Radyr Comprehensive School Ysgol Gyfun Radur

Respect Commitment Success

Year 8 Curriculum Letter

October 2017 Dear Parent/Guardian The Year 8 Curriculum Letter contains details of the content covered by subjects throughout the year, details of assessments carried out and advice about how to support learning at home. This document is not meant to be in any way prescriptive nor is the advice meant to be followed in its entirety, however it may help answer questions about the current curriculum. Also included at the back of this document are contact details of the Heads of Department and your child’s Progress Leader, Mrs K Slade. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require further support. Yours faithfully

Richard Jenkins Assistant Headteacher (Assessment Recording and Reporting/Curriculum)

Radyr Comprehensive School Ysgol Gyfun Radur

Heol Isaf, Radyr, Cardiff CF15 8XG Telephone 029 2084 5100

Fax 029 2084 5101

Headteacher: Mr A. D. Williams B.Sc. M.Ed.

E.mail: enquiries@radyr.net Website: http://www.radyr.cardiff.sch.uk

ART

Autumn topics covered Pupils will:

Explore the Mexican Day of the Dead festival.

Develop a range of mixed media observations influenced by the cultural celebration.

Design a mixed media skull design influenced by the art of the festival.

Spring topics covered Pupils will:

Work individually to create a mixed media skull from own design.

Experiment with different materials and techniques including painting, collage and oil pastels

Refine and develop existing skills as well as trying new techniques and processes

Summer topics covered Pupils will:

Explore a range of art, traditions, heritage and customs from a range of cultures, including Japan, Egypt and Asia.

Pupils will experiment practically and imaginatively, creating personal responses to the cultures using variety of media and techniques.

Supporting learning from home: Homework will be given where pupils will reproduce work of an artist from a chosen culture. This will help refine painting and drawing skills, colour mixing and brush control. Visits to museums and galleries are a great way to inspire your children and get them interested and thinking about art (most have free admission). The National Gallery in Cardiff is a fantastic local museum with a huge collection of works, which is easily accessible. Details of assessment throughout the term: Pupils will be assessed on homework tasks and class work throughout the term. Assessment is regularly documented in the back of pupils’ sketchbooks using ‘WWW and EBI comments’. Oral feedback is regularly given during practical tasks. Pupils will complete both peer and self- assessments regularly.

CYMRAEG Autumn topics covered We begin Year 8 by focusing on the past tense and the topic holidays. We continue to use the present tense, start using the conditional tense, express opinions, give reasons and extend sentences. Details of assessment throughout the term: The first formal assessment for Year 8 is in January where they will have a reading, writing and speaking assessment based on the topics studied. The emphasis is on speaking the language. Spring topics covered We continue to use the present tense, start using the conditional tense, express opinions, give reasons and extend sentences. We will also be working on individual reading skills. In addition, pupils will be learning Welsh poems and dances in preparation for the school Eisteddfod. Details of assessment throughout the term: Students will be assessed during the term in all three skills – reading, writing and speaking. Summer topics covered The topic covered this term is ‘Healthy Eating’. We continue to use the present tense, start using the conditional tense, express opinions, give reasons and extend sentences. We will also be working on individual reading skills. Details of assessment throughout the term: At the end of the term students will have a reading, writing and speaking assessment. Supporting learning from home: Every student must have their own Welsh pocket dictionary in every lesson. Encourage pupils to watch Welsh programmes on S4C, subscribe to ‘Iaw’ magazine, raise awareness of the Welsh around them and attend the Welsh second language youth club held every Friday at lunch time.

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

Topics covered throughout the year Health and safety training for workshop skills and food preparation.

Food: Street Food – design and make savoury dishes suitable for sale in a festival. Industrial food processing, risk management, food provenance.

Textiles: Creative techniques, printing and embellishing fabrics. Design and make a protective textile item.

Product Design: Design and make a ‘helping hand’ to assist the target user in completing a task. Making a moisture sensor for houseplants. Pewter jewellery inspired by nature.

Supporting learning from home: Help to weigh ingredients for food practical lessons (recipes on the website). Encourage thorough research and good presentation with design sheets. Ensure that pupils bring basic drawing equipment to lessons – pencils, coloured pencils, and rule. Encourage pupils to recognise good design in everyday applications. Details of assessment throughout the term: Both design and practical work are assessed using the national curriculum levels. Students can track their progress by using the pupil levelling sheet in their folder.

