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14/02/20

Year 7 consolidating learning on issues of fast fashion across the globe; acting as garment workers making t-shirts; 10 minutes to produce as many as they could! Imperfect ones were rejected so the pressure was on. The winners made 34! https://t.co/M35tO9nNsH

14/02/20

This week the world may be celebrating Day, but that is something that we celebrate every week at Invicta! This half term, why not take part in the British Science Week Poster Competition to celebrate British Science Week https://t.co/00y7tZ5lZ0

14/02/20

The Take a Book on a Date Kits are proving very popular with students in the library today. https://t.co/h1DA31Xowq

14/02/20

Considering a career change? Valley Invicta Teaching School Alliance, offers the opportunity to train to teach through salaried or non-salaried School Direct courses. Why not join the next School Experience Day on Tuesday, 24 March? Register here: https://t.co/YWWuJIq4B6

13/02/20

You are invited to our Careers Fair on Thursday, 27 February! https://t.co/IHJ7uAzHb1

13/02/20

On Tuesday, we welcomed 30 students to our Year 5 History Workshop. They enjoyed an afternoon discussing and learning about World War Two! https://t.co/nInLGUCU5k

13/02/20

Retweeted From Valley Park School

After a successful Christmas Party event, our sixth form Decaf (Dementia Café) team are organising another event on 6th March between 11am and 2pm, including a clay workshop. Book your free tickets now: https://t.co/lsctKuce8t https://t.co/BainWPzCKH

12/02/20

Year 7 have been learning about and discussing interest rates and the economy in the POP Core lesson this afternoon. https://t.co/Brq6eu4OWv

12/02/20

We hope the first day of Year 11 and 13 mock exams have gone well, best of luck for the rest of the week! https://t.co/2KmTAswgTj

12/02/20

A huge well done to Ellie and Chloe in Year 13 for all their amazing work in organising the very successful events last week. They have raised an amazing £1455.95! https://t.co/PfPYOlK3mx https://t.co/sYLg85VDhW

11/02/20

Last night we welcomed parents and students to the Year 7 Aspire Evening. An evening which enabled them to work together on completing a range of challenges; some based on particular subjects and some that will develop other skills. https://t.co/sZ2qXzRHyX

11/02/20

This week we are celebrating ! Each year group will have a tailored assembly: including an online safety update, how to spread positivity online and encouragement to make a pledge on making the internet a better place! https://t.co/sK9ZkmQQ1c

11/02/20

7C have been separating mixtures using their own method in science today, independent of the teacher! https://t.co/7SAGYQMjOL

10/02/20

Mr Ehren is super proud of his daughter who has had her poem published online by the fantastic poet, Brian Moses. Have a look at her poem, Mermaid Bay on: https://t.co/9rlnj3x8pm

10/02/20

Retweeted From Laurie Boeshart

All dressed for & Caitlin’s Gold presentation at St James’s Palace. Although schedules would not permit their team to attend, their week in Wales canoeing the Wye and volunteering for will not be forgotten today. https://t.co/kUkielGrM6

10/02/20

On Thursday students from Year 7 to 12 gathered to celebrate International Harry Potter Book Night. Aside from the Triwizard Quiz, they also pinned the sock on Dobby, played Triwizard Charades and carried out some Transfigurations. https://t.co/qKbHMR8ouj

10/02/20

On Thursday our talented Year 7's took to the stage to compete in 'Eurovicta 2020'. They all performed a pop song in their chosen form language - French, German or Spanish. Well done to 7C who were crowned the Winner's! https://t.co/nukGSBea97

07/02/20

The cake sale went down a treat this breaktime. 🧁 Well done to the team who have done an amazing job of fundraising all this week! Why not show your support? https://t.co/uwVWGJNo0j https://t.co/r3wEL2Hgvb

07/02/20

You were great - well done girls. We can't wait to welcome you back very soon! https://t.co/Zz6fQvfpmh

07/02/20

Well done girls, it was lovely to have you here! https://t.co/Isj4si29yf https://t.co/1UOKqEWcuj

07/02/20

On Wednesday the Year 7 and 8 Sports Hall Athletics teams competed in the final. Both teams did fantastically well, with Year 8 finishing 6th and Year 7 2nd. All of the girls performed to their very best and the results really show this! https://t.co/97Bu3VRPEF

06/02/20

In addition to the £46,623 donated to charity last year we are delighted to donate £501 to , £113 to , £651 to and £843 to . https://t.co/FPvwMr7fgH

06/02/20

Retweeted From KentSchoolGames

Congratulations to the YR 7 Girls Sportshall Athletics Medalists 🥉 🥈 🥇 https://t.co/BbTZ0GvaNX

05/02/20

The Staff Book Group met today having read these three brilliant books, everyone agreed they make fantastic introductions to classic mythology for students of all ages. https://t.co/vPzFCFgqI1

04/02/20

Thank you to Sam from for our Year 7 and 8 Lego House Competition today! https://t.co/pLrt9nbJjT

04/02/20

Well done to all students who donated products, but a special well done to the girls of 9G who organised this project! Thank you for your letter. https://t.co/Cxm0Ga53Oj

03/02/20

Invicta’s beekeepers made some frames for the beehives on Thursday afternoon; these are to hold the honey crop next year, hopefully! 🐝 https://t.co/BPnFnRm1wo

03/02/20

House Creativity Day 2020 https://t.co/2epeyMcLwt

31/01/20

Dressed in their house colours students walked around mote park as part of Invicta House Creativity Day 2020 - a lovely afternoon had by the whole school! https://t.co/YuWZKtSzaA

