ACADEMIC

KEY STAGE 3 & 4

Curriculum
Guides

Curriculum Guides

Introduction

The Art Department offers a welcoming atmosphere where pupils can explore their own ideas and personality as well as satisfy the requirements of the course. We aim that all students develop creatively, independently and individually through a challenging range of drawing, painting and mixed media projects. They are given a balanced programme of art and design activities and are introduced to the work of artists, designers and craftsman, learning to use these influences to develop and inform their own practical work. Pupils in Year 7 have two 40 minute periods per week.

Content

A variety of briefs will be given during the course.
They will fall into the following areas:

Skills

The skills to be assessed during the course are:

Assessment

There is continual assessment of all skills.

Digital usage in this subject

In Key Stage 3, students use iPads are used for investigation of artists work.

Work tasks and images are uploaded onto Google Class.

Students use iPads for photography tasks. They learn about composition and technical language.

KM and PR use iPads and Apple Pencil to draw and project demonstrations of skills and techniques.

Average time spent each homework

45 minutes per week

 

 

Resources and Materials

Individual Equipment:

Introduction

All pupils study Classics: the study of the Latin Language and of the Roman Civilisation, with an emphasis on Roman life as evident in the archaeological ruins of Pompeii.
A Classics trip to Merida takes place at the end of Year 7.

Content

Language: Pupils will become familiar with the pronunciation of Classical Latin (2nd century BCE-2nd century CE) and learn the following grammatical and syntactic features:

  • Nominative, accusative and dative cases, singular and plural, of 1st, 2nd and 3rd declension nouns
  • Present, imperfect and perfect tenses, all persons, of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th conjugation verbs
  • Word order
  • Personal pronouns
  • Intransitive verbs
  • Comparatives and superlatives
  • Questions
  • Vocabulary 100 words

Roman civilisation

  • Roman families
  • Houses
  • Daily life
  • The town of Pompeii
  • The forum
  • The theatre
  • Slaves and Freedmen
  • Life and death
  • Gladiators
  • The baths
  • Schools
  • Local governments and elections
  • The eruption of Vesuvius; destruction and excavation of Pompeii

Skills

Pupils will develop an understanding of the Latin word order and how this can be reproduced in meaningful English, thus improving their English writing skills. The focus on inflection will enhance their ability to comprehend the syntactic role of a word in a sentence, and how to use it appropriately. The Latin etymological roots of English and Spanish words will enable them to understand their own language at a more profound level. The presentation of social, political and historical aspects of Roman life will trigger evaluative comparisons between their own culture and that of the ancient Romans.

Homework

Homework consists of vocabulary learning, translation of passages from Latin to English, grammar revision exercises, reading comprehension and research tasks on Roman civilisation. Homework is set once per week, on Google Classroom.

Assessment

There are three assessments in Year 7. A translation, grammar and vocabulary test on Stages 1-4 in the Autumn term, a translation, grammar and vocabulary test on Stages 5-8 in the Spring term, and a translation, grammar and vocabulary end of year examination on Stages 1-12 in the Summer term. Vocabulary knowledge will be tested regularly. Pupils will also deliver presentations on chosen topics of Roman life.

Digital usage in this subject

iPads to access digital interactive versions of Latin passages for translation and comprehension

Average time spent each homework

30 minutes

Typical tasks set

Translation of a passage, Vocabulary learning, Research task on Classical Civilisation

Apps and websites habitually used: Cambridge Latin Course https://www.clc.cambridgescp.com/Array/online-textbooks and Quizlet quizlet.com 

Resources and Materials

Printed and digital, on iPad, copy of Cambridge Latin Course 1 (Stages 1-12), and Google Classroom. Worksheets and booklets produced by the department.

Introduction

Este curso se corresponde con 6⩝ de Primaria dentro del sistema español de la Enseñanza Obligatoria en el marco de la LOE. Nuestro programa de estudios desarrolla los contenidos que el Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia y la Comunidad de Madrid han prescrito para los currículos de la Educación Primaria. La principal finalidad de esta materia es aportar un nivel lingüístico más elevado a los alumnos españoles que se educan en el sistema británico, así como introducirles al mundo de la literatura y cultura españolas, enseñarles a valorar el español como cuarto idioma más hablado del mundo y darles la oportunidad de ser verdaderamente bilingües. Se trabaja fundamentalmente en Lengua dando una gran importancia a la lectura y a la escritura de textos imaginativos y creativos; además, se estudian las bases de la Gramática (como fundamento para la posterior profundización en la etapa de la ESO) y se fomenta el conocimiento, desarrollo y ampliación de las destrezas lingüísticas de los alumnos (vocabulario, estructuras, dicción, expresión oral y escrita…)

Content

Term 1: Spain - 14 weeks

Physical Geography of Spain (2 weeks)

Comunidades Autónomas and their boundaries: oceans, seas, main mountain chains, rivers, lakes, towns, cities, flags, symbols and languages.
Material: Internet, department webpage: www.runnymedespanish.weebly.com

Madrid: case study (3 weeks)

Physical geography, symbols, flag, language, gastronomy, local festivals and main traditions.
Material: Internet, department webpage: www.runnymedespanish.weebly.com

Work on individual presentations (4 weeks)

