatments
    Consequences of the war

    Focus: Evidence

    Why were people in the West so frightened of communism?
    The Great Dictators
    Lenin and the Russian revolution
    Stalin’s modernisation of the USSR
    Stalin’s terror.

    Focus: Causation

    French

    Theme 1- Unit 1: Me, my family and friends
    Relationships with family and friends.

    Theme 1- Unit 1: Me, my family and friends
    Marriage/ partnership

    Spanish

    Theme 1- Unit 1: Me, my family and friends
    Relationships with family and friends.

    Theme 1- Unit 1: Me, my family and friends
    Marriage/ partnership

    Art

    Still life
    Students explore man made/natural forms still life.

    Students develop their skills further and learn new techniques.

    Students explore a range of artists.

    Still life
    Students explore man made/natural forms still life.

    Students develop their skills further and learn new techniques.

    Students explore a range of artists.

    Business Studies

    Theme 1 – 1.1 Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
    Introduction to key business concepts
    The dynamic nature of business
    The role of business enterprise
    Risks and rewards
    Added value

    Theme 1 – 1.1 Project work and 1.2 Part 1 - Spotting a business opportunity
    Project-based learning in groups
    Customer needs
    The role of market research
    Types of market research

    Citizenship

    Theme A1 – Community and Diversity
    Communities in the UK
    Changes to UK identity
    Impact of migration
    Different types of migrants and their contributions to UK society
    Equality and discrimination laws

    Theme A2 – Rights and Protests
    Changes to human rights in the UK throughout time
    Protecting human rights in modern day UK
    Employment and consumer rights

    Child Development

    Unit R057: Health and well-being for child development

    Topic Area 1: Pre-conception health and reproduction
    Factors affecting pre-conception health, contraceptive methods

    Unit R057: Health and well-being for child development

    Topic Area 1: Pre-conception health and reproduction
    The structure of the male and female reproductive systems, how reproduction takes place, the signs and symptoms of pregnancy

    Dance

    Theory: Section A
    General Dance

    Practical:
    Trio Performance based on Breathe

    Theory: Section A
    Safe practice and healthy dancer

    Practical:
    Choreography and performance based on Flux

    Drama

    Brecht - Devising, Scripted Performance
    An exploration of Brecht’s methodology, as applied to different components of the Drama GCSE

    The 6 Design Elements
    Developing an understanding of how theatre design elements can be used

    Design Technology

    Materials and their working properties
    Natural and manufactured timbers
    Focussed design and make tasks

    Material technologies
    Advantages/disadvantages of CAD/CAM

    An Iterative Design Approach

    New and Emerging Technologies and Enterprise

    Global production and its effects on culture and people
    Legislation to which products are subject
    Consumer rights and protection for consumers when purchasing and using products

    V&A Innovate

    Hospitality and Catering

    Fakeaway Food Project
    Alternative diets
    Nutritional needs
    Factors that affect ill health
    Sustainability

    Fakeaway Food Project
    Alternative diets
    Nutritional needs
    Factors that affect ill health
    Sustainability

    Media Studies

    Introduction to GCSE Media Studies:
    Introduction to key concepts, textual analysis, core key terminology, basic practical skills etc.

    Magazines (Paper 1 Section A):
    Introduction to magazine industry and magazine analysis. Analysis of following magazine covers:

    Pride (November 2015)

    GQ (July 2016)

    Continuation of Magazines (Paper 1 Section A):
    Introduction to magazine industry and magazine analysis. Analysis of following magazine covers:

    Pride (November 2015)

    GQ (July 2016)

    Coursework/ Practical Production Work - Print

    Music

    Step up to GCSE Music Part 1
    Instruments of the orchestra and voice types revisited

    Note Values and Time Signatures basics

    Treble, Bass and Alto clef notation

    Introduction to Musescore notation software

    Describing Tempo, Dynamics and Tonality at GCSE level

    Ensemble Performance

    Critical listening skills developed

    Step up the GCSE Music Part 2
    Notation and Time Signatures continued

    The Percussion family in detail

    Understanding Key Signatures

    Describing Structure, Melody, Texture and Harmony at GCSE level

    Musescore technology skills developed through melody composition

    Small group performance and composition from a stimulus

    Solo Performance

    Introduction to intervals and dictation

    Critical listening skills developed

    PE (GCSE)

    Practical:
    Netball

    Theory: Health, fitness and wellbeing
    1.1 Wellbeing

    Practical:
    Football

    Theory: Health, fitness and wellbeing
    1.2-Sedentary Lifestyle
    1.3- Diet

    PE (Core)

    Trampolining
    Develop core skills in isolation and developed through a routine.