31/01/20

Over £2,000 was raised on Saturday, 25 January at our annual Burns Night. A traditional Scottish evening celebrating the life and poetry of Robert Burns. The evening was a great success and was enjoyed by all! https://t.co/akpGchw3PX

30/01/20

On Thursday, 23 January Invicta Computing students from Year 9 went to . They had a day of fun and learning about different cyphers and the history of Bletchley Park! https://t.co/TH0ner6DvP

30/01/20

Retweeted From VIPS@Aylesford

Thank you for letting these 3 girls use their POP time at our school. They have started decorating a canvas for a display. We will be sharing their progress. https://t.co/frGTP5JhfL

30/01/20

Retweeted From Andrea M

Congratulations everyone on a fantastic Informal Concert! What a nurturing forum for such talented young people. Amazing teachers and wonderful facilities. Thankyou! Very proud mum!!

29/01/20

On 27 January, 22 students took part in the Invicta Senior Debate Competition. With 6 strong teams, and 3 challenging motions, the first round showed the capability of each and every student to deliver impassioned, yet credible arguments, making the job of the judges very tough! https://t.co/VBkjsIBF7H

29/01/20

Retweeted From Kings Hill School

Thank you to for hosting the Primary Literacy Challenge last week. We were delighted to be the winners. Our children had a fantastic time. https://t.co/8LkUpsVlKB

28/01/20

Surge Self Defence - Week 3. Teaching our girls crucial life skills; how to get out of a choke hold. https://t.co/oz0IG3l21S

28/01/20

Congratulations to Phoebe in Year 8 who won the Bronte House charity raffle in aid of the which raised over £80! https://t.co/qyUQfaCB0M

28/01/20

Retweeted From VIPS@Holboroughlakes

Come along on 7th February to support our PTA Ladies Pamper and Shopping night, please see flyer for details. https://t.co/skfr13ATbm

28/01/20

Yes, please do!

28/01/20

Retweeted From VIPS@Aylesford

The Primary Literacy team took part in the event at on Friday. The girls thoroughly enjoyed themselves and really relished the challenge. https://t.co/u7VEftfu9z

The Foundation Years

The Year 7 and 8 curriculum is designed to give students a firm foundation based on the broad curriculum of 15 subjects. Students study the core subjects, i.e. English, Maths, Science in 6 lessons per fortnight and MFL in 5 lessons. The school recognises the importance of self-expression and believes that the performing arts subjects contribute towards increasing the students’ confidence hence all students study dance, drama and music in 4 lessons. We encourage all students to become enterprising young adults; the Business and Enterprise course teaches our students about the world of business and entrepreneurship.

The Personal Opportunities Programme (POP) is a unique feature of our curriculum which embed enrichment in school life for every Invicta students. Fifty clubs and societies run by teachers from Musical Theatre to Creative Photography, from Bee Keeping and Gardening to Body Balance and Lacrosse are enjoyed by students and teachers alike.

The table below summarises the subjects studied by students in Year 7, and the number of lessons per fortnight.

English 6 lessons
Mathematics  6 lessons
Science 6 lessons
MFL (French) 5 lessons
MFL (German) 5 lessons
MFL (Spanish) 5 lessons
History 3 lessons
Geography 3 lessons
Art 2 lessons
Design and Technology (rotation of Textiles, Resistant Materials and Food) 4 lessons
Design and Technology (rotation of Textiles, Resistant Materials and Food) 4 lessons
Design and Technology (rotation of Textiles, Resistant Materials and Food) 4 lessons
Business and Enterprise 2 lessons
Computing 2 lessons
Religious Education 2 lessons
Performing Arts (rotation of Dance and Drama) Dance 2 lessons
Performing Arts (rotation of Dance and Drama) Drama 2 lessons
Music 2 lessons
Physical Education 2 lessons
Personal Opportunities Programme (POP) 2 lessons

English

Subject: English

Year 7

Topics Covered
  • Journeys
  • Shakespeare
  • Narrative voice in prose
  • Aspects of the Natural World
  • History of English Language/Myths and Legends

Recommended Extra Resources

Visit the theatre to see a live performance; read as much variety of fiction and non-fiction as possible

Recommended Reading List
  • See Year 7 reading list on the IGS website and the student portal

Useful Tips

Use your opinions and always justify your ideas from the text

Subject: English

Year 8

Topics Covered
  • Detective fiction/crime and punishment
  • Media unit – linked to BBC Schools’ Report
  • Dystopian/science fiction prose study
  • Childhood
  • Modern drama and poetry

Recommended Extra Resources

Read the newspapers (online or in print) – local and national and watch the news

Recommended Reading List
  • See Year 8 reading list on the IGS website and the student portal

Useful tips

Always be aware of the world around you – your local community, national and international current affairs

 

 

 

Maths

Subject: Maths

Year 7

Topics Covered
  • Factors, multiples, decimal calculations, negative numbers
  • Simplifying expressions and substitution
  • Calculating averages and displaying data
  • Powers, BIDMAS and estimation
  • Expanding brackets and factorising expressions
  • Solving problems with fraction calculations
  • Scatter graphs
  • Probability
  • Angles and shapes
  • Decimals
  • Solving equations
  • Transformations
  • Fractions, decimals and percentages
  • Ratio
  • Perimeter, Area and Volume
  • Sequences and graphs
  • Constructions
  • Circles

Recommended Extra Resources

Revision Guides

CGP KS3 Maths Study Guide – Higher (ISBN: 978 1 84146 030 7)

CGP KS3 Maths Complete Study & Practice (ISBN: 978 1 84146 383 4)

Websites

www.mrbartonmaths.com (online e-book)

www.mathsisfun.com (good explanations)

www.corbettmaths.com (videos and worksheets)

https://hegartymaths.com/login/learner

Recommended Reading List

Useful Tips
  • Show all workings clearly with each calculation on a new line. 
  • Look at and redo questions from previous topics and past revision homeworks when revising.
  • Practise the topics you find most difficult first.
  • Make sure you understand how to use your scientific calculator.