Each student chooses one “Comunidad Autónoma” and researches about it in order to complete their presentation: physical geography, climate, flag, symbols, language, gastronomy, festivals, history, art, artists…

Día de los muertos/All Saints’ Day (2 weeks)

Understanding the tradition
From past times to present times: traditions and festivals related to both festivities
Literature: El Monte de las Ánimas, Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer

Christmas (3 weeks)

Understanding the tradition
From past times to present times: origin and tradition. Changes in our time. Tradition in the Hispanic world.
Christmas' Carols

Term 2: Discovery of America - 12 weeks

Discovery, conquest and colonisation of America (4 weeks)

Starting Point: A great adventure

  • Christopher Columbus and his world: the historical character.
  • Social and historical context.
  • The Catholic Monarchs and their world.
  • Role- Play: interview: Columbus and the Catholic Monarchs.
  • His travels and adventures: Columbus’ travels: maps, itineraries…
  • Columbus’ Museum in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Conquest of the American continent (2 weeks)

The Conquest: main characters, historical facts

Colonisation: Impact on both continents (6 weeks)

Language: languages in precolumbian America. Expansion of the Spanish language in the continent. Linguistic exchange. Spanish in the American continent nowadays.
Religion: precolumbian religions and beliefs. Spread of Christianity. Impact: new rites and celebrations.
Art: precolumbian art and the spread of art coming from the Iberian Peninsula.

Term 3: Latin American Countries - 10 weeks

Physical Geography of Latin American countries (names, borders, location, size, oceans, mountain chains, lakes, forests, volcanos, flora, fauna, climate). (5 weeks)

General knowledge about the physical geography of the Latin American countries

Work on their chosen country and presentation (5 weeks)

Each student chooses one Latin American country and research for 4 weeks in order to complete their presentation: physical geography, climate, flag, symbols, language, gastronomy, festivals, history, art, artists…
Presentations will take place on the final week.
Material: Internet, department webpage: www.runnymedespanish.weebly.com

Grammar

Verb tenses: present, imperfect, preterite, future, conditional and perfect indicative. Imperative mood. Reflexive verbs. Present and imperfect subjunctive. Conditional sentences. Subject, direct and indirect object pronouns.

Skills

Homework

Assessment

Continuous assessment is carried out, both of classwork and homework, in both oral and written forms. Preference is given to frequent assessment. Assessment is also based on the quality and effort put on projects and presentations. There is no exam at the end of the term/year. The progress made in this subject will be reported together with the subject Spanish.

Resources and Materials

Introduction

The teaching of English for first and second language speakers covers the entire area of language used for practical and expressive ends, and the domain of literature. The curriculum is, of necessity, more a description of skills, techniques and accomplishments than a body of knowledge. There are five lessons each week and three groups – two parallel ability groups and a third smaller group for those students whose English has not reached a level of parity with their mother tongue. The intention is for students of this group to obtain a thorough grounding in English that will make them suitable candidates for the examination open to first language speakers in Years 11 and 13, IGCSEs, AS and A2 Levels.

Content

All pupils, in whatever group, will read a wide range of literature as well as non-fiction texts and media.
The range of literature will cover the three genres: poetry, prose fiction and drama.

Supplementary English:

Supplementary English classes take place twice a week and offer weaker pupils the opportunity to improve basic grammatical skills and improve their comprehension of English texts. These classes are taught in the lunch hour and pupils are obliged to attend should their teacher deem it necessary.

Skills

The current National Curriculum, on which this guide is based, outlines an integrated programme of study built upon three Attainment Targets:

Speaking and Listening

All pupils, in whatever group, will be given the opportunity to contribute talk of various kinds, adapting their speech to suit listeners and activity, and to develop as effective listeners.

Reading

In addition to the literature of the British Isles, pupils will be introduced to other literature in the English language. Some of the reading will be close study work. Independent reading, library use and a culture of literacy will be encouraged. One lesson a week will be given over to independent reading. Pupils will have a book list appropriate to their year group and be expected to read some books from this list. These books are available form the school library. Pupils keep a reading record of the books they have read.

Writing

Pupils will be encouraged to write more confidently in a variety of styles and for a range of purposes and readers.
Over the year a wide variety of forms and styles will be taught and practised: among others, this will include letters, chronological accounts, biographies, stories, essays and reports

Homework

There are two homeworks a week. Each homework should take 30 minutes. Homework examples: letter; empathetic essay; piece of creative writing; comprehension passage and questions; worksheet from Letts English textbook; book reviews and newspaper articles. Pupils will receive grammar exercises depending on the needs of the group.

Assessment

Students receive grades ( A-E ) for each piece of work. Staff write targets for the pupils as a standard part of marking. The examination at Christmas assesses the first term’s work. The Summer examination assesses the year’s work as a whole. Any movement from one group to another is usually made at Christmas and at the end of the year.

Digital usage in this subject

All students use Google Classroom to access resources and homework tasks, as as well as study and revision advice. Recommended websites and videos will be posted through Google Classroom. Most teaching resources are shared with pupils via Google Classroom.

Students may also be asked to use Pages, Keynote and Numbers to produce work and to collaborate using Google Education apps including Docs, Slides and Forms. Some members of the department also use the Showbiz app.

