St Pius x

KS3 ENGLISH

In Y7 students study six half-termly units: a class novel, a non-fiction writing project, poetry, the history of English, Shakespeare and a modern play. They build on previous work done in relation to the National Literacy Strategy and are assessed on their speaking and listening skills throughout the year.

Y8 students work through six programmes of study with a focus on reading, writing and speaking and listening. These are: Pre-1914 Horror, Media, Pre-1914 Poetry, Myths and Legends, Non-Fiction Writing and Shakespeare. In Y9 students study four half-termly units on war poetry, a novel, a play by Shakespeare and a film where the focus is on reading, writing, speaking and listening. At Easter, students begin their GCSE English examinations completing four controlled assessments which count towards their actual GCSE English grade.

GCSE ENGLISH

Students continue the AQA GCSE English syllabus begun in Year 9. They complete four more Controlled Assessments (Of Mice and Men, a play by Shakespeare, poetry and creative writing) in Y10 which count towards their final GCSE grade and are prepared for two of their examination papers which include sections on reading, and writing  Controlled Assessments are worth 60% of the final grade whereas the examination constitutes 40%.

For more information see Mrs Loring

KS3 MATHS

The course which follows the National Numeracy Strategy includes all areas from the National Curriculum attainment targets: using and applying, number, algebra, shape and space, and handling data. Topics covered in Y7 include: symmetry, number patterns, shapes, algebra, angles, area and perimeter, fractions, decimals, percentages and negative numbers

In Y8 graphs, number patterns, geometry, algebra, angles and parallel lines, area and perimeter, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio and negative numbers are covered and in Y9 accuracy, ratio, algebra, 3Dshapes and nets, circles, transformations, enlargements, fractions, percentages and statistics.

 

GCSE MATHS

Students follow the Edexcel GCSE course, Syllabus A or B, at either Higher or Foundation Tier. All National Attainment targets are covered.  These are: Using and Applying, Number, Algebra, Shape and Space and Handling Data. Time is allocated to examination preparation.  Bespoke booster sessions are designed for all ability levels aimed at maximising grades before each module.

For more information see Mrs Perrin

KS3 SCIENCE

The KS3 course is based on the OUP Science Works Scheme. Investigation work is incorporated wherever possible. Students cover work in all the three main areas of Science.

In Y7 the topics covered are Scientific Enquiry, Electricity and Magnetism, Cells, Acids, Space, Reproduction, Particles, Energy and Elements. In Y8 Life Support, Periodic Table, Forces, Keeping Healthy, Inside Materials, Heating and Cooling, People and the Environment, Metal Reactions, Sound and Shaping Life are studied.

The Y9 course covers Variation, Transport, Energy, Interdependence, the Carbon Cycle, Sport, Rocks, Extremes, Drink and Earth and Space.

 

 

GCSE SCIENCE

Most students study the 21st Century Science Scheme. This involves modular examinations in January and June. The course is completed at the end of Y10 after which the students study a second GCSE in Science. Topics covered in Y10 are You and your genes, Air quality, The earth in the universe, Keeping healthy, Material choices, Radiation and life, Life on earth, Chemicals in our lives – risks and benefits.

In Y11 students study either the Additional Science GCSE course or the Applied Science GCSE course.  Additional Science covers Homeostasis, Chemical Patterns, Explaining Motion, Growth and Development, Chemicals of the Natural Environment, Electric Circuits, Brain and Mind, Chemical Synthesis and the Wave Model of Radiation. Applied Science covers Life Care, Harnessing Chemicals, Materials and Performance.

 

Some students follow the Triple Award (separate sciences). The topics covered in Y10 are the same as the Y10 course and the Additional Science in Y11.  In Y11 they will study Chemistry for a sustainable world, Observing the Universe and Further Biology.

In September 2011 the BTEC Science qualification was introduced which is equivalent to 2 GCSE grades. The topics covered are: in Y10. Chemistry and our earth, Energy and our universe, Biology and our environment and in Y11 students will complete a Practical scientific project and Chemical analysis and detection.

For more information see Mr Kaye.

Details of our SEN Policy will be added soon including

• Our school’s admission arrangements for pupils with SEN or disabilities
• the steps we’ve taken to prevent pupils with SEN from being treated less favourably than other pupils
• details of our school’s access facilities for pupils with SEN
• the accessibility plan our governing body has written