subject guidance for parents and carers year 7

High Achievement with Care and Discipline for All

The Fernwood School An Academy of academic excellence & Leading Edge School

Subject Guidance for Parents and Carers

Year 7

The Fernwood School – Y7 Subject Guidance

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Contents Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................... 3

English ................................................................................................................................................................... 4

Mathematics ......................................................................................................................................................... 5

Art ........................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Computer Science ................................................................................................................................................ 7

Drama .................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Design & Technology .......................................................................................................................................... 9

Geography ........................................................................................................................................................... 10

History ................................................................................................................................................................. 11

MFL ...................................................................................................................................................................... 12

Music ................................................................................................................................................................... 13

PE ......................................................................................................................................................................... 14

RE ......................................................................................................................................................................... 15

Science ................................................................................................................................................................ 16

Personal Development ...................................................................................................................................... 17


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Introduction Welcome to the subject guidance document for Year 7. This guidance document is provided for parents and carers to help them understand teacher assessment within subjects at Key Stage 3 (KS3). Year 7 students will receive the following reports over the academic year:

• An attitudinal report in the Autumn term • A first assessment report in the Spring term • A full report in the Summer term.

This guidance document complements these reports, we also strongly encourage parents/carers to regularly review their child’s subject workbooks throughout the year. Workbooks will provide the latest information on your child’s learning, progress and feedback. We hope that you will find this guidance informative and helpful. Future progress reports will be issued in accordance with the school calendar which is published in the September of each academic year.


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English In KS3 English learning objectives are categorised into 3 strands. These are:

1. Reading 2. Writing 3. Speaking and Listening

The First Assessment was a creative written response to the class novel, completed in the first term, where your child was assessed on all four of the learning objectives for Writing:

1. Purpose and audience 2. Structure 3. Sentences and punctuation 4. Vocabulary and spelling

All students complete formal assessments for Reading and Writing in each half term. One formal assessment of Speaking and Listening will be made during Year 7. All students read a range of prose fiction, poetry, drama and non-fiction throughout the year. Texts will range from pre-twentieth century works (including Shakespeare) to modern writing. Responses marked for writing skills include writing for different purposes and audiences. Reading responses will be assessed on the Reading learning objectives outlined below:

1. Interpreting texts 2. The writer’s methods 3. Purpose and audience 4. Contexts and links

Responses assessed for Speaking and Listening are assessed on the learning objectives below:

1. Presenting 2. Debating 3. Performing 4. Reflecting

Pupils each have a workbook which tracks their progress from Year 7 to Year 9 where they reflect on their progress and make improvements as a response to the teacher’s targets. Parents are encouraged to consult the workbooks at parents’ evening.


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Mathematics In mathematics the Key Stage 3 overarching learning objectives are fluency, reasoning and problem solving. These objectives are embedded into the main strands of mathematics. These are:

1. Number and Fluency 2. Algebra 3. Shape and Space 4. Ratio and Proportion 5. Probability and Statistics

These strands are broken down into finer learning outcomes and objectives for students to aim for and achieve at their relevant band. Within each band there is sufficient depth for students to be appropriately challenged. These learning outcomes are accessible via the Fernwood website in the maths section. For strands 1, 2 & 4 these carry more weighting and therefore will be taken into consideration when determining progress. The First Assessment was completed at the end of the first term. This included some aspects from Number and Fluency; mainly the four main operations and the depth to which they can be applied. Throughout the year students have acquired deeper knowledge and understanding of the strands listed above, whilst improving their fluency, reasoning and problem solving skills. The end of year assessment was based on strands 1 and 2. Parents can support their child’s progress by encouraging them to become secure in their fluency using Mymaths. Each child has an individual account with their own password once they have logged onto the school account; login: fernwood, password: parallel.


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Art In Art and Design the Key Stage 3 learning objectives are categorised into 4 strands. These are:

1. Develop 2. Refine 3. Record 4. Present

Banding of your child in this subject was based upon the design & technology First Assessment, as ability levels have been found to be broadly similar across both subjects initially. This was used to produce an indicative gauge of the children’s starting ability. All students rotate through a series of projects designed to give a broad and balanced art and textiles experience. Each project focusses on 2 or 3 strands, but all are covered over the year. Their end of year assessment will be based on all strands. Parents can monitor their child’s progress. All projects include a student workbook. The rear page of each workbook lists the learning objectives covered in the project, and the teacher’s assessment of the work enclosed. Below is an example taken from the Design Skills project (First Assessment).

This is used for pupils and teachers to assess ongoing progress leading to an end of project summary. Parents are encouraged to review with their child their end of project assessments and new targets (learning objectives) for the future.