    Fitness
    Understanding the importance of leading a healthy active lifestyle.

    Net sports - Badminton or volleyball
    Develop a range of core skills in isolation and perform rules and tactics in a game situation.

    Games - Basketball, handball, football or netball
    Develop a range of core skills in isolation and perform rules and tactics in a game situation.

    Photography

    An introduction into Photography

    Still life. Students explore the idea of still life photography.
    What makes a good photograph?

    Basic camera settings

    Can you make an interesting photograph of anything?

    Basics of Photoshop

    Introduction to various Photographers

    Independent learning:
    Research, practising photography skills and digital editing

    Still life. Students explore the idea of still life photography.
    What makes a good photograph?

    Basic camera settings

    Can you make an interesting photograph of anything?

    Basics of Photoshop

    Introduction to various Photographers

    Independent learning:
    Research, practising photography skills and digital editing

    Religious Studies

    9.1 Christian Beliefs
    Christian beliefs about God

    Key Christian beliefs across denominations

    Christian beliefs about evil, suffering and the afterlife.

    Sociology

    The Sociological Approach
    Consensus/Conflict approaches, Norms & values, Culture and Society

    Sociological Theory
    Theories of Marxism, Feminism, Interactionism, the New Right and Functionalism

    Extended Curriculum
    *operates on a half-termly carousel

    STEM - Artificial Intelligence: Benefits, ethics and risks.

    Drones

    Satellites

    Binary code

    Design and Make STEM challenges
    Students will use scientific, technological, engineering and mathematical skills to plan, design and make the challenges set.

    Citizenship - What can we do about social issues
    Explore all 9 protected characteristics through contemporary news articles and learn about citizens can take social action.

    Spring term

     

    Spring 1

    Spring 2

    English

    Inequality Novels:
    analysing archetypes; foreshadowing; in media res; omniscient narration

    Inequality Novels continued: analysing archetypes; foreshadowing; in media res; omniscient narration

    Maths

    Delta
    Data Fraction, ratio and %

    Theta
    Data

    Fraction and %

    Delta
    Angles, Pythagoras and Trigonometry

    Theta
    Equations, Inequalities and Sequences

    Science

    Biology: B3 Organising plants and animals
    Levels of organisation, digestive system, enzymes and factors affecting enzymes action

    Chemistry: C3 Structure and Bonding
    Changes of state
    Ionic bonding
    Properties of Ionic compounds
    Covalent Bonding
    Properties of covalent molecules
    Properties of Giant covalent compounds
    Metallic bonding
    Properties of Metals
    Nanoparticles

    Physics: Energy Resources
    Learn about different types of energy resources. Students will learn about energy demands and power generation and renewable energy resources.

    Biology:B4 Organising plants and animals
    The blood and circulatory system, breathing and gas exchange and transport systems in plants

    Chemistry: C3 Structure and Bonding
    Changes of state
    Ionic bonding
    Properties of Ionic compounds
    Covalent Bonding
    Properties of covalent molecules
    Properties of Giant covalent compounds
    Metallic bonding
    Properties of Metals
    Nanoparticles

    Physics: Electric circuits
    Learn how to build electric circuits, knowing different types of components and their behaviour with changing in current and voltage.

    Students will understand the difference between series and parallel circuits and know how these circuits can be used in everyday life.

    Computer Science

    Unit 4 - Computer Systems
    Boolean logic

    Software classification

    Systems architecture and factors affecting performance. Memory and Secondary Storage uses.

    Unit 5 - Computer Network
    Wired and wireless networks.

    Network topologies. Internet protocols with reference to the TCP/IP protocol stack

    Geography

    Coastal Processes & Features
    Coastal processes
    Wave formation
    Erosion
    Transportation
    Deposition
    Mass Movement

    Coastal Processes & Features
    Coastal landforms
    Rock Types
    Erosional and deposition features

    History

    How did the Holocaust happen?
    Antisemitism in Europe; Nazi racial policy; Kristallnacht; The Warsaw Ghetto; The Final Solution; The significance of the Holocaust.

    Focus: Causation; Evidence;

    How did the wartime allies become enemies?
    Nazi invasion of the USSR; Wartime conferences; The US atomic bomb.

    Focus: Consequences; Significance

    French

    Theme 1- Unit 2: Technology in everyday life
    Social media and mobile technology.

    Theme 1- Unit 3: Free time activity
    Music
    Cinema and TV

    Spanish

    Theme 1- Unit 2:
    Technology in everyday life

    Social media and mobile technology.