Subject: Maths

Year 8

Topics Covered
  • Round and estimation
  • Angles and Polygons
  • Single brackets and equations
  • Scatter graphs and frequency tables
  • Error and bounds
  • Pythagoras’ theorem
  • Inequalities
  • Fractions and percentages
  • Probability
  • Simultaneous equations
  • Fractions and ratio
  • Constructions and measure
  • Cumulative frequency
  • Negative numbers, substitution into formulae and rearranging formulae.
  • Circles
  • Forming equations
  • FOIL and factorising
  • Volume and surface area
  • Straight line graphs
  • Enlargement and similarity
  • Highest Common Factor and Lowest Common Multiple

Recommended Extra Resources

Revision Guides

CGP KS3 Maths Study Guide – Higher (ISBN: 978 1 84146 030 7)

CGP KS3 Maths Complete Study & Practice (ISBN: 978 1 84146 383 4)

Websites

www.mrbartonmaths.com (online e-book)

www.mathsisfun.com (good explanations)

www.corbettmaths.com (videos and worksheets)

https://hegartymaths.com/login/learner

Recommended Reading List
  • How Many Socks Make a Pair?: Surprisingly Interesting Everyday Maths Rob Eastaway
  • Singh, S (2002) The Code Book: The Secret History of Codes and Code-breaking
  • Singh, S. (2014) The Simpsons and their Mathematical Secrets

Useful Tips
  • Show all workings clearly with each calculation on a new line. 
  • Look at and redo questions from previous topics and past revision homeworks when revising.
  • Practise the topics you find most difficult first.
  • Make sure you understand how to use your scientific calculator.

 

Science

Subject: Science

Year 7

Topics Covered
  • Introduction to science
  • Waves
  • Particles and matter 1  
  • Electromagnets
  • Ecosystems
  • Reactions
  • Energy 1
  • Life and living processes 1
  • Earth science
  • Forces 1

Recommended Extra Resources
  • BBC Bitesize website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zng4d2p
  • Use the homework, revision and extension resources that have been uploaded onto the student portal.
  • Download the ebooks onto your iPad – ask your teacher if you are unsure how to do this.

Recommended Reading List

Useful Tips

Revise little and often – you need to recap your science work each fortnight, in order to prepare for end of topic assessments, and to revise topics studied.

Come to science clubs – ask science staff for dates and times.

 

Subject: Science

Year 8

Topics Covered
  • Interdependence 1
  • Forces 2
  • Life and living processes 2 
  • Particles and matter 2
  • Energy 2

Recommended Extra Resources
  • BBC Bitesize website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zng4d2p
  • Use the homework, revision and extension resources that have been uploaded onto the student portal.
  • Download the ebooks onto your iPad – ask your teacher if you are unsure how to do this.

Recommended Reading List

Useful Tips

Revise little and often – you need to recap your science work each fortnight, in order to prepare for end of topic assessments, and to revise topics studied.

Come to science clubs – ask science staff for dates and times.

MFL (French)

Subject: French

Year 7

Topics Covered
  • C’est perso – my family, my friends and me.
  • Mon collège – My school
  • Mes passe-temps –Hobbies (sports/ activities)
  • Ma zone – where I live
  • 3,2,1 Partez - Holidays
  • revision and research project (poetry / art )

Recommended Extra Resources
  • Cahier d’exercice A/B – Studio 1 – ISBN 978-0-435-02777-3    -  Workbook based on our textbook to reinforce what it is taught in lessons.

Websites :

https://quizlet.com - interactive website to help you learn the vocabulary.

http://zut.languageskills.co.uk/index.html - good source of interactive activities to practise a variety of skills – Free to use outside school hours ( before 9 am and after 4pm)

http://www.lepetitquotidien.fr/dossiers-thematiques
(6-10 years old)

An authentic newspaper for young French readers. Suitable to challenge any keen linguists who want to read for pleasure about what’s happening in the world. Some part of this website require to subscribe but a good amount of articles are available for free. Worth exploring!

YouTube :

You can access a variety of videos explaining French grammar in English-

You can also access short authentic French cartoons designed for French toddlers : simple stories to understand with the support of the images, but great listening practise ! Search for Tchoupi , Petit ours Brun and TroTro.

Recommended Reading List

Ask your French teacher to borrow a book from our library! Here is a sample of what you can find.

A story about a little boy who discover the world at night. 

The story of Little Brown bear who plays in the sand.

  • Martine

A French classic! A series of books that follow Martine’s adventures.

  • La petite poule rousse

Another classic for children.

Useful Tips

Eg: Make sure you learn your vocabulary regularly, using a variety of memorising techniques- a little bit everyday, is better than two hours the night before the spelling test !!