As part of the Speaking and Listening element of the curriculum, pupils are regularly asked to work collaboratively (in groups, pairs etc) and to present ideas to the class. This will often involve a digital element (usually Keynote). Presentation work occurs frequently in Y7 and 8 Communications and Public Speaking lessons but will also occur in the natural course of English lessons.

Average time spent each homework

30 mins

Typical tasks set

  • Consulting resources on Google Classroom
  • Producing presentations
  • Collaborative work
  • Research
  • Reading exemplar/modelled work from teachers/peers

Resources and Materials

There is a large stock of supplementary material for classes and individual pupils. The library offers the pupils a wide range of reading material. The department also has over 150 DVDs and audio tapes.

Apps and websites habitually used

  • Google Classroom
  • Showbie

Introduction

Languages are a key component of education at Runnymede College, with all students studying French up to IGCSE in Year 11 and a large number continuing in the Sixth Form. The study of French provides students with a lifelong skill in communicating in a widely spoken language of continued global importance, and the experience of doing so opens students up to a different culture and gives them the tools necessary to learn other languages in the future.
At Key Stage 3 the emphasis is on the acquisition of the vocabulary and structures necessary to describe the students’ personal surroundings and interests. The key tenses required to refer to the past, present and future are introduced and the foundations are laid for the IGCSE course.
Year 7 pupils are not set. They will all be given the same exam and according to their results in June, Year 7 will be set in 4 groups for Year 8: a slower (4), 2 middle (3 & 2) and a quicker (1) moving set. All sets will still end up covering the extended section of the IGCSE syllabus by the end of Year 11. Some candidates will sit the exam in Year 10. All our students enter for all components at extended level (targeted grades B, A, A*). Pupils are given 3 lessons per week.

Content

Topics

Skills

Equal importance will be given to the skills of:

Homework

We believe homework is of paramount importance in the learning process as it enables students to work on their own and consolidate their knowledge and to self-assess their progress. Homework is given twice a week, including a mixture of exercises and revision of recently studied vocabulary and grammar for test.

Reading

In addition to the literature of the British Isles, pupils will be introduced to other literature in the English language. Some of the reading will be close study work. Independent reading, library use and a culture of literacy will be encouraged. One lesson a week will be given over to independent reading. Pupils will have a book list appropriate to their year group and be expected to read some books from this list. These books are available form the school library. Pupils keep a reading record of the books they have read.

Assessment

Regular testing and assessment takes place each lesson. There is a departmental exam in November and a final exam in June.

Digital usage in this subject

Pupils use Google Classroom to access resources, homework tasks and online assessment. Revision advice and suggested websites and videos are also posted here.

Pupils frequently use Pages and Keynote to produce written work and Voice Record for speaking assignments. For collaborative tasks pupils use Google Docs, Slides and Forms.

Average time spent each homework

30 mins

Typical tasks set

Consulting resources on Google Classroom

Recording spoken presentations

Creating presentations

Collaborative work on Google Docs

Resources and Materials

Used for each unit

Apps and websites habitually used

Google Classroom

Digital version of textbook: https://www.kerboodle.com/

Departmental website: https://relevantideas.weebly.com/

Vocabulary revision: https://quizlet.com/

Online quizzes: https://www.blooket.com/ 

Online quizzes: https://kahoot.com/

Online dictionary: https://www.wordreference.com/

Introduction

Geography at Runnymede aims to nurture students’ curiosity and sense of wonder about places. It helps young people understand the complex and ever-changing world we live in, helping them to explore the links between the diverse range of societies, economies and environments. It explores where places are, how places and landscapes are formed and how people and their environment interact. It encourages students to develop a geographical imagination that enables students to relate to other places and people, and to appreciate the cultures and perspectives of others. Geography encourages questioning, investigation and critical thinking about issues facing the world at present and in the future, encouraging students to become active and engaged citizens of our world.

Content

Year 7 Geography aims to encourage the development of a students’ sense of place. Students learn the skills to locate different places; learn about the reasons for why people live where they do; why our weather and climate vary so much and where our resources and energy come from.

Topics

Pupils are introduced to the different aspects of Geography – Physical, Human and Environmental Geography.

Skills

Homework

Year 7 have a written homework every week, this could range from project work, research tasks, textbook work, worksheets to report writing. They are also expected to spend time revising and going over their class book notes.

Assessment

Students are assessed continuously, through questioning in class discussions, class work, homework tasks and end of topic assessments. The end of topic assessments could be in the form of a test, essay, project or presentation. Students will also be assessed in their June exams.

Digital usage in this subject

  • In Geography we use Google Classroom. 
  • We also encourage students to use certain websites for research tasks 
  • We use programmes for certain tasks – e.g. numbers, google sheets, google forms
  • We use add ons for other tasks – e.g. jam board
  • On occasion we use iPads/ iPhone cameras for filming 
  • We also use apps for some tasks e.g. weather apps, decibel meters, etc
  • We may encourage students to watch documentaries online too

Average time spent each homework

15/20 minutes may involve using a device

Typical tasks set

  • Research key facts
  • Make a presentation or infographic
  • Make a weather report, etc

Resources and Materials

Apps and websites habitually used

Students begin with a challenge that has no single solution. They must tackle it using their imagination and technical knowledge. Students are at the centre of their learning. What they see, they remember, and they learn by doing.

