Year 7 Curriculum Overview – Term 1 (Aug-Oct 2021)

Dear Parent/Carer

In the following booklet you will find an overview of what your child will be studying this half term in school. We’ve included key details on what they will be

looking at in each subject, how they will be assessed and what they might do to further develop their understanding. The aim is for this to make it easier for

you to work with the school supporting your child with their work.

Rawlins has a two week timetable and all lessons last for one hour. In Year 7 pupils study the following subjects:

English and Maths – seven lessons per fortnight

Science – six lessons per fortnight

French, Design and PE – four lessons per fortnight

Geography and History – three lessons per fortnight

Art, Music, Expression, PSHE, IT and RE – two lessons per fortnight

The information for each subject is categorised as follows:

Topic This is the overview of the topic(s) Year 7 will be covering this term.

Knowledge and skills This explains what areas pupils will be looking at and the skills they will be developing during the half term.

Vocabulary This highlights subject specific language pupils will need in order to be successful during the half term.

Homework This outlines the homework which will be issued to pupils to support learning during the half term.

Assessment This explains how pupils will be assessed on their understanding of the topic.

Further challenge This gives suggestions of how pupils can stretch themselves and explore this area in more detail if they wish.

If you have any questions about your child’s academic progress in a specific subject, please contact their tutor in the first instance, who will be able to direct

your query to the relevant teaching member of staff.

Art

Topic(s) Portraiture An exploration of portraiture and an introduction to the formal elements of Art & Design

Knowledge and skills

Drawing

How to sketch using basic shapes as the starting point. Guidelines and mapping a composition.

The use of mark making in describing light, contrast, texture, form, and shape.

Expressive drawing and exploring a range of styles. Artist studies and Annotation

Describing imaginatively and analysing work presented to them and in reviewing their own artwork.

Referring to the formal elements of art & design.

Communicating clearly, effectively, and imaginatively.

Using a range of specialist vocabulary.

Using adjectives to describe the properties of the materials.

Using adverbs to describe how the materials were used.

Using verbs to show the feelings they get from the art effect.

Key Vocabulary Texture, tone, line, colour, shape, pattern, composition, portrait, formal elements.

Homework Pupils will be encouraged to practise and improve their new skills at home. Pupils will create an electronic portfolio of the work completed at home and upload it, with annotations, to Google Classroom.

Assessment Practical work reviewed and commented on. Basic technical skills will be assessed, but not over the imaginative and creative. Control of materials and understanding of the formal elements mapped. For Artist studies the creation of GCSE style investigation pages, with image of artwork and student annotation.

Further challenge

Creating a more extensive portfolio of work, challenging themselves in the subject matter drawn. Taking greater risks and exploring the use of texture and composition through more creative drawing techniques. Further reading by exploring art museum websites and identifying artists the student likes. To then create outcomes and annotation based on these new artists without teacher direction.

The subject leader for Art at Rawlins is Mrs Clare Bradley.

Computer Science

Topic(s)

Expectations in a computer classroom & the Accessible Use Policy. Systems in School - Logging in and changing Passwords / Using Email / Go4Schools Login / Google Classroom and Google Drive. File Management. Accessing school systems from home. The pupils will then go on a tour through the different layers of computing systems: from programs and the operating system, to the physical components that store and execute these programs, to the fundamental binary building blocks that these components consist of.

Knowledge and skills

Pupils will learn how to navigate the school system both from inside the school and accessing from home Pupils will be able to:

Describe the function of the hardware components used in computing systems.

Describe how hardware components work together in order to execute programs.

Provide a broad definition of ‘operating systems’.

Recall the role of an operating system in controlling program execution.

Understand the binary data system.

Key Vocabulary Password / Google Classroom / Files / Sub folders / Email / Operating System / Execute / Fetch / Decode / Binary

Homework Pupils will complete the IDEA Award which will require them to sign up for the site. For more information see https://idea.org.uk/about

Assessment Pupils will have 2 assessments at the end of these units, based on Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). For the first unit that involves the essentials needed to navigate the school system pupils will complete a simple checklist of the skills acquired. The second assessment will be based on knowledge and skills developed.

Further challenge

Pupils will be able to show a family member how they access the school system. Pupils can independently complete relevant areas of the iDEA Award completing badges.

The subject leader for Computer Science at Rawlins is Miss Rachel Johnson.

Design and Technology Throughout the year pupils will complete D&T units in these four subject areas: Nutrition, Textiles, Product Design and Graphics. Pupils will focus on textiles

and graphics in Term 1.

Unit Textiles Graphics

Topic(s) Lanterns inspired by a cultural festival. Chocolate Box – graphic design.