 

Subject: French

Year 8

Topics Covered
  • T’es branché ? Hobbies (tv/internet/reading, etc.)
  • Paris je t’adore -Describing a recent visit using past tense
  • Mon identité – Likes and dislikes, style, music, friendships)
  • Chez toi/ chez moi – where I live
  • Quel talent!  Talents and ambitions

Recommended Extra Resources

-Cahier d’exercice  – Studio 2 rouge  – ISBN 9780435041090

Workbook based on our textbook to reinforce and challenge what it is taught in lessons.

Websites :

https://quizlet.com - interactive website to help you learn the vocabulary.

http://zut.languageskills.co.uk/index.html - good source of interactive activities to practise a variety of skills – Free to use outside school hours ( before 9 am and after 4pm)

http://www.lepetitquotidien.fr/dossiers-thematiques (6-10 years old)

An authentic newspaper for young French readers. Suitable to challenge any keen linguists who want to read for pleasure about what’s happening in the world. Some part of this website require to subscribe but a good amount of articles are available for free. Worth exploring!

YouTube :

You can access a variety of videos explaining French grammar in English-

You can also access short authentic French cartoons designed for French toddlers : simple stories to understand with the support of the images, but great listening practise ! Search for Tchoupi , Petit ours Brun and TroTro.

Recommended Reading List

Ask your French teacher to borrow a book from our library ! Here is a sample of what you can find.

A story about a little boy who discover the world at night. 

The story of Little Brown bear who plays in the sand.

  • Martine

A French classic!

A series of books that follow Martine’s adventures.

  • La petite poule rousse

Another classic for children.

Useful Tips
  • Take the time to reflect on your mistakes to understand what went wrong and what you can learn by correcting them.
  • Act upon feedback.

MFL (German)

Subject: German

Year 7

Topics Covered
  • Greetings and introductions
  • School
  • Family and friends
  • Freetime
  • Home
  • Town and country

Recommended Extra Resources

Echo Express 1 Workbook by Oliver Gray

German Grammar 11-14 by Oliver Gray and Trevor Stevens

Key Stage Three German CGP Revision Guide

www.languagesonline.org.uk

www.education.vic.gov.au/languagesonline

www.germanrevision.org.uk

Recommended Reading List
  • Aschenputtel, ELI German Easy Readers
  • Der Hase mit der roten Nase, Helme Heine
  • Oh wie schön ist Panama, Janosch
  • Für Hund und Katz ist auch noch Platz, Julia Donaldson/Axel Scheffler
  • Der Räuber Hotzenplotz, Otfried Preußler

Useful Tps

Spread your homework time over a number of days so that you learn your vocabulary little and often.

When learning vocabulary, remember to listen, say, cover and write the words to help you practice all four skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing).

Use the electronic textbook to go over reading and listening exercises done in class and use the marked one done in class to check your new answers.

When revising for a speaking assessment, practice asking and answering questions with a friend without looking at your answers.

Create revision posters for particular grammar points.

Use mind maps to help revise topics (think of headings such as Grammatical concepts, Verbs, Nouns, Phrases, etc…).

Subject: German

Year 8

Topics Covered
  • Holidays
  • Food and shopping
  • After school
  • Health
  • Going out
  • Going on an exchange

Recommended Extra Resources

Echo Express 2 Workbook by Oliver Gray  

German Grammar 11-14 by Oliver Gray and Trevor Stevens

Key Stage Three German CGP Revision Guide

www.languagesonline.org.uk

www.education.vic.gov.au/languagesonline

www.germanrevision.org.uk

Recommended Reading List
  • Aschenputtel, ELI German Easy Readers
  • Der Hase mit der roten Nase, Helme Heine
  • Oh wie schön ist Panama, Janosch
  • Für Hund und Katz ist auch noch Platz, Julia Donaldson/Axel Scheffler
  • Der Räuber Hotzenplotz, Otfried Preußler

Useful Tips

Spread your homework time over a number of days so that you learn your vocabulary little and often.

When learning vocabulary, remember to listen, say, cover and write the words to help you practice all four skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing).

Use the electronic textbook to go over reading and listening exercises done in class and use the marked one done in class to check your new answers.

When revising for a speaking assessment, practice asking and answering questions with a friend without looking at your answers.

Create revision posters for particular grammar points.

Use mind maps to help revise topics (think of headings such as Grammatical concepts, Verbs, Nouns, Phrases, etc…)

 

MFL (Spanish)

Subject: Spanish

Year 7

Topics Covered
  • Vamos
  • En el instituto
  • Mi familia
  • En casa
  • El tiempo libre
  • En la ciudad

Recommended Extra Resources

Mira 1 Workbook

Quizlet (application or website, ideal for vocabulary revision)

studyspanish.com (ideal for practising your pronunciation)

Recommended Reading List
  • Lola en la biblioteca (Charlesbridge Publishing)
  • Abiela (Arthur Dorros)
  • El Cuento de Ferdinando (Munro Leaf)
  • Días de clase (Daniel Nesquens)
  • La y Lolo (Carmen Gómez Ojea)

Useful Tips

Learn vocabulary little and often by listening to and repeating the word aloud, then practising the spelling

Read back through your notes on a regular basis, paying particular attention to any corrections made to ensure that you are revising accurate information

In class we learn through using pictures, sounds and movements: ensure that you do the same in your revision to make it more effective.