A creative, practical and fun methodology, based on the STEAM philosophy, gamification, Design Thinking and project-based cooperative learning.

Introduction

The History Dept aims to instil in all pupils a keen interest in the past and an enthusiasm for studying History:

Content

There are two modules covered in Year 7.
An introduction to Historical skills and concepts.
Students learn to use primary and secondary sources in order to explore the past and to learn key concepts such as subjectivity and objectivity, utility, reliability, cause and consequence, continuity and change.
The Norman Conquest and Middle Ages.
Students continue to develop their historical skills and understanding by exploring this key era of British history.
Starting with the Norman Conquest, the course follows the development of key themes of change within the UK. The establishment of a Norman monarchy, techniques of control, the development of urban and rural life, the power struggle between Barons and the Monarchy, the Black Death and the Peasants’ Revolt.

Skills

Homework

Each group has three 40 minute periods per week. Classes are taught in mixed ability groups. Homework is set every week and should take approximately 30-45 minutes.

Assessment

Assessment is continuous, made up of class work, homework and formal exams. Feedback to pupils is integral to the department.

Digital usage in this subject

All students use Google Classroom to access resources, homework tasks, online quizzes as well as study and revision advice. Recommended websites and videos will be posted through Google Classroom. 

Students may also be asked to use Pages, Keynote and Numbers to produce work and to collaborate using Google Education apps including Docs, Slides and Forms.

Average time spent each homework

30 mins

Typical tasks set

Consulting resources on Google Classroom

Producing presentations

Collaborative work

Research

Resources and Materials

Apps and websites habitually used

Introduction

The increasing use of technology in all aspects of society makes the use of ICT an essential skill for life. Our aim is not only to help pupils master some of the technical skills and techniques involved in ICT, but also to understand how to apply these skills effectively, safely and responsibly. The ability to use ICT is fundamental in modern society.

ICT can be used to find, develop, analyse and present information, as well as to model situations and solve problems. It enables rapid access to ideas and experiences from a wide range of people, communities and cultures, and allows pupils to collaborate and exchange information on a wide scale. It is a powerful force and pupils should have an understanding of the social, ethical, legal and economic implications of its use.

Content

In Years 7, 8 & 9 ICT is embedded into the curriculum of each subject and pupils are given the opportunity to explore and use the most common ICT programs and applications in the context of their learning. Pupils use the Apple iWork suite of applications that includes Pages, Numbers and Keynote.

In the course of Key Stage 3 they develop their research skills and decide what information is appropriate for their work. They begin to question quality of information. They learn how to amend their work and present it in a way that suits its audience.

Pupils become increasingly independent users of ICT tools and information sources. They have a better understanding of how ICT can help their work in other subjects and develop their ability to judge when and how to use ICT and where it has limitations. They think about the quality and reliability of information, and access and combine increasing amounts of information. They become more focused, efficient and rigorous in their use of ICT, and carry out a range of increasingly complex tasks.

They work on collaborative documents and develop the ability to question the accuracy, bias and plausibility of information found using ICT. They review, modify and evaluate work, reflecting critically on its quality, as it progresses.

Starting in September 2022, Years 8 and 9 students will also have the opportunity to study Computer Science in which they will be introduced to the basic principles of computational thinking.

Skills

Pupils learn to organise and upload their work in Google Classroom, they also develop a range of skills, including:

Safe use of ICT and the Internet

All students are given e-safety guidance in PSHEE lessons and are taught as part of the curriculum how to recognise and avoid unsafe practices (including cyber-bullying) when using ICT resources.
All parents and students are asked to read and sign a contract with regard to the use of digital technology, iPads and an ICT Acceptable Use Policy.
Staff are also issued with guidelines which is included in the school handbook and covered in the induction of all new staff.

Introduction

The Mathematics course in Year 7 is designed to support students developing a deep understanding and fluency of number and arithmetic and in learning to articulate their understanding using correct mathematical language.

In particular, our aim is to give all pupils the opportunity to develop their potential to the full, and to achieve this our students will be taught in mixed attainment classes and encouraged to work at a pace which is appropriate for them. The personalised SPARX online homework system further supports pupils in learning at an appropriately challenging level for them. We put a high emphasis on effort, participation and questioning “why?”. Mistakes are embraced and encouraged as part of the learning process, and we strive to cultivate a safe and engaging environment for all students to reach their potential. The Mathematics team has carefully planned differentiated resources to ensure that every child has the same opportunities to make progress, and that appropriate support and challenge is available in every lesson.

We aim to equip our pupils with a mastery of the foundation pillars of Mathematics; Number, Shape, Arithmetic and Algebra to prepare them to start IGCSE material in Year 9.

Content

Students will follow a Mastery curriculum in Year 7, based on the Shanghai model which is currently being developed within the Maths department and in the National Centre of Excellence in Teaching Mathematics in the UK. This means that they will be expected to think very deeply about concepts which they will already be familiar with, alongside material that they will be meeting for the first time. Mastery places a focus on understanding, rather than simply being able to carry out procedures, which will better equip our students to cope with the demands of IGCSE and A-Level Mathematics.

Calculators are predominantly NOT used in Year 7 in order to focus on building mathematics connections and developing proportional reasoning skills.