‘Sweet Nothings’, ‘Meal Deal’ and ‘Helping Hand’ projects.

DRAMA

Autumn topics covered

Pupils will work in groups on scripted comedy to perform in front of the class.

Supporting learning from home: Parents may be able to help pupils to learn their lines, write scripts or collect props and items of costume.

Details of assessment throughout the term: Continuous formative assessment in the lesson. Spring topics covered

A group-devised comedy using techniques and ideas from ‘Fawlty Towers’ Supporting learning from home: If possible, try to see a live performance once a year. Details of assessment throughout the term: A combination of continuous and ‘end of topic’ assessment is used. The ‘end of topic’ assessment is through the form of a final performance. Summer topics covered

Play text study: Our Day Out Supporting learning from home: It is always beneficial for parents to help pupils to attend a live show every year. Details of assessment throughout the term: A combination of continuous and ‘end of topic’ assessment is used. The ‘end of topic’ assessment is usually through the form of a final performance.

ENGLISH

Autumn topics covered: Year 8 will be studying a thematic scheme of learning on the topic of ‘War and possible futures.’ Topics covered: Reading: A range of non-fiction and fiction texts on the theme of ‘War and Survival’ will be studied. For example, we will study articles on concentration camps and look at non-continuous texts from Auschwitz as well as studying examples of diary entries and extracts from ‘Boy in The Striped Pyjamas’. Writing: Creative writing will be studied which will draw on the theme of war and survival’. We will look at imaginative writing; writing stories and poems. We will also be writing transactional pieces such as informative leaflets and newspaper articles with historical themes. Oracy: We will be presenting a ‘functional’ task such as a debate or a discussion on a current issue. We will be looking at audio excerpts from survivors of the war. Spring topics covered: Year 8 will be studying a thematic scheme of learning on the topic of ‘A Vision of Wales.’ Topics covered: Reading: A range of non-fiction and fiction texts on the theme of ‘A Vision of Wales’ will be studied. For example, we will study articles on devolution as well as studying examples of the perception of Wales in the media. We will study excerpts from Welsh poetry and English versions of the Mabinogian. Writing: We will be writing articles on how Wales has changed and the future of Wales. Oracy: We will be presenting poetry in a dramatic performance as part of our Eisteddfod contribution. Summer topics covered: Year 8 will be studying a thematic scheme of learning on the topic of ‘Shakespeare.’ Topics covered: Reading: A range of non-fiction and fiction texts on the theme of ‘Shakespeare’ will be studied. For example, we will study articles on the context and his background as well as studying the play ‘Macbeth’. Writing: We will be writing a range of non-fiction and fiction texts on this theme; for example, ‘short burst’ stream of consciousness writing, leaflets on Shakespeare and pupils will create a Shakespeare project book. Oracy: We will be creating presentations describing his life and works. Other: Pupils will spend a lesson a fortnight on skills. These will include aspects of grammar, punctuation and spelling.

Supporting learning from home:

Review students work and identify frequent errors to be learnt and tested at home.

Establish and support a ‘quiet reading’ time at home, or in the local library for independent wider reading – 15-30 minutes a day. Keep a reading log.

Identify a weekly news story to follow, discuss and research, using the Internet, broadcast media or daily newspaper.

Collect examples of spelling-fails in everyday life and set aside time every week to work on spelling errors from their spelling log.

Pupils will be given a homework booklet to work through with you. Details of assessment throughout the year:

Autumn 1 Possible Futures – Reading response

Autumn 2 Possible Futures– Persuasive Speech

Spring 1 A Vision of Wales - Travelogue

Spring 2 A Vision of Wales –NRT Practice Reading Assessment

Summer 1 NRT

Summer 2 Shakespeare – explain (writing task)

FRENCH

Autumn topics covered

Talking about sports and games you like and play

Saying what musical instruments you play

Talking about things you like doing

Saying what you can do at a leisure centre

Using the future tense to say what you are going to do on holiday

Talking about your family, jobs, and where people live

Describing the weather and saying what activities you do depending on the weather Spring topics covered