    Theme 1- Unit 3: Free time activity
    Music
    Cinema and TV

    Art

    Landscape
    Students explore different types of landscape and variety of artists

    Landscape
    Students explore different types of landscape and variety of artists

    Business Studies

    Theme 1 – 1.2 Part 2:
    Dealing with market research data and its interpretation

    Market segmentation and market mapping

    Competition and its impact on businesses and competitive markets

    Theme 1 – 1.3 Part 1: Putting a business idea into practice
    Business aims and objectives and how they differ from business to business

    Key financial calculations such as revenue, costs, profit and loss, cashflow

    Citizenship

    Theme C1 – Law and Crime
    Different types of law

    The role of professionals within the legal system

    The purpose of punishments

    Alternatives to courts

    Theme C1 – Law and Crime
    Different types of law

    The role of professionals within the legal system

    The purpose of punishments

    Alternatives to courts

    Child Development

    Unit R057: Health and well-being for child development

    Topic Area 2: Antenatal care and preparation for birth

    The purpose and importance of antenatal clinics, screening and diagnostic tests, the purpose and importance of antenatal classes

    Unit R057: Health and well-being for child development

    Topic Area 2: Antenatal care and preparation for birth
    The choices available for delivery, the role of the birth partner, methods of pain relief, signs and stages of labour, methods of assisted birth

    Topic Area 3: Postnatal checks, postnatal care and the conditions for development
    Postnatal checks, postnatal care of the mother and baby

    Dance

    Theory: Section C
    Analysis of A Linha Curva

    Practical: Choreography and Performance
    Performance piece based on A Linha Curva

    Theory: Section C

    Analysis of Shadows

    Practical: Choreography
    Choreography piece based on Shadows

    Drama

    Bringing Texts to Life
    Developing a deeper understanding of the 6 design elements and then applying this knowledge to interpret a play text

    Noughts and Crosses: Scripted Performance
    Developing skills in naturalistic acting and exploring further a Stanislavskian methodology.

    Understanding and applying Max Stafford Clark’s use of Actions (transitive verbs)

    Design Technology

    Design Technology and our World
    How the critical evaluation of new and emerging technologies informs design decisions; considering contemporary and potential future scenarios from different perspectives, such as ethics and the environment

    Materials and their working properties
    Ferrous and non-Ferrous metals

    Design Technology and our World
    The impact of new and emerging technologies on:

    Industry
    Enterprise
    Sustainability
    People
    Culture
    Society
    The environment
    Production techniques
    Systems

    Materials and their working properties
    Thermo and Thermosetting Polymers

    Focused design and make tasks

    Levers and Linkages, Gears and Cams

    Hospitality and Catering

    International Foods
    Research foods from around the world
    Staple foods
    Cooking methods
    Product Analysis
    Meeting customer needs

    International Foods
    Research foods from around the world
    Staple foods
    Cooking methods
    Product Analysis
    Meeting customer needs

    Media Studies

    Music - Music Videos and Online Media (Paper 2)

    Either:

    Katy Perry, Roar (2013) or Taylor Swift, Bad Blood (2014)
    AND
    Either Pharrell Williams, Freedom (2015) or Bruno Mars, Uptown Funk (2014)

    Music - Music Videos and Online Media (Paper 2)

    Either:

    Katy Perry, Roar (2013) or Taylor Swift, Bad Blood (2014)
    AND
    Either Pharrell Williams, Freedom (2015) or Bruno Mars, Uptown Funk (2014)

    Music

    Orchestral Music over time
    Baroque, Classical, Romantic and 20th century music introduced
    The extended Romantic orchestra
    Melodic and Rhythmic dictation
    Notation and music theory knowledge deepened
    Critical listening skills
    Women composers
    Solo and Ensemble Performance
    Composing for specific instruments

    PE (GCSE)

    Practical: Handball

    Theory: Sports Psychology
    2.1 Classification of skills
    2.2 SMART targets

    Practical: Badminton or trampolining

    Theory: Sports Psychology

    2.3 Feedback and guidance
    2.4 Mental rehearsal

    PE (CORE)

    Trampolining
    Develop core skills in isolation and developed through a routine.

    Fitness
    Understanding the importance of leading a healthy active lifestyle.

    Net sports - Badminton or volleyball
    Develop a range of core skills in isolation and perform rules and tactics in a game situation.

    Games - Basketball, handball, football or netball
    Develop a range of core skills in isolation and perform rules and tactics in a game situation.