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Computer Science In Computer Systems (CS) the Key Stage 3 learning objectives are categorised into 4 strands. Each strand directly links to a career pathway at KS4 and beyond. There are:

1. Computational Thinking (KS4: Computer Science) 2. Computing Theory (KS4: Computer Science & Digital Technology BTEC) 3. IT Theory (KS4: Digital Technology BTEC & Computer Science ) 4. Front-End Design (KS4: Creative iMedia & Digital Technology BTEC)

The First Assessment was completed at the end of her first project. The project covered all 4 strands. Each strand was assessed and then an average was taken to determine the final band. In some cases this average was adjusted to reflect professional judgement by teaching staff. All students rotate through a series of projects throughout the remainder of the academic year and beyond, designed to give an experience of all 4 career paths in CS. Their end of year assessment will be based on attainment in all strands. Parents can monitor their child's progress in a variety of ways: • Project work booklets. • Homeworks • The Project assessment sheet, detailing their progress made and how to make further progress/ improvement targets.


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Drama

In Drama the Key Stage 3 learning objectives are categorised into three strands, which are equally weighted to produce an overall attainment standard. These are:

1. Creating 2. Performing 3. Responding

The First Assessment is completed at the end of their first unit, ‘Introduction to Drama’ during which students learn foundation performance skills, create a short scene in a pair and take part in class discussions as a demonstration of their abilities in all 3 strands. Students complete 3 more milestone assessments during the year, each building on knowledge of drama techniques and structures, performance skills and an ability to reflect on work. All students also receive personal feedback via their google classroom account which parents may access with their child’s login.


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Design & Technology In Design and Technology the Key Stage 3 learning objectives are categorised into 6 strands. These are:

1. Designing 2. Research & Context 3. Making 4. Evaluation 5. Technical Understanding 6. Food & Nutrition

A First Assessment was completed at the end of the first project this year – Design Skills. The project covered all strands of the assessment, and produced an indicative gauge of the children’s starting ability. All students rotate through a series of projects designed to give a broad and balanced D&T experience. Each project focusses on 2 or 3 strands, but all are covered over the year. Their end of year assessment will be based on all strands. Parents can monitor their child’s progress. All projects include a student workbook. The rear page of each workbook lists the learning objectives covered in the project, and the teacher’s assessment of the work enclosed. Below is an example taken from the Design Skills project (First Assessment).

This is used for pupils and teachers to assess ongoing progress leading to an end of project summary. Parents are encouraged to review with their child their end of project assessments and new targets (learning objectives) for the future.


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Geography In geography the Key Stage 3 learning objectives are categorised into 3 strands. These are:

1. Knowledge & Understanding 2. Geographical Skills 3. Geographical Applications

The First Assessment in geography was assessed on all three strands, although there was greater emphasis on the Knowledge and Understanding strand as this is double weighted against the other two strands in this subject. Each half term in Y7 geography pupils are formally assessed on a different topic. In the First Assessment in the autumn term they were assessed on their knowledge and understanding of how waterfalls develop as part of the ‘How does the earth work’ topic. Over the rest of the year, year 7 pupils are assessed on the following themes:

1. Photo Analysis 2. Settlement 3. Weather & Climate 4. Tropical Rainforests

Each formal milestone assessment has its own individual assessment criteria and prior to each assessment pupils will receive a pupil friendly mark scheme which is to be stuck into their books, preceding their assessment. Pupils are then given the opportunity to peer assess their work and also to improve their work using a green pen after their teacher has marked it. Information on how their exercise book is marked can be found on an information sheet stuck in at the front of their books, together with a ‘feedforward’ tracker sheet stuck in at the back of their books. The feedforward tracker sheet enables the pupils to keep a record of their own progress, and reflect on how they can improve between assessments.


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History In history the Key Stage 3 learning objectives are categorised into 3 strands. These are:

1. Knowledge and Understanding 2. Historical Enquiry 3. Historical Interpretation

The First Assessment assessed prior learning in history and pupils ability to use sources and demonstrate their ability to form an historical argument. Pupils were assessed on all three of the learning objectives:

1. Demonstrate prior knowledge. 2. Analysis and basic historical skills. 3. Understanding of different viewpoints.

Pupils will study a range of topics in Year 7 covering events such as the Norman Conquest, the Crusades and the English Civil War. A formal assessment will be completed each half term and will assess each of the three strands. Responses marked for Knowledge and Understanding will assess the knowledge gained through the study of a topic and how it is expressed in written form to show understanding of historical questions. Historical Enquiry responses will be assessed on the use of sources critically to understand an historical event, character or period. Responses assessed for Interpretations will assess the understanding of different viewpoints on historical events, characters and periods. Pupils will complete assessments in their history exercise book which tracks their progress throughout the year and will enable them to reflect on their progress and make improvements as a response to the teacher’s targets. Parents are encouraged to consult the exercise books at parents’ evening.