Describing a typical day

Using the past tense to talk about what you did and where you went last weekend, what other people did and where they went

Using the past tense to say what you did not do last weekend Summer topics covered

Talking about TV programmes you have watched including opinions

Talking about what you like to eat and what you eat for breakfast and other meals

Shopping for food

Understanding menus and ordering food in a restaurant Supporting learning from home: Encourage your child to speak French at home, help to learn vocabulary (look, cover, write, check), help them to complete written work and encourage them to use the Internet e.g. www.languagesonline.org.uk. Purchasing a pocket dictionary will be helpful for use in the classroom and at home. Details of assessment throughout the term: Fortnightly vocabulary tests - set as homework and based on vocabulary learnt in class. Often pupils will be given a link to a website to assist with vocabulary learning. All 4 skills assessed in end of unit tests at the end of each unit (there will be 3 altogether).

GEOGRAPHY

Autumn topics covered

Tectonic Hazards

Days that shook the world Supporting learning from home: Encourage children to look for Geography in the news (newspapers, television, radio, Internet).

The ‘Mission Explore’ books are a great way to get children thinking in a geographical way - there is also a web based version http://www.missionexplore.net/

Remind them of the work that they have been studying as you are out – an awareness of the geography around them (coasts, rivers, Cardiff Bay, business parks, shopping centres…) Details of assessment throughout the term: Assessment is on an ongoing basis but there will be a more formal assessment activity at the end of each unit of work. Students will also practise self and peer assessment. Spring topics covered:

Italy Supporting learning from home: Watching local and national news, reading newspaper stories connected to Italy. Details of assessment throughout the term: A decision making exercise at the end of term. Summer topics covered

Globalisation and population development Supporting learning from home: Keep up to date with Geography in the news through reading newspapers and watching news broadcasts. Internet research to further explore issues discussed in class. Details of assessment throughout the term: A decision making exercise at the end of term

GERMAN

Autumn topics covered

Introductions and greetings

Talking about where you live

colours, numbers and birthdays

personal details

school subjects and your opinion of them and talking about your timetable

regular and irregular present tense verbs Spring topics covered

Telling the time

saying what you eat and drink at break and lunchtime

describing your school and your school day

saying how many brothers and sisters you have

describing your pets

describing what you and your family look like Summer topics covered

Talking about your hobbies, including regular and irregular verbs

expressing likes and dislikes

describing favourite things

saying how often you do things

arranging to go out and when to meet

understanding information about an adventure sports centre

Supporting learning from home: Encourage your child to speak German at home, help to learn vocabulary (look, cover, write, check), help them to complete written work and encourage them to use the Internet e.g. www.languagesonline.org.uk. Purchasing a pocket dictionary will be helpful for use in the classroom and at home. Details of assessment throughout the term:

Fortnightly vocabulary tests - set as homework and based on vocabulary learnt in class. Often pupils will be given a link to a website to assist with vocabulary learning. All 4 skills assessed in end of unit tests at the end of each unit (there will be 3 altogether over the course of the year).

HISTORY

Autumn topics covered The Twentieth Century World: An exploration of the impact of the First World War on the first half of the 20th Century, including on women’s suffrage, the British Empire (India) and British society. Supporting learning from home:

Encourage students to read books: Horrible Histories – The Frightful First World War, by Terry Deary, War Horse by Michael Morpurgo.

Encourage students to explore websites for wider research: www.schoolhistory.co.uk www.historymad.com www.historyonthenet.com Visit your local war memorial, the Imperial War Museum (in London or Manchester) or even the

First World War battlefields if on holiday in Belgium or France. Watch the play, ‘War Horse’. Engage with TV and wider media coverage of the First World War commemorations this

year. Speak with your son/daughter and ask if they think that the commemorations are appropriate.

Talk with your son/daughter about Remembrance Day and discuss the wearing of a poppy. Details of assessment throughout the term: Students’ interpretation skills will be assessed through work on the Amritsar Massacre. We will also assess knowledge and understanding skills by explaining why the First World War took place. Spring topics covered 20th Century World Supporting learning from home:

Buying relevant books such as Hodder History: A World Study After 1900 by Philip Ingram.

