Welcome to the Secondary School Year 7 Curriculum

Aims of this session: To provide information about the daily routine and expectations of students in the Secondary school. The Curriculum. Pastoral care.

Secondary School Leadership Team Ms Rachael Hodgson Head of the Secondary School Ms Rachel Edwards Deputy Head of Secondary Ian Paterson Assistant Head of Secondary student Wellbeing Cate Nevengloska Assistant Head of Secondary curriculum Mr Patrick Moore Head of Assessment and Reporting Bruce Hector – Year Leader for Year 7

The Secondary Office Ibu Endah PA to Head of Secondary Ibu Anzi Secondary Admin Coordinator

Timings of the Day Start of the school day07.50 Registration, Tutor period07.50 to Period to Period to Break09.50 to Period to Period to Lunch12.05 to Period to Period to Activities14.50 to 15.40

Curriculum Philosophy Broad and balanced curriculum Lifelong learners Develop key skills Preparation for future study Holistic programme Life Balance

Academic Curriculum in Year 7 English – 8 lessons a fortnight Maths – 8 lessons a fortnight Science – 9 lessons a fortnight PE – 4 lessons a fortnight Performing Arts(music, drama, dance) – 5 lessons a fortnight MFL x 2 – 8 lessons per fortnight Geography - 3 lessons a fortnight History – 3 lessons a fortnight Computer Science – 3 lessons a fortnight Technology – 4 lessons a fortnight Art – 3 lessons a fortnight PSHE – 2 lessons a fortnight

Setting in Math's. We aim for all our students to reach their mathematical potential. The years 7 to 8 are set into 6 classes and year 9 into 5 classes. Set 1:Accelerated, this is for students who find the subject most accessible and are able to proceed at an unusually fast pace. Set 2 to 5 (Sets 2 to 4 in year 9): These sets cater for the majority of our student who can proceed at a relatively normal pace. Although there is setting between these classes, we find that they proceed at similar pace. Set 6 (Sets 5 in year 9): This set caters for those students who find the subject challenging and need to proceed at a slower pace.

Setting in English Students have been set based on their ability in English. The aim is to ensure that students are placed in the group where they make the most progress and work at a pace which would be most suitable to their needs and ability. Year 6 have used a combination of previous years’ assessment data, initial baseline assessments completed at the beginning of the year and teachers’ recommendations when placing students. In year 7, over the course of the year, some students may move sets if the teacher feel that they would make more progress in a different group. Parents and students are always informed of any movement in advance.

Setting in English In year sets in total. 2 top sets 3 mixed ability 1 support set Elizabeth 0’Sullivan. Assistant Faculty Leader – KS3

Personal Social and Health Education Topics across KS3 include, Relationships, study skills, bullying, safety online, and Sex Education are delivered. Letters will be sent home prior to the delivery of the Sex Education component. Programme important in personal development. Delivered by the tutor.

BASELINE TESTING Midyis testing takes place in the first few weeks of Term and provides useful information about a students potential by evaluating skills. The test cannot be prepared for and the Midyis profile created is used within the school to inform learning and teaching.

The wider curriculum Curriculum Enhancement Days Visiting Speakers through PSHE The Activities programme Opportunities for community service and community involvement Residential trips

Tutor Team at Key Stage Three Tutors should be the first point of contact and play a crucial role in the home-school partnership. Tutors care for the well-being of the students Contact the tutor if you have a concern. Write a note in diary, call school or e- mail. All addresses follow the same pattern:

What Year 6 Students look forward to about Secondary School New Uniform New Friends Having their own locker New Subjects Being treated more like a grown up More challenging work

“I’m worried about finding my way to all my new classes and getting shouted at if I am late” “I’m worried about HOMEWORK being hard” “I’m worried about getting split up from my friends” “I might get DETENTION” “What if I forget my Locker combination?” “I’m scared if I won’t remember all my Homework on time I will get a Detention” What Year 6 Students Worry About

The Swap Day Friday 6 th June ‘The Real Deal’- Students attend full day of lessons Tuesday 24 th June ‘Student Wellbeing focus. Making the transition. Monday 18th August – Orientation Day Lockers Diary Login details Buddies

Look Forward! We recognise the differences between the Primary and Secondary school. Different subjects, teachers, rooms and the need to be responsible for books and subject specific equipment can be daunting. The Swap Day help students to gain confidence and remove any major fears they may have. These provide students with the opportunity to find their way around the Secondary School as well as giving students an idea of what to expect. If as parents you are feeling concerned or unclear about what you need to know or have further questions please contact myself or the Year 7 Year leader, Mr Hector.

Importance of Homework A good, well-managed homework programme helps children and young people to develop the skills and attitudes they will need for successful life long learning. Homework also supports the development of independent learning skills and provides parents with an opportunity to take part in their children's education. At BIS we aim to help our students develop into well rounded, happy and healthy individuals with a variety of outside interests. We believe that the school has a responsibility to provide reasonable and well managed homework activities to support this.

Homework, online information and Diaries Homework is recorded on BISNET by teachers and in Diaries by students. Diaries are an important tool for KS3 students and we ask parents to support us in promoting its as it assists students with organisation and time management skills. Teachers often write notes in the diary to communicate to parents.

BISNet Parent’s View

Homework on BISNet

Homework Loadings: In most cases, students receive two pieces of homework per night. Homework is regulated for students in Key Stage 3 via a published timetable made available at the start of the academic year. The time that students should spend on their homework every evening should be approximately: Year 7:Maximum 40 minutes per night Year 8:Maximum 1 hour per night Year 9:Maximum 1 hour 30 minutes per night

Homework Expectations If there are any issues encourage your child to communicate with the subject teacher directly or write a note in the diary. Communication should occur prior to the homework due date.

Uniform  Regularly checked by Tutors  Take pride in the school Uniform  In Home – School Agreement  Persistent incorrect uniform a letter, or phone call home.

Uniform

Physical Support- All about Balance Sleep Diet Relaxation Recreation After school activities encourage participation.

Emotional support Students during years 7,8 &9 undergo major changes both physically and emotionally. They can be unpredictable, moody. Students have a number of things to deal with…home, school, friends. This stage of their lives can be difficult Maintain good relations, let them know they are doing well. Develop a positive sense of self in your child Communicate Take an interest in what they are doing

Keep us in the picture All absences require a note or from parents Make sure we have correct addresses and phone numbers so we can contact you easily Parental absence – please inform the school and let us know who is looking after your child.

Home School Partnership Address a small issue before it becomes a problem. Well motivated students + great pastoral care + supportive and informed parents = SUCCESS!