Students will study the following in Year 7:

Number

Geometry

Algebra

Homework

Homework is set on a weekly basis on the SPARX platform which will consist of 60% of the current topic being studied in class, and 40% of consolidation of previous topics and topics which the individual student has underperformed on in past homework. SPARX homework is personalised to challenge each child at the appropriate level. We encourage pupils to complete their homework independently so that their performance can be used for them to self assess their own progress on a topic and hence inform their revision requirements before a formal test. If a student finds they are unable to attempt a question they should watch the video attached to the question and try another questions which will be generated for them. Students are expected to write down all of their working during homework, and they will need to write down the bookwork code for each question, failure to do so will result in failure of a bookwork check.

Assessment

Students at Runnymede receive five, forty minute, periods a week for Mathematics. Formative assessment is ongoing within the classroom every lesson, and is also informed by attainment on homework tasks.
Students will be formally tested in class each term (4 assessments in total), including the formal end of year exam during internal exams week in June. All assessments will test material cumulatively to help students to build their knowledge and memory of the content in line with findings from recent educational research.

Digital usage in this subject

  • Sparx – an online homework platform accessed via a website. Personalised homework questions are generated online according to pupils’ individual level and they complete the questions by hand, writing full solutions into their Sparx book. 
  • Google Classroom – to access resources/topic handouts/worksheets in pdf format during lesson time or for revision purposes.

Average time spent each homework

Pupils are expected to spend approximately 1 hour per week minimum to complete the compulsory Sparx homework tasks.

Typical tasks set

  • Sparx at home – in addition to the compulsory Sparx homework tasks, there are optional XP Boost tasks for extra consolidation and Target tasks for a challenge, along with Independent Learning tasks for revision. 
  • Google Classroom in lessons – when assessments are being reviewed, students complete an assessment feedback sheet via a Google sheets assignment on Google classroom.

Resources and Materials

All resources will be provided via Google Classroom and printed handouts.
In lessons, resources include a wealth of activities and tasks created by the Mathematics team. Extra challenge tasks are always available and can be collected by the pupils to use for enrichment or revision purposes.

Apps and websites habitually used

Curriculum Overview

In Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 students will continue to develop their ability to perform, compose and appraise a wide range of musical styles and genres, building on their knowledge and understanding gained in earlier years.
When performing, students are afforded the opportunity to use keyboards, guitars, ukuleles or their own instruments. Students work collaboratively and individually, performing repertory from different traditions, eras and genres.
Through composing in many different styles, students learn how to create, develop and structure original musical ideas, as well as how to write idiomatically for a range of instruments. Students develop a fundamental understanding of music theory, including staff notation, tablature, common performance directions and ornaments

Homework

Homework is not set formally for Music, although students are able and encouraged to continue working on composition tasks in their own time, as well as performance projects where possible.

Now that iPads may be taken home, some research is given on

Assessment

Both performance and composition tasks are assessed continuously and formatively, with students being fully involved in the assessment process through peer assessment and self assessment exercises.

Digital usage in this subject

In Years 7, 8 and 9 iPads are used to create original music, to replicate given musical material, and to explore and research different musical topics. Subject-specific applications and websites used in Music include Flat: Music Score and Tab Editor, GarageBand, Focus on Sound, as well as Google Classroom. Homework is not set for students in Key Stage 3, although students are encouraged to spend time on their iPad assessed work outside of lessons if they would prefer to prioritise lesson time for performance activities. As such, the use of iPads or other devices at home should be very minimal.

Resources and Materials

Music lessons for all year groups take place in a purpose equipped room, containing keyboards, drum kits, ukuleles, guitars and a grand piano. In addition to this, students use their iPads to create music through the use of specialist composition applications such as GarageBand and “Flat: Music Score & Tab Editor”.

Introduction

Physical education is an important part of education at Runnymede College. The objectives of PE include the development of one’s motor and social abilities, the promotion of the importance of physical fitness and the encouragement of budding talent in sports.
PE also aims to provide a daily time for some physical activity for the students. The physical training class, as it is also called, involves sports, games, exercise and most importantly, a break from the sedentary learning indoors. One of the other important objectives of physical education is to instil in students the values and skills of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Daily physical activity promotes an awareness of health and well-being among students. It boosts them to engage in physical activities on a daily basis. It promotes them to lead a healthy life in adulthood. The sports, which are a part of a physical education class, also help in developing motor skills in children.

Content

Pupils are given 2 lessons per week in a double class.

Term 1:

Unit 1: Fitness
Unit 2: Swimming
Unit 3: Volleyball
Unit 4: Football 5 a side

Term 2:

Unit 5: Athletics

Term 3:

Unit 6: Athletics
Unit 7: Indiaka
Unit 8: Kickball

Skills

Equal importance will be given to the skills with different activities and exercises.

Fine manipulation skills.

Physical Skills:

Strength
Stamina
Flexibility
Speed

Whole-body Skills:

Walking
Throwing
Balancing
Bending

Mental Capacities:

Creativity
Determination
Solving Problems (techniques)
Active lifestyles and health

Homework

There is no homework except If a pupil is unable to do PE classes in a particular unit (because they have a medical problem: allergy to something or injury). In this case they will be asked to do homework about this unit.