Knowledge and skills

How fibres are used to create fabrics. How research of different cultural festivals can be used to inspire design work. Understand how conductive thread can be used to connect an LED circuit. Understand the importance of adhering to health and safety when using textiles equipment. How to use a sewing machine safely and successfully. How to use finishing techniques (applique, tie die, transfer printing, batik).

Understand Lithography and die cutting.

How to Vacuum form plastic.

Using typography to create a variety of ideas that can be used on a net.

1 point perspective.

Key Vocabulary

Fibres (natural and manmade), yarns, presser foot, bobbin, batik, applique, LED, conductive thread.

Typography, Prototype, Product Analysis, Offset Lithography, Die Cutting, One Point Perspective, Construction Lines, Vacuum Forming.

Homework Homework linked to the project will be set during the term. Knowledge quizzes in class will check learning.

Homework linked to the project will be set during the term. Knowledge quizzes in class will check learning.

Assessment Pupils design work practical work will be reviewed and commented on. Technical skills will be assessed and mapped. Knowledge will be checked in lessons and assessed using an end of topic assessment.

Pupils design work practical work will be reviewed and commented on. Technical skills will be assessed and mapped. Knowledge will be checked in lessons and assessed using an end of topic assessment.

Further challenge

Hand stitching at home. Use Onshape and work through the online tutorials to improve 3D CAD skills.

The subject leader for Design and Technology at Rawlins is Mrs Jackie Taylor.

English

Topic(s)

English Literature: Character and Voice. Text: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time OR Across the Barricades OR The Graveyard Book – Students will know which text they will be studying during the first week of term.

English Language – Descriptive Writing

Knowledge and skills

What is characterisation and how is it used? Different narrative perspectives and how authors use them for effect. Plot development – Why are texts sequenced in specific ways? The text in context – what has influenced the writer of the text and where can we see this?

Descriptive vocabulary choices. Using the senses. Using Adjectives, Adverbs and figurative language.

Key Vocabulary Characterisation Perspective Narrative Precepts Microcosm Symbolism

Sensory Emotive Metaphor Simile Personification Pathetic Fallacy

Homework 20 to 30 minutes once per week either Literature or Language using Google Quizzes, Pobble365 and/or Educake.

Assessment One Reading Assessment: How is tension presented at the start of… 3 Google Quizzes

One Writing Assessment: Write a description inspired by an image

Further challenge

Reading!! Read a book and write a short review about why you liked it. Think about some of the things you have studied in this unit and apply them to a text of your own choice.

Why not write a series of short descriptions, one every day for a week to document what it is like to live in your shoes for a week? This could be over a holiday or an important event.

The subject leader for English at Rawlins is Mr Luke Elliot.

Expression

Topic(s) Theatre Through Time

Knowledge and skills

To understand where Theatre began - Greek Theatre. To understand key aspects of Medieval Theatre & write a script for a Morality Play. To understand key aspects of Elizabethan Theatre - write a diary entry from perspective of Romeo or Juliet. To understand how Naturalism fits into theatre. Become familiar with Stanislavski System and write a Monologue using ‘Emotion Memory’. To understand Epic theatre. Decoding and comprehension of ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement and key materials. Generate 4 of the following using the resources:

• A news report about the incident involving George Floyd with interviews with witnesses • A script involving Rosa Parks • Still images or dance of a peaceful protest – with words from Martin Luther King Jr’s speech • A song or rap created by many of the artists that have since spoken out about inequality (performed outside) • A monologue or diary entry from Ruby Bridges • A scripted scene showing different forms of segregation

Key Vocabulary Physical skills: Body language, posture, facial expression, gestures, stance. Vocal skills: Pitch, pace, emphasis, volume, projection, pause, accent, tone. Naturalism. Non-naturalism.

Homework Design a Greek Mask. Black Lives Matter Performance piece.

Assessment End of term assessment of booklet and progress in class.

Further challenge

Pupils can visit the BBC Bitesize site: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zt2ycdm/revision/1

The subject leader for Expression at Rawlins is Mrs Amy Walters.

French

Topic(s) Language and cultural awareness. Expressing likes and dislikes primarily using cognates. Adjectives. Numbers. Classroom language.

Knowledge and skills

Understanding and pronunciation of cognates. The French alphabet. Understanding that nouns are either masculine (le) or feminine (la) and that nouns that begin with a vowel are preceded by l’. The plural form is les. Pupils will learn to read for gist, picking out language that they recognise.

Key Vocabulary C’est = it is assez = quite J’aime = I like très = very Je n’aime pas = I don’t like car = because J’adore = I love mais = but Je déteste = I hate je peux avoir … ? = Can I have …. ?

Homework

Homework will usually be set once a week. It will vary from learning vocabulary to completing short reading, writing or research tasks. Google quizzes will also be used. Pupils will be given a vocabulary list including days, months, colours and classroom language. Vocabulary lists of the language that comes up in each module of the textbook will also be given out.