Using websites such as: www.schoolhistory.co.uk or the school ‘Moodle’ site. Visiting relevant sites - e.g. the Imperial War Museum, London; the Somme Battlefields, France.

Details of assessment throughout the term: Students will be assessed on their enquiry, organisation and communication skills through work on General Haig. Summer topics covered Wales and Britain in the Modern World (20th Century) Supporting learning from home:

Textbook – Modern Minds (Longman)

Visits e.g., the Imperial War Museum Details of assessment throughout the term: Students will complete a common assessment for which they will receive a national curriculum level. The assessment will be run in the same way as a GCSE controlled assessment. This will be focused on the rise of Hitler and the Nazi Party in Germany. There are support materials on Moodle to help with revision.

IT & COMPUTING

Autumn topics covered 1. Computing Maths and Binary:

An introduction to computing “Sizes”

Number systems

Binary

Binary manipulation, conversion, subtraction and addition

Representing text, graphics and sound as binary 2. Text Based Programming with VB.NET Details of assessment throughout the term: An initial baseline test will be completed in September to allow the Department to set aspirational target levels and to personalise learning as needed. After this, summative assessment will take place at the end of every unit of study (approximately seven weeks in length). This process will be implemented throughout the year. Students are continually assessed on the quality of their designs, final products and evaluations. Formative feedback will also be given on a regular basis.

Computing Maths and Binary - Written test before October half-term

Text Based Programming - Students code a solution to a given problem before Christmas break. Spring topics covered Games Authoring:

Games design, scripting with ‘Mission Maker’, scripting with Unity3D using Java Script. Problem Solving and Control Systems, algorithms, flowcharts, creating systems to monitor events.

Details of assessment throughout the term: Games Authoring - Written evaluation to compare and contrast between each piece of software undertaken before February half-term. Problem Solving - Written test before Easter. Summer topics covered Interrogating Databases

Refining SQL statements with GROUP BY, HAVING, IN, NOT IN and aggregate values [MAX, MIN, AVG]

Creating sub queries in SQL Spreadsheet Modelling

Basic operations [+, -, * and /], SUM, AVERAGE

Charts Creative Project

Sound manipulation

Film editing Details of assessment throughout the term:

1. Interrogating Databases - Written test before May half-term. 2. Spreadsheet Modelling - Written test before May half-term. 3. Creative Project - Production of multimedia project before summer break.

Supporting learning from home: Parents may be able to help students download and install Microsoft Visual Studio 2013 to help with their studies and homework.

MATHEMATICS Topics covered will be of National Curriculum Levels 4-7, depending on the class. Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning, and to seek help from their teachers outside of lessons if required. Classes are taught in ability sets to ensure all pupils are always accessing appropriate challenge and have the support they need. Autumn topics covered

• Calculate using mental and written methods • Number facts and relationships • Fractions, decimals, percentages and ratio • Estimating and checking • Expressions and formulae • Length, weight, mass and capacity

Spring topics covered • Area and volume • Managing money • Angles and position • Sequences • Functions and graphs • Shape • Probability

Summer topics covered • Equations and inequalities • Collect and record data • Present and analyse data • Movement • Time • Construction

Supporting learning from home: Research topics on the Hegarty Maths website www.hegartymaths.com Promote a positive view of mathematics at home. Encourage children to use maths in everyday contexts, such as supermarkets and travel timetables. Details of assessment throughout the year: Half-termly levelled assessments in class. National Numeracy Procedural and Reasoning tests in May.

MUSIC

Autumn topics covered

Reggae – students will perform and appraise Reggae music. They will learn a piece on the keyboard and will create a group arrangement of the same piece in any style they want.

Chords – students will have the chance to learn the bass guitar, guitar, drums and keyboards. They will perform and compose songs and take part in a ‘Battle of the Bands’ competition.

Supporting learning from home:

Opportunities to receive group or individual instrumental/vocal tuition in school (provided by the Cardiff County and Vale of Glamorgan Music Service)

Pupil participation in Year 7&8 Choir, Orchestra, Big Band, Samba Band – lunchtime rehearsals

Practice rooms may be booked for rehearsing

Resources may be accessed via ‘Moodle’.