Subject: Spanish

Year 8

Topics Covered
  • La gente
  • ¿Vamos a salir?
  • Mis vacaciones
  • La comida
  • De moda
  • Barcelona

Recommended Extra Resources

Mira 2 Workbook

Quizlet (application or website, ideal for vocabulary revision)

wordreference.com (a useful online dictionary with verb conjugation tool)

Recommended Reading List
  • Lola en la biblioteca (Charlesbridge Publishing)
  • Abiela (Arthur Dorros)
  • El Cuento de Ferdinando (Munro Leaf)
  • Días de clase (Daniel Nesquens)
  • La y Lolo (Carmen Gómez Ojea)

Useful Tips

Learn vocabulary little and often by listening to and repeating the word aloud, then practising the spelling

Try to complete a ‘Verb of the Day’ on days when you do not have a Spanish lesson: as we learn more tenses this will help you get to grips with them quicker and feel confident using them.

Act on corrections and feedback as soon as your book as marked: this will improve the accuracy of the notes from which you are revising and give you next steps for moving forward.

 

History

Subject: History

Year 7

Topics Covered
  • The Norman Conquest
  • Castles, the feudal system, the church
  • Life in Medieval Britain
  • Henry VIII and the Reformation
  • Aspects of life in early modern England

Recommended Extra Resources

Recommended Websites:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zk26n39

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks3/history/middle_ages/

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/sessions-and-resources/?time-period=medieval

Recommended Reading List
  • The Time Travellers Guide to Medieval England, Ian Mortimer
  • Elizabeth I, Red Rose of the House of Tudor,Kathryn Lasky
  • The Tudor Court novels of Phillipa Gregory

Useful Tips
  • Never take any one single source of historical information at face value- always cross-check and compare with other sources.
  • Remember that all sources are useful in history – it just depends on what questions you ask.
  • Remember to ask the five key questions when using sources: who wrote it, when, where, what does it tell us and why?

Subject: History

Year 8

Topics Covered
  • The Slave trade
  • The industrial revolution
  • Causes of World War One
  • The events and experience of World War One
  • Causes and events of World War Two

Recommended Extra Resources

Recommended Websites

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/
sessions-and-resources/?time-period=empire-and-industry

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/
sessions-and-resources/?time-

http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/topics/z4crd2pperiod=
early-20th-century

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks3/history/20th_century/
second_world_war/revision/2/

Recommended Reading List
  • Behind the Bedroom Wall, Laura Williams
  • A Respectable Trade, Phillipa Gregory
  • The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, John Boyne
  • The Book Thief, Markus Zusak
  • War Horse, Michael Murpurgo
  • Testament of Youth, Vera Brittain
  • All Quite on the Western Front, Erich Remaraque
  • Regeneration, Pat Barker

Useful Tips
  • Never take any one single source of historical information at face value- always cross-check and compare with other sources.
  • All sources are useful in history – it just depends what questions you ask.
  • Remember to ask the five key questions when using sources: who wrote it, when, where, what does it tell us and why?

 

Geography

Subject: Geography

Year 7

Topics Covered
  • Global knowledge – human/physical geography, atlas skills and China
  • Map skills – grid references, direction, scale and reading contour lines
  • Globalisation – global connections, trade, working conditions along supply chains, fair trade.
  • Migration – global migration patterns, international migration from Mexico to the USA.
  • Weather Around the World – weather and climate, climate graphs, climate zones and biomes, extreme weather.
  • Fieldwork in St. Omer and Boxley

Recommended Extra Resources

Recommended Reading List
  • Malala Yousafzai (2013) ‘I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban’
  • David Attenborough (2009) ‘Life Stories’
  • Robert M Sapolsky (2002) ‘A Primate’s Memoir: Love, Death and Baboons in East Africa’
  • Alastair Bonnett (2014) ‘Unrult Places: Lost Spaces, Secret Cities and Other Inscrutable Geographies’
  • Khaled Hosseini (2013) ‘The Kite Runner’
  • Stay up-to-date and aware of current news events related to topics studied.

Useful Tps
  • Allow time to make revision resources from the start of the course, particularly for more challenging topics.
  • Complete quizzes online to regularly recap learning.
  • Experiment with different presentation methods where this is appropriate.
  • Look back at previous assessments to review your targets and how to improve.

 

Subject: Geography

Year 8

Topics Covered
  • Environmental protection- calculate ecological footprints, waste diaries, wind farm and GIS
  • Antarctica- climate change, impacts of tourism and scientific research, wildlife and resources, DME
  • Tectonic hazards- plate boundaries, earthquakes, volcanoes, supervolcano
  • Development- development indicators, Kenya, Tourism and eco-tourism, sustainable development

Recommended Extra Resources

Recommended Reading List
  • Malala Yousafzai (2013) ‘I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban’
  • David Attenborough (2009) ‘Life Stories’
  • Robert M Sapolsky (2002) ‘A Primate’s Memoir: Love, Death and Baboons in East Africa’
  • Alastair Bonnett (2014) ‘Unrult Places: Lost Spaces, Secret Cities and Other Inscrutable Geographies’
  • Khaled Hosseini (2013) ‘The Kite Runner’
  • Stay up-to-date and aware of current news events related to topics studied

Useful Tips
  • Allow time to make revision resources from the start of the course, particularly for more challenging topics.
  • Complete quizzes online to regularly recap learning e.g.: mapzone to practice map skills and BBC bitesize for tectonics.
  • Experiment with different presentation methods where this is appropriate.
  • Look back at previous assessments to review your targets and how to improve.

Art

Subject: Art

Year 7

Topics Covered
  • Observational drawing
  • Tonal description
  • Colour Theory
  • Texture
  • Mono printing
  • Colour mixing
  • Watercolour
  • Acrylic
  • Written analysis

Recommended Extra Resources

Revision Guide on Student Portal.