Assessment There will be fortnightly vocabulary tests. There will be more formal reading, listening, writing and speaking assessments at the end of each Module. The first of these will take place in December and January. Google quizzes will be used at the end of each small unit.

Further challenge

We recommend that pupils join the French duolingo classroom set up by their teacher. Duolingo is a free app that students can use on their phones or other devices. It is an immensely powerful way of making progress in a foreign language. Their teacher will be able to track their progress.

The subject leader for French at Rawlins is Mrs Rachel McQuail.

Geography

Topic(s) The United Kingdom

Knowledge and skills

Knowledge: Location of key human and physical features, climate change in the UK, glaciation in the Lake District, The National Forest, population distribution, Silicon Fen technology hub, London – A World City, diverse Leicester. Skills: 4 and 6 figure grid references, bar charts, field sketches, locational knowledge, group work.

Key Vocabulary Environment Carbon zero World City Glaciation Population density Ecosystem Diversity Push and pull factors

Homework 5 home works set during the unit – one every two weeks followed by a revision task to be completed at home.

Assessment End of unit 25 mark test.

Further challenge

Independent research opportunities include; local carbon neutral initiatives, 2021 national and local census data, a visit to the National Forest.

The subject leader for Geography at Rawlins is Mr Paul Hunter.

History

Topic(s) Historical skills Battle of Hastings William the Conqueror

Knowledge and skills

Examine some of the key concepts used in history – chronology and time, cause and consequence, change and continuity, significance, sources and interpretations.

Who should be king?

Hardrada and the Vikings

The Battle of Hastings

Why did William Win? (Agree/disagree)

William’s control – Harrying of the North

William’s control – Feudalism (Domesday)

William’s control – Castles

A narrative about how William extended his control over England

Key Vocabulary Chronological Sources (primary & secondary) Infer Interpretations Significance Conquest/Conqueror Harrying Feudalism/Feudal

Homework ‘Meanwhile, elsewhere’ sheet – one sheet completed fortnightly.

Assessment A baseline assessment is completed about 2 weeks into the start of term. Significance and narrative essays completed throughout the term at the relevant points.

Further challenge

Go on days out to places of historic interest – National Trust properties, English Heritage sites. Watch Battlefield Britain by Dan Snow about the Battle of Hastings. Read a book set during the Norman period.

The subject leader for History at Rawlins is Mrs Janine Spickett.

Maths

Topic(s) Exploring Sequences Understanding and Using Algebraic Notation Equality and Equivalence

Knowledge and skills

Describe and continue a sequence given diagrammatically.

Predict and check the next term(s) of a sequence.

Represent sequences in tabular and graphical forms.

Recognise the difference between linear and non-linear sequences.

Continue numerical linear sequences.

Continue numerical non-linear sequences.

Explain the term-to-term rule of numerical sequences in words.

Find missing numbers within sequences. (H)

Given a numerical input, find the output of a single function machine.

Use inverse operations to find the input given the output.

Use diagrams and letters to generalise number operations.

Use diagrams and letters with single function machines.

Find the function machine given a simple expression.

Substitute values into single operation expressions.

Find numerical inputs and outputs for a series of two function machines.

Use diagrams and letters with a series of two function machines.

Find the function machines given a two-step expression.

Substitute values into two-step expressions.

Generate sequences given an algebraic rule.

Represent one and two step functions graphically.

Understand the meaning of equality.

Understand and use fact families, numerically and algebraically.

Solve one-step linear equations involving +/- using inverse operations.

Solve one-step linear equations involving x/÷ using inverse operations.

Understand the meaning of like and unlike terms.

Understand the meaning of equivalence.

Simplify algebraic expressions by collecting like terms, using the ≡ symbol.

Key Vocabulary Arithmetic; Fibonacci; Geometric; Linear; Non-linear; Position; Term; Commutative; Constant; Expression; Function; Inverse; Substitute; Variable; Simplify.

Homework Weekly homework to consolidate learning. Either written or online using Hegarty maths.

Assessment A written assessment at the end of each topic. Two written assessments at the end of each term. These will be just before Christmas, Easter and Summer.

Further challenge

Take part in the UKMT maths challenge. Stretch themselves by completing extra tasks on https://hegartymaths.com Engage with maths enrichment activities at https://nrich.maths.org/

The subject leader for Maths at Rawlins is Mr Phill Greenwood.

Music

Topic(s) Rhythm & Metre

Knowledge and skills

Establish and consolidate a feeling for a regular pulse. How to find the beat. How to count and keep in time. Develop composing skills in rhythmic invention. Read and write basic notation of note lengths. Listening skills to a number of rhythm inspired pieces. Singing and creating short musical rounds. Learning to compose using a digital audio workstation.