    Photography

    Landscape. Students are introduced into landscape photography
    What is landscape photography?

    What makes a good landscape photograph?

    Development of Photoshop and physical manipulation

    Introduction to landscape photographers.

    Independent learning:
    Research, practising photography skills and digital editing

    Landscape. Students are introduced into landscape photography
    What is landscape photography?

    What makes a good landscape photograph?

    Development of Photoshop and physical manipulation

    Introduction to landscape photographers.

    Independent learning:
    Research, practising photography skills and digital editing

    Religious Studies

    9.2 Marriage and the Family
    Marriage, sexual relationships and family life.

    Gender prejudice and discrimination.

    9.3 Muslim Beliefs
    Muslim beliefs about God

    Key Muslim beliefs (Sunni and Shi’a)

    Muslim beliefs about evil, suffering and the afterlife.

    Sociology

    Research Methods
    Sampling
    Ethical, practical and theoretical considerations

    Research Methods
    Questionnaires
    Interviews
    Observation
    Ethnography
    Experiments

    Extended Curriculum
    *operates on a half-termly carousel

    Dance Music through time
    Styles of Dance music: Baroque dance suites, Romantic waltz, Bhangra, Disco and Electronic Dance Music

    Keyboard Skills developed

    Music theory and notation reading

    Composing a strong melody

    Using music technology to create music and apply electronic effects

    Religious Studies - Introduction to Philosophy:
    Ancient Greek Philosophers

    Traditional arguments for the existence of God

    Introduction to Ethics:
    Different models of ethical living

    Ethical theory

    Summer term

     

    Summer 1

    Summer 2

    English

    War Poetry: analysing elegies; iambic pentameter; caesura; alliteration/ onomatopoeia; using symbols/pathetic fallacy to describe

    19th Century Literature (Story-Writing): using various types of openings, narrative hooks; foreshadowing

    Maths

    Delta
    Graphs

    Theta
    Angles

    Delta
    Area and Volume

    Theta
    Perimeter, Area and Volume

    Science

    Biology
    B5 Communicable diseases

    Communicable diseases and how our lifestyle can affect it and how to prevent them. Bacterial, viral and fungal diseases in plants.

    Chemistry
    C5 Chemical Changes Reactivity of metals

    Reactions of acids with metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, and metal carbonates.

    The pH scale.

    Physics
    Electricity in the Home

    Students will be able to compare alternating current (a.c.) traces in terms of period and amplitude (voltage).

    Students will learn about cables and plugs in terms of their physical and electrical properties. Students will look at various home appliances and will be able to compare energy usage and efficiency of appliances

    Biology
    B8 Bioenergetics:
    Photosynthesis and factors that affect the rate of photosynthesis. How plants use glucose.


    Chemistry
    C13 Chemistry of the Atmosphere

    Development of the Earth’s atmosphere over the past 4 billion years.

    Causes and effects of global warming

    Physics
    Molecules and Matter

    Students will learn about the structure of matter in terms of density. Students will learn about changes of state and latent heat as well as internal energy of matter. Students will learn about the Gas Laws relating pressure, volume and temperature.

    Computer Science

    Unit 6 - Cyber Security
    Threats to, and vulnerabilities of networks, computers and programs.

    Social engineering. Various forms of malicious code and their effects Prevention of cyber security threats.

    Unit 7 - Relational Database and SQL
    Flat-file database

    Relational databases and associated terminology.

    Structure Query Language (SQL) to write and interpret simple queries and to insert, update or delete data from a database table

    Geography

    Coastal Management
    Coastal management & case studies: Shoreline Management Plans (SMPs);

    Hard and Soft Engineering.

    Map skills.

    River Processes & Features
    River landscapes: processes & landforms.

    The River Severn case study.

    History

    How did the wartime allies become enemies?
    Soviet takeover of Eastern Europe; The breakdown of the Grand Alliance.

    Focus: Consequences; Significance

    How did the wartime allies become enemies?
    Containment and the Hungarian Uprising.