Recommended Reading List
  • Tate.co.uk
  • NPG.co.uk

Useful Tips

Practice observational drawing by looking at the object for 80% of the time.

Draw only what you see.

Enhance written analysis by using PEE.

Subject: Art

Year 8

Topics Covered
  • Observational drawing
  • Tonal description
  • Colour Theory
  • Texture
  • Colour mixing
  • Watercolour
  • Acrylic paint
  • Sculpture
  • Photoshop
  • Written analysis

Recommended Extra Resources

Revision Guide on Student Portal.

Recommended Reading List
  • Tate.co.uk
  • NPG.co.uk

Useful Tips

Practice observational drawing by looking at the object for 80% of the time.

Draw only what you see.

Enhance written analysis by using PEE.

 

DT - Textiles Rotation

Subject:  DT Textiles

Year 7

Topics Covered
  • Analysing a task
  • Product analysis
  • Design specifications
  • Designing a textile product
  • Pattern drafting
  • Risk assessment
  • Computer Aided Design
  • Hand embroidery and appliqué techniques
  • Product construction using a sewing machine
  • Evaluation of made outcomes

Recommended Extra Resources
  • You Tube – video clips of hand embroidery and appliqué techniques
  • BBC GCSE Bitesize – Product analysis and evaluation

Recommended Reading List
  • Design and Make it: Textiles Technology for Key Stage 3

Useful Tips

When completing design annotation give your work to someone who has no knowledge of your design ideas at all and ask them if they have all of the information that they would need to produce your product

Subject: DT Textiles

Year 8

Topics Covered
  • Analysing a task
  • Product analysis
  • Design specifications
  • Designing a textile product
  • Pattern drafting
  • Risk assessment
  • Modern and smart textile materials
  • Hand printing techniques
  • E-Textiles
  • Product construction using a sewing machine
  • Evaluation of made outcomes

Recommended Extra Resources
  • You Tube – video clips of hand printing techniques
  • Kitroniks - E-Textiles and Wearables Tutorials
  • BBC GCSE Bitesize – Product analysis and evaluation

Recommended Reading List
  • Design and Make it: Textiles Technology for Key Stage 3

Useful Tips

When completing design annotation give your work to someone who has no knowledge of your design ideas at all and ask them if they have all of the information that they would need to produce your product

 

DT - Resistant Materials Rotation

Subject: Resistant Materials DT

Year 7

Topics Covered
  • Mechanisms (levers, linkages, gears, belts & pulleys, cam and follower)
  • Motion
  • Basic wood theory
  • Basic electronics theory
  • Evaluation

Recommended Extra Resources

www.technologystudent.com

Student Portal departmental teacher PowerPoints

Recommended Reading List
  • Which – Magazine
  • Designing – Magazine
  • Frank Lloyd Wright – by Bruce Brooks Pfeiffer and Peter Gossel

Useful Tips

Revise booklet as it holds all work covered.

 

Subject: Resistant Materials DT

Year 8 

Topics Covered
  • Resistant materials (wood, metal and plastics)
  • Pewter casting
  • Vacuum forming
  • Packaging
  • Evaluation

Recommended Extra Resources

www.technologystudent.com

Student Portal departmental teacher PowerPoints

Recommended Reading List
  • Which – Magazine
  • Designing – Magazine
  • Frank Lloyd Wright – by Bruce Brooks Pfeiffer and Peter Gossel

Useful Tips

Revise booklet as it holds all work covered.

DT - Food Rotation

Subject:  DT Food Technology

Year 7

Topics Covered
  • Food hygiene
  • Food poisoning
  • Healthy eating
  • Nutrients and the body
  • Fibre
  • Food science: Functional properties of food
  • Dairy, cheese
  • Dietary requirements
  • Fruit and vegetables
  • Food miles
  • Design and make pasta task
  • Types of fish and fish tasting
  • Making a range of healthy recipes to develop practical skills
  • Safe use of equipment

Recommended Extra Resources

Online:

BBC Good food: www.bbcgoodfood.com

Food miles: http://www.foodmiles.com

Change for life, BBC: https://www.nhs.uk/change4life

Understanding the science of food: http://www.thecookeryteacher.com

Marine conservation society: https://www.mcsuk.org

British cheese: http://britishcheese.com/education

YouTube Fun kitchen food science clips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0USi4DbRVVQ

BBC bitesize KS3: https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/subjects/zb8jmp3

Stefan Gates, Gastronauts, food science made fun! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0f5hnnSGWXhNQxDJdxlPsQ

Keeping abreast of stories in the news relating to food

Recommended Reading List
  • Jamie Oliver’s 15 Minute Meals – Jamie Oliver
  • Jamie Oliver’s 30 Minute Meals – Jamie Oliver
  • Mary Berry Foolproof Cooking – Mary Berry
  • Range of other cooking books (can borrow ones from Food – with permission)

Useful Tips
  • Links to science lessons (see recommended reading list)

 

Subject: DT Food Technology

Year 8

Topics Covered
  • Healthy diets
  • Bread making and the function of yeast, completing a ‘gluten balls’ food science investigation
  • Protein
  • Food labelling looking at fats and sugar
  • Design and make task – taste testing, dietary requirement research, nutritional analysis
  • Factors affecting food choice - food miles & carbon footprint, food packaging & plastics
  • Young Cooks design
  • Making a range of healthy recipes to develop practical skills
  • Safe use of equipment