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MFL In modern foreign languages the KS3 learning objectives are categorised into 4 strands. These are:

1. Speaking 2. Writing 3. Comprehension 4. Grammar and Vocabulary

Students completed a number of formal assessments throughout the year following each unit. We have covered the topics of self, family and friends, school, home and local area. These units covered all 4 strands and the students have been assessed in all skills. All Y7 students have covered the same topic and skill areas in either French or German and the scheme of learning is designed to enable students to work to their own individual potential at all levels. Parents can monitor their child’s progress at home as students’ books contain a copy of the MFL KS3 learning objectives and success criteria. Students will know which band they should be accessing. Teachers talk to their students regularly about assessment so that they are clear about how they can make progression in their language learning.


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Music In music the Key Stage 3 learning objectives are categorised into three strands, which allow staff, students and parents to monitor progress in different areas of musicianship. These are:

1. Composing 2. Listening 3. Performing

First Assessment was carried out in two parts. The first was a listening test at the start of the Autumn Term, which was later followed by an initial assessment of performing skills. As students have just one music lesson each week, not all elements of the course are covered in each project, but they are planned into the schemes of learning across the year. Students work through booklets for each topic, in which are the objectives specific to that work. These feed in to an overview sheet for that student where progress can be monitored. Please see an example sheet below:


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PE In physical education the Key Stage 3 learning objectives are categorised into three strands, which allow staff, students and parents to monitor progress in different areas of physical education. These are:

1. Health and Motivation 2. Responding 3. Performing

First Assessment was carried out over the first two half terms, through core tasks in the activities pupils were involved in. Pupils have one double lesson each week where they pursue an activity for that half term. Consequently, not all elements of the course are covered each half term but are planned into the schemes of learning across the year. Students have an assessment sheet in their booklet where the objectives are specific to their work. These feed into an overview sheet for the student, where progress can be monitored, as in the example set out below.


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RE In religious education pupils are assessed over three different strands. These are:

1. Cognition 2. Expression 3. Engagement

Pupils complete an assessment at least once per term in this subject. The First Assessment completed during the autumn term was assessed in the Expression strand. During the rest of Year 7, pupils are assessed on the strands whilst studying Christianity, Islam and Sikhism. Before each assessment is completed, pupils are given the learning objectives that they will be assessed against and are informed of their individual targets. After completing an assessment pupils are given the opportunity to make improvements as a response to the detailed feedback that they receive. Pupils each have a feedforward tracker at the back of their exercise book which tracks their assessment results, including any improvements, throughout the year. Parents are encouraged to consult both the individual assessment feedback sheets and the feedforward tracker in pupil exercise books.


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Science In science the Key Stage 3 learning objectives are categorised into 6 strands:

1. Biology Knowledge 2. Chemistry Knowledge 3. Physics Knowledge 4. Planning and Variables 5. Data Skills 6. Analysis and Evaluation

First Assessment was completed at the end of the first term. By this stage, students had been learning about forces, particles, cells and reproduction. The assessment covered strands 1-3. Through Year 7 students study a unit of biology, chemistry and physics each term. Within this, they will also have opportunities to develop their skills that feed into strands 4-6. Students will have an assessment at the end of the year that will cover all the strands. The science page on The Fernwood School website contains details of which units are being covered during each term of Key Stage 3. Parents can monitor their child’s progress in science through their exercise books and key assessments. Pupils are given feedback in science using pink and green pen. Work highlighted in green shows correct understanding of the science concept being assessed. Any work highlighted in pink suggests an element that is incorrect or not completed sufficiently. The pink sections of work should be corrected and any feedback acted on by the pupils in subsequent lessons or for homework. Parents are encouraged to review and discus, with their child, his/her work throughout the term. This provides one important way of supporting and encouraging the child’s scientific learning and understanding.


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Personal Development In Personal Development (PD) the learning objectives are related to becoming a fully rounded individual and are linked to the Fernwood Award system. In Year 7 Pupils are assessed on;

Good Citizen

Self-Aware

Working with Others

My Contribution

Resilience

At different times in the year, pupils self-assess, with guidance from their teacher, a statement that best reflects themselves. They are then asked to collect evidence from PD, other subjects or experiences out of school to prove the statement they have selected. The more good evidence they collect shows a deeper level of understanding about themselves in relation to that statement. Pupils upload this evidence to their PD google classroom. Pupils can upload from anywhere and you as a parent/carer can see what they are uploading. The statement they have selected to evidence against, will be in their PD book. The rationale behind this assessment is to encourage your child to understand that to be a success you must show these qualities across the whole curriculum and into the community beyond.

subject guidance for parents and carers year 7

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