Upper Curriculum Highlights Spring Term
Upper Key Stage 2: Creative curriculum
Summer 1: Famous People
Pupils will travel back in time to explore famous people from our present and past to learn
about artists, inventors and leaders such as Frida Kahlo, King Charles, Alexander Bell, Sir Mo
Farah and Elon Musk. The King’s Coronation was perfectly timed for this topic!
Summer 2: Extreme Earth
Pupils will learn about some of the Earth's most fascinating phenomena, such as
Earthquakes and Volcanoes. They will begin to start exploring climate change and how we
can protect our planet on a large but also smaller scale.
Key Stage 3: Creative Curriculum
Term 1: Fantastic Festivals
Focus: Science, Geography, Art and DT
In this topic, the pupils explore a range of different celebrations around the world and locate the countries where these are celebrated on world maps. They explore light and sound travel and use music as a stimulus for selecting resources and materials.
Term 2 - The Home Front
Focus: Geography, History, Art and DT
In this topic, the pupils learn which countries were involved in WW2 and the key events. They learn through stories and poetry. Learning about evacuation, rationing and air raid shelters as well as key historical figures.
Key Stage 4
In the summer term, Key Stage 4 pupils will be learning about From Field to Fork (Plants) in Food Science. They will have the opportunity to plant seeds and bulbs and watch them grow. They will use different tools to help look after their plants, and they will work together to name and sort them. Pupils will record what they find out using drawings, diagrams, tables or simple charts. They will also learn how plants become part of the food we eat and have the opportunity to make something tasty—hummus! This will help them understand how food goes from growing in the ground to being on our plates.
The Art focus for this term for pupils to explore the area of Printmaking. Pupils will learn how to use basic tools and mediums to explore patterns, texture, form, space and tone in order to produce a piece of artwork.
In computing the focus will be on working towards their ICT accreditation - Personal Progress: Developing ICT Skills. They will be using technology purposefully to complete tasks such as typing, saving their work, using simple software programmes and accessing appropriate websites or apps.
For Summer 1 KS4 students are preparing for their performance of ‘Aladdin’, which will take place on 21st May. This production will be performed to family, friends and carers.
Pupils have been working hard to bring the story to life, making creative decisions about costumes, music and props to enhance their performance. Some students have even written their own lines, which they are excited to share. Pupils in Year 11 have showcased their developments from their last production by the confidence and ease in rehearsing in front of an audience. Pupils in Year 11 will receive their accreditation for their hard work.
6th Form
Within General Studies lessons, pupils will be developing their understanding of ‘Personal care and hygiene.’ The focus will be on personal care and laundry routines and practising using personal care products at a level that is appropriate to their learning pathway.
As part of their Enterprise work for the summer term the focus will be on producing summer refreshments including summer drinks, ice creams and ice lollies. Part of the process will be to conduct consumer surveys with the aim of producing the products to sell to staff.
Pupils will continue to work on their preparation for adulthood skills with a focus on developing an understanding of next steps beyond school with regards to the four areas of preparation for adulthood; health, friends, relationships and community, employment and independent living. The Skills Builder challenges will be incorporated into the lessons encouraging the pupils to work together. They will begin to explore maps of the local area to find key community facilities, begin to develop their vocational profiles and have an opportunity to experience a work encounter.
Year 14 pupils are working towards the Expedition Section of their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.