Recommended Extra Resources

Online:

BBC Good food: www.bbcgoodfood.com

Food miles: http://www.foodmiles.com

Change for life, BBC: https://www.nhs.uk/change4life

Understanding the science of food: http://www.thecookeryteacher.com

Marine conservation society: https://www.mcsuk.org

British cheese: http://britishcheese.com/education

YouTube Fun kitchen food science clips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0USi4DbRVVQ

BBC bitesize KS3: https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/subjects/zb8jmp3

Stefan Gates, Gastronauts, food science made fun! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0f5hnnSGWXhNQxDJdxlPsQ

Keeping abreast of stories in the news relating to food

Recommended Reading List
  • Jamie Oliver’s 15 Minute Meals – Jamie Oliver
  • Jamie Oliver’s 30 Minute Meals – Jamie Oliver
  • Mary Berry Foolproof Cooking – Mary Berry
  • Range of other cooking books (can borrow ones from Food – with permission)

Useful Tips
  • Links to science lessons (see recommended reading list)

Business and Enterprise

Subject: BEN and Business and Enterprise

Year 7

Topics Covered
  • Creating business ideas
  • Demand
  • Market research
  • Business aims and objectives
  • Operations
  • Marketing
  • Customer service

Recommended Extra Resources
  • BBC Bitesize Website
  • Stay up to date with news.

Recommended Reading List
  • The Impact of Big Business, M Jarman
  • How I Made It: 40 Successful Entrepreneurs Reveal How They Made Millions, Rachel Bridge
  • Business Stripped Bare: Adventures of a Global Entrepreneur, Sir Richard Branson

Useful Tips

Flashcards

Learn key terms early on

Subject: BEN and Business and Enterprise

Year 8

Topics Covered
  • Skills and qualities
  • Recruitment process
  • Employment legislation
  • Job description and person specification
  • Application documents
  • Interviews

Recommended Extra Resources
  • BBC Bitesize Website
  • Stay up to date with news.

Recommended Reading List
  • The Impact of Big Business, M Jarman
  • How I Made It: 40 Successful Entrepreneurs Reveal How They Made Millions, Rachel Bridge
  • Business Stripped Bare: Adventures of a Global Entrepreneur, Sir Richard Branson

Useful Tips

Flashcards

Learn key terms early on

 

Computer Science

Subject: Computer Science

Year 7

Topics Covered
  • Use of computers at IGS (including iPads)
  • E-Safety
  • Fundamentals of computer science – hardware, software components, input, output and storage devices
  • Representation of data, ASCII
  • Binary conversions, units
  • Computational thinking
  • Algorithms including use of flowcharts and pseudocode
  • Design, write and debug programs using Python
  • Spreadsheet software

Recommended Extra Resources

Website: BBC Bitesize KS3 Computer Science

Website: W3 schools

Recommended Reading List
  • Cs4fn magazines in M27 and E14
  • Computational fairy tales, Best Practices in Spell Design, CS Detective (al written by Jeremy Kubika)
  • Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine by Laurie Wallmar
  • Computer Coding for Kids by Carol Vorderman
  • Who was Ada Lovelace? By Lucy Lethbridge

Useful Tips

Redo questions from the previous topics without looking at the solution when revising.

Make use of revision resources on Student Portal.

Use Gap Analysis after each assessment to identify key areas to work on before the next assessment. Ask your teacher if you are not sure about something.

Subject: Computer Science

Year 8

Topics Covered
  • Boolean logic, logic gates and truth tables
  • Implementation of algorithms
  • Design, write and debug efficient programs using Scratch, including variables, sub-routines and procedures
  • Create webpages using HTML and CSS for a given audience

Recommended Extra Resources

Website: BBC Bitesize KS3 Computer Science

Website: W3 schools

Recommended Reading List
  • Cs4fn magazines in M27 and E14
  • Computational fairy tales, Best Practices in Spell Design, CS Detective (al written by Jeremy Kubika)
  • Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine by Laurie Wallmar
  • Computer Coding for Kids by Carol Vorderman
  • Who was Ada Lovelace? By Lucy Lethbridge

Useful Tips

Redo questions from the previous topics without looking at the solution when revising.

Make use of revision resources on Student Portal.

Use Gap Analysis after each assessment to identify key areas to work on before the next assessment. Ask your teacher if you are not sure about something.

 

Religious Education

Subject: RE

Year 7

Topics Covered
  • Introduction to World Religion
  • Christianity through The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
  • Abrahamic Faiths
  • Judaism
  • Islam

Recommended Extra Resources

https://www.biblegateway.com

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news

Recommended Reading List
  • Narnia Chronicles – The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
  • The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
  • I am Malala

Useful Tips

Read and be aware of current affairs which influence religious beliefs.

Subject: RE

Year 8

Topics Covered
  • Buddhism
  • Pilgrimage
  • Philosophy and Ethics

Recommended Extra Resources

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/
practices/hajj_1.shtml

Recommended Reading List
  • Sophie’s World
  • Lord of the Flies
  • The Diary of Anne Frank

Useful tips

Rewrite previous answers using the prompt guidance from teachers.

 

Performing Arts - Dance rotation

Subject: Dance

Year 7

Topics Covered
  • 5 Basic Body Actions
  • Chance Choreography
  • Professional Work – Rooster Christopher Bruce

Recommended Extra Resources

 

Recommended Reading List

Definition sheets and reading materials provided.