    Focus: Consequences; Significance

    French

    Theme 1 Unit 3
    Free time activity

    Food and eating out
    Sport

    Theme 1 Unit4
    Customs and festivals in French-speaking countries/communities

    Spanish

    Theme 1 Unit 3
    Free time activity

    Food and eating out
    Sport

    Theme 1 Unit4
    Customs and festivals in Spanish-speaking countries/communities

    Art

    Portrait
    Students expand their skills in portrait. Explore a range of portrait artists

    Portrait
    Students expand their skills in portrait. Explore a range of portrait artists

    Business Studies

    Theme 1 – 1.3 Part 2
    The importance of cash to a business and how to improve cashflow

    Breakeven calculations and diagrams and how to use this information

    Long-term and short-term sources of finance and their advantages and disadvantages

    Theme 1 – 1.4 Part 1: Making the business effective
    Limited liability and business ownership types

    Franchising

    Business location

    Exam skills and practice in detail

    Citizenship

    Theme C2 – Law and Crime
    The UK court system

    The youth justice system

    The citizens within the legal system

    Judiciary and reforms

    Theme B1 – Democracy at work in the UK
    Political ideologies and parties

    Voting systems

    The organisation of government

    House of Commons and making legislation

    Child Development

    Unit R057: Health and well-being for child development

    Topic Area 3: Postnatal checks, postnatal care and the conditions for development
    Postnatal care of the mother and baby, the development needs of children from birth to five years.

    Topic Area 4: Childhood illnesses and a child safe environment
    Recognise general signs and symptoms of illnesses in children, how to meet the needs of an ill child

    Unit R057: Health and well-being for child development

    Topic Area 4: Childhood illnesses and a child safe environment
    How to ensure a child-friendly safe environment.

    Unit R057: Health and well-being for child development
    Revision of unit content preparation for summer exam.

    Dance

    Theory: Section C
    Analysis of Emancipation of Expressionism

    Practical: Choreography
    Performance piece based on Emancipation of Expressionism

    Theory: Section A
    General Dance, Safe Practice and Healthy Dancer

    Practical:
    Dance Technique and choreographic processes

    Drama

    Devising – Theatre in Education
    How to use the Paper Birds devising cards to develop performance

    An introduction to DNA
    Exploring the context of the exam text and exploring relationships through performance

    Design Technology

    Materials and their working properties: Papers and Boards

    Electronic systems and programmable components

    The Iterative Design Process
    How to research
    The design brief
    Design specification

    Design and make assignment: Kitronik Air Freshener PCB and components plus housing

    Hospitality and Catering

    Cake Project
    5 different cake methods
    Function of Ingredients
    Types of celebrations
    Natasha’s Law
    Ingredient comparison
    Meeting customer needs
    Inclusivity
    Budgets

    Cake Project
    5 different cake methods
    Function of Ingredients
    Types of celebrations
    Natasha’s Law
    Ingredient comparison
    Meeting customer needs
    Inclusivity
    Budgets

    Media Studies

    Advertising and Marketing (Paper 1, Section A)
    This Girl Can, Quality Street.

    Advertising and Marketing (Paper 1, Section A)
    This Girl Can, Quality Street.

    Music GCSE

    Film Music
    Why is music used in films?
    Critical listening skills
    Leitmotif performance
    How does music create a specific mood?
    Types of film music
    Time signatures and key signatures revisited
    Describing a melody revisited
    Introduction to DR CAT SMITH for musical analysis
    The 10marker question in the GCSE exam
    Composing music for a film clip
    Solo and Ensemble Performance

    PE (GCSE)

    Practical: Athletics

    Theory: Socio-Economic
    3.1 - Influences
    3.2 - Commercialisation

    Practical: Cricket

    Theory: Socio-Economic
    3.3 - Sporting behaviour

    PE (Core)

    Athletics
    Develop a range of core skills in isolation across a variety of events.

    Rounders/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.

    Photography

    Portrait and abstract photography.
    How to explore light, form, and shape?

    Can you make an interesting photograph of anything?

    Independent learning:

    Research, practising photography skills and digital editing

    Portrait and abstract photography.
    How to explore light, form, and shape?

    Can you make an interesting photograph of anything?

    Independent learning:

    Research, practising photography skills and digital editing

    Religious Studies

    9.3 Muslim Beliefs
    Muslim beliefs about God

    Key Muslim beliefs (Sunni and Shi’a)

    Muslim beliefs about evil, suffering and the afterlife.

    9.4 Crime and Punishment
    Justice, crime and the aims of punishment.

    Forgiveness and different attitudes to the treatment of criminals

    Sociology

    Families
    Theories on the family and family diversity

    Families
    Changes in the family and conjugal roles

    Extended Curriculum
    *operates on a half-termly carousel

    Art
    An exploration of the game ‘Exquisite Corpse,’ and its connection to surrealism.

    Computer Science
    A creative project representing a tour company specialising in cities abroad. Selecting, using, and combining multiple applications, such as Adobe Fireworks, Movie Maker and MS Publisher. Collecting and analysing data as part of their publications to meet the needs of a given audience.