Instruction videos for keyboard pieces may be accessed via Radyr Music on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNpZSKAcMdCa-2-KcArCRgQ

Details of assessment throughout the term: Mostly formative assessment. Their final performance of the Reggae piece will be given a level. Spring topics covered

Vocal Performance

Film composition using Music Technology

Supporting learning from home: If keyboards/instruments are accessible at home, please encourage students to explore and develop composition ideas. Students are able to use the Music Department facilities during lunchtimes to improve their work and develop their music technology skills. Watch film clips to get ideas for their film compositions. Details of assessment throughout the term: Assessment is approached both formally and informally. Students will undertake self and peer assessment informally and will be levelled formally in a vocal performance and an individual computer composition.

Summer topics covered

Film composition using Music Technology – students will be finishing off their film compositions as well as learning pieces on the keyboard.

Song writing – Students will compose a song in groups and perform.

Cover Band - opportunity to play a variety of instruments in whole class and group performances. Students can choose whichever song they want to perform.

Supporting learning from home: If keyboards/instruments are accessible at home, please encourage students to explore and develop composition ideas. Students are able to use the Music Department facilities during lunchtimes to improve their work and develop their music technology skills.

Details of assessment throughout the term: Assessment is approached both formally and informally. Students will undertake self and peer assessment informally and will be levelled formally in an individual computer composition. In the Cover Band unit, pupils will be regularly monitored and the unit will culminate in a gig lesson.

NUMERACY

Radyr Comprehensive School is committed to raising the standards of Numeracy of all its students, so that

they develop the ability to use Numeracy skills in all areas of the curriculum and the skills necessary to

cope confidently with the demands of further education, employment and adult life.

Year 7 & 8 pupils will primarily cover the numeracy part of the statutory National Literacy and Numeracy

Framework (LNF) in Mathematics lessons. However, they will also study these topics across the curriculum, especially in

Super Numeracy subjects such as PE, DT and Science.

During registration, pupils will practise their numeracy skills by taking part in Numeracy Ninjas. Pupils are

given 5 minutes to answer 30 questions in order to see what “Ninja Belt” they are. Last year we managed

to get quite a few Black Belts and even a few Grand Masters!

Numeracy Ninjas is a Key Stage 3 numeracy intervention programme designed to fill gaps in students’ basic mental calculation strategies and also to empower them with the numeracy skills and fluency required to fully access GCSE Maths concepts when they move to Key Stage 4 study. Furthermore, through growth mindsets and the promotion of regular practice, we want to ensure

students’ perception of maths is positive and one in which they take pride and enjoyment.

Definition of numeracy Numeracy is the capacity to take mathematics and apply knowledge, skills and strategies to deal with

everyday life in a variety of situations. It will also give students the ability to cope confidently with the

mathematical demands of further education, employment and adult life.

A numerate student is one who:

is confident and competent in performing calculations involving number

can use a range of techniques to carry out computations mentally and on paper

knows and understands the properties of number

can explain methods and justify reasoning and conclusions, using correct mathematical terms

can use calculators and other ICT resources appropriately and effectively to solve mathematical

problems and select from the display the number of figures appropriate to the context of the

calculation

can recognise and use mathematical skills and techniques in a variety of contexts A parents’ guide to supporting their child with numeracy

Always encourage a positive attitude towards mathematics and numeracy. Never tell your child

that you were useless in mathematics when you were in school.

Refer to your child’s theory book in order to see the topics currently being worked upon and the

methods used. Value their own methods of doing calculations.

Point out to your child the many ways in which maths is used in everyday activities – at the

supermarket.

Include your child in everyday activities that involve maths – shopping, measuring ingredients for

cooking etc.

Help your child learn their times tables by testing them regularly. Make it fun by timing them or

making a game out of it.

Ensure that emphasis is placed on mental and written methods for calculations and that calculators

are only used where appropriate (pupils should show their method in either case).

Encourage your child to tell or show you how he or she uses maths in everyday life.

Play games and do puzzles with your child that involves maths. They may focus on direction or time,

logic and reasoning, sorting or estimating.

Do maths problems with your child for fun!

Treat errors as opportunities to help your child learn something new through reflection.