Assessment

Assessment in PE, is concerned primarily with the observation and recording of achievement in the practical context. It should be a continuous activity, blended in as part of normal teaching.The main method of gaining evidence of achievement is by direct observation of:

Resources and Materials

Equipment: pupils should bring their PE-kit (shorts, T-shirt and trainers) and for swimming they should bring their PE-kit and their swimming things (swim cup, swimming suit, flip-flops and towel).

Introduction

In Year 7 we follow an integrated course involving all three sciences disciplines. This is done on a topic by topic basis, with each subject topic lasting 3 to 4 weeks. Science in Year 7 involves a total of five 40-minute periods per week, carrying out related laboratory practical work and theory to explore diverse topics from all three disciplines. Our students will follow a course of study matched to Key Stage 3 of the national curriculum, modified slightly at times to extend the more able students and to take account of cross curricular themes.

Content

Biology topics will focus on cells and life processes, reproduction, muscles and bones, and the ecosystem. This introduces a number of key ideas that will allow students to understand the cellular nature of biological organisms and how living things interact with their environment.
Chemistry topics will look at chemical reactions, acids and alkalis, solutions and mixtures and will also explain ideas of chemical and physical change using the kinetic theory of the states of matter. This provides a basis for more detailed look at atoms and molecules in the coming years.
Physics topics will explore forces, electricity and the solar system and will introduce ideas about types of energy. These topics will set the scene for further exploration of the physical sciences in years 8 and 9. Overall the course is aimed at introducing key principles of biology, chemistry and physics and allowing students to see the interconnectedness of the sciences and the importance of scientific method.

Skills

Skills will be developed in the areas of:

Homework

Students will normally be given one piece of written homework per week (of around 30-40 minutes) to explore a topic covered in class in more detail and/or to practise producing graphs, tables or diagrams with precision and care. Students will also be given a learning homework to consolidate knowledge of subject specific vocabulary and to clarify key ideas. It is recommended that students also spend 10 minutes per evening after each class on some daily revision to maximise understanding of topics.

Assessment

Assessment includes homework tasks, practical write-ups and end of unit tests as well as end of term exams in December and June of the academic year. There is no formal practical exam at KS3 but a student’s ability to follow methodology, to work safely and with precision, is assessed by the teacher during all practical lessons.

Digital usage in this subject

All students use Google Classroom to access resources, homework tasks, online quizzes as well as study and revision advice. Recommended websites and videos will be posted through Google Classroom.
Students may also be asked to use Pages, Keynote and Numbers to produce work and to collaborate using Google Education apps including Docs, Slides and Forms.

Average time spent each homework

All students use Google Classroom to access resources, homework tasks, online quizzes as well as study and revision advice. Recommended websites and videos will be posted through Google Classroom.
Students may also be asked to use Pages, Keynote and Numbers to produce work and to collaborate using Google Education apps including Docs, Slides and Forms.

Typical tasks set

Interactive quizzes that test recall of key ideas and allow students to self assess.
Worksheets and other online tasks that include research as well as consoldation of
terms and to further explore ideas used in lessons.

Resources and Materials

The main textbook used is the Exploring Science for Year “working scientifically” 7. This covers each of the topics above as separate units. Students also follow related practical work in class for each topic, enabling them to see the application of the scientific method and the role of reliable evidence in coming to a conclusion about observations. Other textbooks and revision guides are used in some topics but are not set texts for students to work from independently at home.

Apps and websites habitually used

  • KS3 Bitesize Science – topic by topic review of key ideas covered in KS3
    syllabus, can be used to supplement learning of classroom topics once
    completed.
  • Seneca learning KS3 Science – individual self-paced learning of many
    science topics, to further consolidate classroom learning at KS3.
  • mmerevise.co.uk – revision using SATs style past paper questions, can
    be useful to prepare for end of year exams and test knowledge. Mark
    schemes also provided to check answers.

Introduction

Este curso se corresponde con 6⩝ de Primaria, último de Educación Primaria de la LOE.
En nuestro programa de estudio se desarrollan los contenidos prescritos por el Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia y la Comunidad de Madrid en sus currículos de Educación Primaria, siempre y cuando remitan exclusivamente al ejemplo español, ya que los otros contenidos referidos a la asignatura de Conocimiento del Medio están reflejados en el proyecto educativo del sistema británico.

El estudio de la Historia proporciona un conocimiento esencial del pasado que contribuye a la comprensión del presente. Asimismo, desarrolla una serie de capacidades y técnicas intelectuales propias del pensamiento abstracto y formal, tales como la observación, el análisis, la interpretación, la capacidad de compresión y el sentido crítico. El carácter vertebrador de la Historia, dentro del conjunto de las ciencias sociales, la convierte en eje ordenador del pensamiento y en fundamento de comprensión para todas las disciplinas vinculadas a la actividad humana. Por eso, dentro del ámbito de nuestra civilización occidental, la enseñanza de la Historia ha ocupado siempre un lugar preferente en la educación de los jóvenes.