Hope in a Ballet Shoe – Michaela DePrince

The Body Can Speak – Annelise Mertz

Dancer and Dance – Merce Cunningham

Useful Tips

Keep an open mind about what Dance is as you will explore a variety of styles.

Subject: Dance

Year 8

Topics Covered
  • Technical Performance piece – (Contemporary style).
  • Professional Work – Swansong Christopher Bruce
  • Guernica

Recommended Extra Resources

 

Recommended Reading List

Handouts supplied

Hope in a Ballet Shoe – Michaela DePrince

The Body Can Speak – Annelise Mertz

Dancer and Dance- Merce Cunningham

Useful tips

Researching topics around Swansong such as the novel titled ‘A Man’ Oriana Fallaci can aid your understanding of the themes.

 

Performing Arts - Drama Rotation

Subject: Drama

Year 7

 

Topics Covered
  • Mime
  • Script
  • Physical theatre
  • Devising from different stimuli
  • Shakespearean language
  • Pair work
  • Group work
  • Performance skills and related vocabulary
  • Whole School Production related work
  • Alice in Wonderland – Lewis Carroll
  • A Midsummer Night’s Dream (AMSND) – William Shakespeare

 

Recommended Extra Resources

 

Recommended Reading List
  • A Midsummer Night’s Dream - William Shakespeare
  • Alice in Wonderland – Lewis Carroll
  • Playful Plays:Vol.1 David Farmer

 

Useful Tips
  • Observe! Professional actors often inform their performances by observing other people who are different from themselves. Consider the different pace of an older person or a very young child. The gestures and facial expressions people use when they experience different emotions.
  • Try to see live theatre – local amateur productions are a good place to start!
  • Join a theatre group.
  • Check the portal for support materials and discussions

Subject: Drama

Year 8

 

Topics Covered
  • Romeo and Juliet – William Shakespeare
  • Physical theatre
  • Commedia dell Arte
  • Stock characters
  • Scripted work
  • Devising from different stimuli
  • Shakespearean text
  • Pair work
  • Group work
  • Performance skills and related vocabulary
  • Whole School Production related work

 

Recommended Extra Resources

Support materials posted on the portal

 

Recommended Reading List

 

Useful Tips
  • Access the new OCR specification that we follow at GCSE. Have a look and see if the course suits you, if you have any questions your Drama teacher will always available to answer any questions.

 

Music

Subject: Music

Year 7

Topics Covered
  • Musical Elements, incl Pitch, Tempo, Dynamics, Structure, Rhythm & Melody
  • Songs of the British Isles
  • Keyboard Chords
  • Ukulele chords
  • 12 Bar Blues

Recommended Extra Resources

BBC Radio 3

teoria.com (for aural skills)

Recommended Reading List
  • Daily quality newspaper Arts’ coverage
  • BBC Music Magazine (available in School Library)

Useful Tips

Become involved in practical music-making, as a singer or instrumentalist. There’s no shortage of opportunities!

Subject: Music

Year 8

Topics Covered
  • Extended Chords
  • Tritones
  • Song-writing
  • Orchestral instruments – tuned percussion

Recommended Extra Resources

Revision Guide

Recommended Websites

Recommended Reading List
  • Daily quality newspaper Arts’ coverage
  • BBC Music Magazine (available in School Library)

Useful Tips

Keep your ears open to ALL kinds of music (not just your Spotify list)

 

Physical Education

Subject: PE

Year 7

Topics Covered
  • Netball
  • Football
  • Hockey
  • Badminton
  • Tag Rugby
  • Team Building
  • Ultimate Frisbee
  • Capture the Flag
  • Orienteering
  • Lacrosse
  • Athletics
  • Rounders
  • Cricket
  • Gymnastics
  • Fitness

Recommended Extra Resources

www.kentnetball.co.uk - Netball

http://www.kcaa.org.uk - Athletics

http://www.suttonvalencehockey.com - Hockey

http://www.paddockwoodac.co.uk - Athletics

Recommended Reading List
  • Jessica Ennis Autobiography – Unbelievable
  • Alex Morgan - Breakaway: Beyond the Goal
  • Finishing Kick – Paul Duffau
  • Grace, Gold and Glory – My Leap of Faith – Gabrielle Douglas

Useful Tips
  • Research the rules of the sports you are playing by looking on the relevant Governing Body websites. This would be useful to complete before you start the lesson.
  • Watch YouTube clips of the sports you are playing so you get an idea about how to play the sports.

Subject: PE

Year 8

Topics Covered
  • Netball
  • Football
  • Hockey
  • Badminton
  • Tag Rugby
  • Team Building
  • Ultimate Frisbee
  • Capture the Flag
  • Orienteering
  • Lacrosse
  • Athletics
  • Rounders
  • Cricket
  • Gymnastics

Recommended Extra Resources

www.kentnetball.co.uk - Netball

http://www.kcaa.org.uk - Athletics

http://www.suttonvalencehockey.com - Hockey

http://www.paddockwoodac.co.uk - Athletics

Recommended Reading List
  • Jessica Ennis Autobiography – Unbelievable
  • Alex Morgan - Breakaway: Beyond the Goal
  • Finishing Kick – Paul Duffau
  • Grace, Gold and Glory – My Leap of Faith – Gabrielle Douglas

Useful Tips
  • Research the rules of the sports you are playing by looking on the relevant Governing Body websites. This would be useful to complete before you start the lesson.
  • Watch YouTube clips of the sports you are playing
  • so you get an idea about how to play the sports.