Useful websites & resources www.nnparenttoolkit.org.uk www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk www.hegartymaths.com www.corbetmaths.com www.mathsapp.pixl.org.uk www.wjec.co.uk www.bbc.co.uk/education www.learning.gov.wales

PSE

At Key Stage 3, pupils build on the skills, attitudes, values, knowledge and understanding they have acquired and developed during the primary phase. PSHE education acknowledges and addresses the changes that learners are experiencing, beginning with transition to secondary school, the challenges of adolescence and their increasing independence. It teaches the skills that will equip them for the opportunities and challenges of life. Pupils are encouraged to manage diverse relationships and the increasing influence of peers and the media. PSHE education allows them to be more confident in addressing the challenges of effective learning and making a full and active contribution to society.

We endeavour to invite external subject specialists in to deliver subjects and enhance the curriculum where we can. These will always be supervised by a class teacher.

Parents and guardians should expect a letter via parent mail from Mrs R Youssef (PSE coordinator) detailing the content of all SRE lessons or particularly sensitive topics before they are taught. If you have any concerns about this, please do not hesitate to contact her.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION Autumn topics covered Rugby, Netball, HFW (Health Fitness & Wellbeing), Outdoor and Adventurous (OAA), Football, Gymnastics, Dance, Atomic Rugby and Swimming. Spring topics covered Health, fitness and wellbeing, Invasion games/atomic rugby, Rugby, Adventurous activities, Indoor tennis, Dance, Hockey Summer topics covered Athletics, Dance, Rounders, Quick Cricket, Tennis, Soft Ball, Cricket and Tag Rugby. Supporting learning from home:

Organisation of correct kit for the appropriate lessons (e.g. indoor and outdoor lessons)

Encourage out of school participation in physical activity

Encourage your child to remain hygienic post-exercise

Use the Internet to research rules/laws, skills and Welsh sporting stars

National governing body websites e.g.: Welsh Hockey Union, Welsh Rugby Union etc. Extra-curricular clubs Please see timetable released in September/March. Details of assessment throughout the term: The pupils will be assessed in every activity at the end of each unit with the focus on both level of ability and understanding. Pupils’ overall level will be based on the four areas of activity across the curriculum.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Autumn topics covered

Hinduism:

Beliefs about God, worship at home and at the temple.

Beliefs about creation and life after death Details of assessment throughout the term:

Assessment is on an ongoing basis but there will be a more formal assessment activity towards the end of each unit of work. Students will also practice self and peer assessment.

Ramayana Project - An analysis of Hindu beliefs about marriage and family life through the story of the Ramayana

End of unit test Spring topics covered

Hinduism:

Worship in the home and temple, Reincarnation and the role of Karma

Aspire - Inspire Details of assessment throughout the term:

Aspire Project- A research-based learning module

End of Unit test Summer topics covered

Islam:

Beliefs, values and traditions. Details of assessment throughout the term:

End of unit test Supporting learning from home

Talk to your child about what they have been studying at school. Encourage debate and discussion surrounding the Easter celebrations. There have been a number of televised documentaries to support the learning such as the ‘Easter Story’ and ‘A History of Christianity’ on the BBC. Pupils are encouraged to keep scrapbooks of newspaper articles which might have an impact on religious lifestyles. Check planners and emails regularly. If your child is unsure of an assigned task, please let us know. We will regularly email pupils with assistance and useful resources.

SCIENCE

Autumn topics covered

People and the Environment

Patterns in Chemistry

Spring topics covered

Electricity and magnetism

The Human Body

Summer topics covered

Energy and Energy Resources

Chemical Changes

Light and Sound

How Fast?

Supporting learning from home Look out for science topics in the news. Highlighting science in everyday situations is important in making the science we teach in school relevant to their everyday experience. The development of new technology, breakthroughs and discoveries and the exploration of space! Encourage the reading of scientific texts. Scientific literacy is an important part of the new curricula, students are expected to understand subject specific vocabulary and be able to extract key information from scientific texts.

Each term the pupils will carry out a science enquiry. The research part of this could be helped by looking online for relevant support or discussing the ideas and their relevance to everyday things.