Content

Skills

Queremos despertar en los alumnos la pasión por aprender y dotarles de las mejores herramientas para que puedan lograr su realización personal, ejerzan la ciudadanía activa, se incorporen a la vida adulta de manera satisfactoria y sean capaces de desarrollar un aprendizaje permanente a lo largo de la vida. Por todo ello, damos un tratamiento especial a competencias básicas que integren los diferentes aprendizajes y a que los estudiantes desarrollen sus habilidades lectoras, utilicen las nuevas tecnologías de la comunicación e información, aprendan técnicas de estudio, mejoren la atención y desarrollen un razonamiento lógico que les ayude a interpretar y comprender el entorno y a encontrar diferentes soluciones para resolver problemas, sin olvidar la educación en valores.

Homework

Una vez a la semana. Consistirán fundamentalmente en aplicaciones de lo ya estudiado en clase, ejercicios prácticos, lectura, búsqueda de material e información, mapas, elaboración de esquemas y diagramas, uso de las nuevas tecnologías…

Assessment

Participación en clase, ejercicios escritos, debates, exposición oral de trabajos, pruebas escritas de evaluación ( tres evaluaciones) , uso de las nuevas tecnologías y juegos interactivos.

Digital usage in this subject

Pages, Keynote  and Numbers to produce presentations (WebQuest and others) ; Google Classroom to access workbook (made by the Sociales Dpt.), resources, revision sheets and advice, collaborative work, homework tasks, videos. Recommended links to resources published in workbooks (QR code in Year 7 as well).

Average time spent each homework

40 minutes

Typical tasks set

  • Presentations using Keynote
  • WebQuest : consulting and investigating resources in Wikipedia or webs published in their workbook. 
  • Weather Forecast (TV, recording News) 
  • Collaborative work  
  • Study, preparation, research. 

Resources and Materials

Atlas geográfico-histórico.

Apps and websites habitually used

  • Google Classroom
  • Wikipedia
  • DELE (Diccionario Real Academia de la Lengua española)
  • YouTube (selected videos, published in Sociales Google Classroom and/or Sociales workbooks)
  • RTVE (Radio Televisión Española, Memoria de España and films, news, …)
  • Cuna de Halicarnaso (Spanish History and Geography lessons)
  • Practicopedia
  • Touchcast
  • educaplus.org
  • Educaplay.com ,INE.es. (Instituto Nacional de Estadística) Aemet.es congreso.es Europa.eu

Introduction

Beginners Spanish:
Pupils who come into Year 7 from the Junior School already have knowledge of the Spanish language. Spanish is taught from Nursery all the way up to Year 13 at Runnymede College. The curriculum outlined in this guide is followed by those pupils who come into any year group in the Senior School with no previous knowledge of the language. They join their year group Spanish class, where they are very closely supported by their Spanish teacher (this can be done since the Spanish classes tend to be very small in numbers), but they also attend lunchtime classes with other pupils who are in their same situation. In this lunchtime classes the following programme of study is followed.

Content

(based on textbook Caminos 1)

Term 1:

Unit 1: Nuevos amigos
Unit 2: En clase
Unit 3: La familia
Unit 4: ¿Cómo eres?
Unit 5: Vamos al instituto

Term 2:

Unit 6: Mi ciudad
Unit 7: ¿Cómo es dónde vives?
Unit 8: Hogar, dulce hogar
Unit 9: Los ratos libres
Unit 10: La rutina

Term 3:

Unit 11: Comer fuera
Unit 12: ¡A comprar!
Unit 13: La salud
Unit 14: ¿Qué hiciste?
Unit 15: ¡Bienvenidos!

Grammar:

Verb ser, singular and plural, masculine and feminine, adjectives, adjective agreement, gustar, the present tense, al (to the), del (of the), prepositions, the simple future, tener que, querer, preferir, positive commands (tú, usted), direct object pronouns, me duele, hay que ,tener que, preterite tense of -ar, -er, -ir verbs, indirect object pronouns.

Skills

Homework

Assessment

Continuous assessment is carried out, both of classwork and homework, in both oral and written forms. Preference is given to frequent assessment and testing rather than the weight being laid on one large exam. However, there are two official exam sessions: December and June.

Digital usage in this subject

Kerboodle (digital textbook), dictionary, practice in verb conjugation, some research on the topics covered, presentations…

Average time spent each homework

30-40 minutes

Typical tasks set:

Verb conjugation exercises, reading comprehension activities, watch videos related to topics, writing tasks 

Resources and Materials

Apps and websites habitually used

Introduction

At Runnymede College every year we welcome new students with no prior knowledge or with a very basic level in the Spanish language. It is their families’ main aim as well as ours to help students learn the language as effectively and as fast as possible in order to find living in Spain a much easier and a more enriching experience. Generally our students learn quickly and adapt very well to their Spanish class and to the rest of native Spanish classmates.

In the Spanish department we offer new students as much support as possible inside and outside the classroom. Most of them can maintain a fluent conversation within the first year at Runnymede, some even after a few months. We are very proud of their general level of effort and commitment to the subject.

The content below is expected to be taught in two years although it can be adapted to the linguistic skills of the students and be done in less than two years if time and students’ ability permits.