Key Vocabulary Tempo Accent Metre Crochet Minim Bar Barline Repeat Backbeat

Homework Pupils will be sent links to pieces of music to listen to and comment on.

Assessment Constantly assessed and instant feedback for accuracy of performance and creative input. Online quizzes.

Further challenge

Notation and aural exercises at https://www.rhythmrandomizer.com/ Engage with the extra-curricular programme.

The subject leader for Music at Rawlins is Mr Ted Ragg.

PE

Topic(s) Invasion Games

Football

Basketball

Netball

Rugby

Hockey

Knowledge and skills

Team attacking and defending strategies. Techniques to outwit the opposition. Actively think about how to use skills, strategies and tactics to outwit the opposition. Learn rules, tactics, strategies and specific terminology. Develop the physical, cognitive, social and affective areas of each individual.

Key Vocabulary Invasion, football, basketball, netball, rugby, hockey, attack, defend, strategy, outwit, opposition, marking, rules, tactics, skills, technique, shooting, passing, dribbling, tackling, interceptions, turnover.

Homework Take part in an additional hour a week (or more if possible) of physical activity outside of timetabled school lessons. Completed at home or at an organised session or club. This can be extra-curricular clubs at school or outside of school. Use PE google classroom to find ideas for being active at home.

Assessment Students will be assessed each lesson and half termly focusing on their activity levels with a focus on the following aspects: Physical, Cognitive, Social and Affective.

Further challenge

Join a sports club or session outside of school in their favourite activity areas. Use PE google classroom fitness and skills activity ideas at home. Identify sports clubs available to Year 7 at Rawlins. Analyse live sporting events and compare your skills to models of best practice.

The subject leader for PE at Rawlins is Mr Arbham Giga.

PSHE

Topic(s) What are our identities and communities? (Week 1 – 4) What rights should all children have? (Week 4 – 8)

Knowledge and skills

Different aspects of our identity (personal, group, global, national)

The role of ‘community’ (family, social, neighbourhood and global)

The ways that people work together to improve their community

Our individual role in our school community

The roles played by individuals, public institutions and voluntary groups in society

Defining and exploring the concept of human rights

Identifying how rights have developed over time

The United Nation Convention on the Rights of the Child

Right to education and healthcare

Right to accurate and reliable information

Key Vocabulary

Identity Diversity Society Community Globalisation

Human rights Censorship Education Healthcare Media

Homework

As all topics in PSHE link to their lives at home and beyond the school environment, their homework each week will be to discuss and share their learning with others. If pupils wish to explore a PSHE topic further, we would advise use the ‘further challenge’ section to extend their thinking.

Assessment Ongoing assessment through in class questioning and end of unit assessment in Week 8.

Further challenge

Use ‘The Day’ to explore current news and events around the world: https://theday.co.uk Use the Oxplore website to explore ‘big questions’ in more detail: https://oxplore.org/

The subject leader for PSHE at Rawlins is Mrs Laura Watts.

RE

Topic(s) Do we need to prove God’s existence?

Knowledge and skills

An introduction to RE/religious belief/key practices

Do we need to prove God’s existence?

The challenge to God and religious belief

Key Vocabulary

Monotheistic Omnipotent Omniscient Polytheism

Homework Fortnightly self-quizzing using knowledge organiser of key terms (preparation for retrieval quizzes in class).

Assessment End of half term. Writing task with a focus on does God exist?

Further challenge

Complete tasks and quizzes on BBC Bitesize.

The subject leader for RE at Rawlins is Miss Hannah Derbyshire.

Science

Topic(s) Introduction to science Forces Ecosystems

Knowledge and skills

How to plan a scientific investigation Identify hazard symbols Describe risks in an investigation Safely use a Bunsen burner

Describe what forces do Identify balanced and unbalanced forces Investigating factors affecting speed Describe distance time graphs Explain the difference between mass and weight

Food chains and webs What can disrupt food chains What is an Ecosystem Resources that plants and animals compete for Name and describe the parts of a flower What is fertilisation and pollination Methods of seed dispersal

Key Vocabulary Corrosive Flammable Explosive Irritant Toxic

Equilibrium Acceleration Resultant force Weight Mass

Bioaccumulation Consumer Producer Ecosystem Fertilisation Community Niche

Homework Knowledge retrieval quiz on hazard symbols and basic science equipment

20 to 30 minutes once per week Retrieval and practice activities on kerboodle

20 to 30 minutes once per week Retrieval and practice activities on kerboodle

Assessment Practical and written challenge at the end of the topic (approximately 2 weeks)

End of topic written test End of topic written test

Further challenge

Interactive activities and information on kerboodle – enquiry processes

Interactive activities and reading material on kerboodle – Forces

Interactive activities and reading material on kerboodle – Ecosystems

The subject leaders for Science at Rawlins are Mr Andy Higson and Miss Jamie Murray.