Revision materials will be sent out to students via the Show my Homework website. Encourage your child to prepare for tests using active revision strategies such as making flash cards, self-testing and mind mapping. Look in their exercise books at the levelling ladders after an enquiry. What do they need to do to help them achieve the next step in skill area? What areas of difficulty did they highlight in their test reflection sheet?

Details of assessment throughout the term: Pupils complete two science topics per term. At the end of the first topic in each term the pupils will undertake a levelled enquiry. These enquiries are practically based investigations. A written test is given at the end of each topic. The test is given a % score. Scores are tracked internally and pupils are encouraged to reflect on the test performance on a test reflection sheet. The pupils are supported as they analyse their performance and set targets for future improvement in both written tests and enquiries. The tests include a focus on scientific literacy (reading complex passages and extracting information) as well as data analysis. It is important to note these style of questions may not always be based on the content taught in the topics. This is in keeping with external assessment practises.

WELSH BACCALAUREATE Autumn topics covered Recap on Learning Profile. Look into aspects of emotional intelligence and literacy in order to improve learning such as self-confidence/self-esteem, optimism, persistence, motivation and target setting. Supporting learning from home: Encourage trying new learning strategies when learning gets tough, using the green sheet in the planner. Talk about the issues covered in class. Details of assessment throughout the term: Year 8 students will continue to work on the School’s skills award, moving on to silver and gold. This involves students achieving 10 skills targets across a range of school subjects. The award is designed to help students identify and obtain the skills needed to support their learning across the school curriculum. Students’ progress in achieving this award is supported and monitored in Welsh Baccalaureate lessons. Spring topics covered Becoming a better communicator. This module looks at strengths of good communicators in order to develop pupils’ own communication skills. Supporting learning from home: Encourage pupils to talk and develop their communication skills outside of school. Details of assessment throughout the term: Assessment is completed through the skills self-evaluation at the end of every module and pupils are aiming for the Silver skills award. Summer topics covered This term pupils will be focusing on completing their “Apprentice” style project to make an App Bag. Supporting learning from home: Encourage pupils to develop their entrepreneurial skills and creative imagination. Details of assessment throughout the term: Assessment is completed through the skills self-evaluation at the end of every module and pupils are aiming for completion of the Apprentice project to achieve a level 2 Essential Skills Wales qualification in Working With Others.

CONTACT DETAILS

Clear routes of communication are very important in ensuring you speak to the correct staff member. To help, below are the names and contact details of those members of staff responsible for each aspect of your child’s education. If you have queries regarding subjects, you can contact the relevant Head of Department:

Subject Head of Department Email address

Art Mrs S Williams/ Mrs C Skene

s.williams@radyr.net c.skene@radyr.net

Drama Mr S Lee s.lee@radyr.net

English Ms S Thomas s.thomas@radyr.net

Geography Mrs A Knight a.knight@radyr.net

History Miss J Lewis j.lewis@radyr.net

Information Technology Mr K Allen k.allen@radyr.net

Skills/WBQ Mrs N Clarke n.clarke@radyr.net

Mathematics Mr M Wagner m.wagner@radyr.net

Modern Foreign Languages Miss B Dinnick b.dinnick@radyr.net

Music Mrs K Morgan k.morgan@radyr.net

Physical Education Miss S Ireland s.ireland@radyr.net

PSE Mrs R Youssef r.morgan@radyr.net

Religious Education Mrs N Evans n.evans1@radyr.net

Technology Ms L Lloyd l.lloyd@radyr.net

Science Mr M Stephens m.stephens@radyr.net

Welsh Mrs N Morgan n.morgan@radyr.net

If you have queries regarding your child’s overall progress across subjects, then you should contact your child’s Progress Leader. If you have concerns regarding attendance, behaviour or general wellbeing then you can contact the KS3 Wellbeing Officer.

The Named Child Protection Officer for the school is Mrs J Howlett, Assistant Headteacher.

Role Name Email address

Yr8 Progress Leader Mrs C Atkins c.atkins@radyr.net

KS3 Wellbeing Officer Mrs C Powell cc.powell@radyr.net

SENCO Mrs G Warren g.warren@radyr.net

Alternatively, staff can be contacted through contacting the school reception on 02920 845100.