Content

Based on textbook Claro 1

Term 1:

Unit 1: Me presento
Unit 2: Mi burbuja
Lectura en clase: Lecturas graduadas (Nivel A1)
Lectura en casa: eligen un libro adecuado a su nivel (biblioteca)

Term 2:

Unit 3: Mis pasatiempos
Unit 4: Mi casa
Lectura en clase: Lecturas graduadas (Nivel A1)
Lectura en casa: eligen un libro adecuado a su nivel (biblioteca)

Term 3:

Unit 5: En mi ciudad
Unit 6: Mi insti
Lectura en clase: Lecturas graduadas (Nivel A1- A2)
Lectura en casa: eligen un libro adecuado a su nivel (biblioteca)

Content (2nd year)

Based on textbook Claro 2

Term 1:

Unit 1: ¡Ñam, ñam!
Unit 2: Por fin de vacaciones
Lectura en clase: Lecturas graduadas (Nivel A2)
Lectura en casa: eligen un libro adecuado a su nivel (biblioteca)

Term 2:

Unit 3: Aquí mando yo
Unit 4: Yo y mi mundo
Lectura en clase: Lecturas graduadas (Nivel A2-B1)
Lectura en casa: eligen un libro adecuado a su nivel (biblioteca)

Term 3:

Unit 5: El hábito no hace al monje
Unit 6: Viajando por España e Hispanoámerica
Lectura en clase: Lecturas graduadas (Nivel A2-B1)
Lectura en casa: eligen un libro adecuado a su nivel (biblioteca)

Skills

We focus on the main four language skills:

Homework

Assessment

Continuous written and oral assessment is carried out, both with classwork and homework. Preference is given to frequent assessment and testing rather than the weight being laid on one large exam. However, there are two official exam sessions in December and June.

Digital usage in this subject

Kerboodle (digital textbook), dictionary, practice in verb conjugation, some research on the topics covered, presentations…

Average time spent each homework

30-40 minutes

Typical tasks set

Verb conjugation exercises, reading comprehension activities, watch videos related to topics, writing tasks.

Resources and Materials

Apps and websites habitually used

Introduction

The Spanish department is highly flexible in the organisation of its courses, adapting them to the prior knowledge and needs of our pupils.

Aims

These are the aims of the Spanish department at Runnymede College:

Content

Based on textbook Savia SM 6⩝ Primaria

Term 1:

Savia SM 6⩝ Primaria, units 1-5
Lectura en clase: Colección Aventura para tres, lecturas graduadas
Lectura en casa: eligen un libro adecuado a su nivel (biblioteca)

Term 2:

Savia SM 6⩝ Primaria, units 6-9
Lectura en clase: El otro árbol de Guernica
Lectura en casa: eligen un libro adecuado a su nivel (biblioteca)

Term 3:

Savia SM 6⩝ Primaria, units 10-12
Lectura en clase: El otro árbol de Guernica
Lectura en casa: eligen un libro adecuado a su nivel (biblioteca)

Skills

We focus on the main four language skills:

Homework

Assessment

Continuous assessment is carried out, both of classwork and homework, both oral and written. Preference is given to frequent assessment and testing rather than the weight being laid on one large exam. However, there are two official exam sessions, December and June.

Digital usage in this subject

Kerboodle (digital textbook), dictionary, practice in verb conjugation, some research on the topics covered, presentations…

Average time spent each homework

30-40 minutes

Typical tasks set

Verb conjugation exercises, reading comprehension activities, watch videos related to topics, writing tasks.

Resources and Materials

Apps and websites habitually used

Introduction

Este curso se corresponde con 6⩝ de Primaria dentro del sistema español de la Enseñanza Obligatoria en el marco de la LOE. Nuestro programa de estudios desarrolla los contenidos que el Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia y la Comunidad de Madrid han prescrito para los currículos de la Educación Primaria.
La principal finalidad de esta materia es aportar un nivel lingüístico más elevado a los alumnos españoles que se educan en el sistema británico, así como introducirles al mundo de la literatura y cultura españolas, enseñarles a valorar el español como cuarto idioma más hablado del mundo y darles la oportunidad de ser verdaderamente bilingües.
Se trabaja fundamentalmente en Lengua dando una gran importancia a la lectura y a la escritura de textos imaginativos y creativos; además, se estudian las bases de la Gramática (como fundamento para la posterior profundización en la etapa de la ESO) y se fomenta el conocimiento, desarrollo y ampliación de las destrezas lingüísticas de los alumnos (vocabulario, estructuras, dicción, expresión oral y escrita…)

Content

Skills

En este curso se desarrollarán todos los aspectos que constituyen la competencia lingüística, por lo que se estudiará la lengua oral, la lengua escrita, la educación literaria y el conocimiento y uso de la lengua. El área además aborda contenidos cuyo desarrollo supondrá una inestimable cooperación al desarrollo de las restantes competencias.

Homework

Una vez a la semana. Consistirán fundamentalmente en aplicaciones de lo ya estudiado en clase, ejercicios prácticos, lectura, búsqueda de material e información y uso de las nuevas tecnologías.

Assessment

Participación en clase, ejercicios escritos, debates, exposición de trabajos, pruebas escritas de evaluación y lecturas.

Digital usage in this subject

Libro digital de Lengua (Lengua y Comunicación 6º Primaria, Savia) Google Classroom, Quizlet, Learningapps, Keynote, Pages, DLE (diccionario), Google Docs, periódicos digitales.

Average time spent each homework

30-40 minutes

Typical tasks set

Reading and writing tasks; prepare short presentations.

Resources and Materials