TLA Teaching Updates

English

Key Stage 3

Year 7 have been exploring the genre of the Gothic, focusing specifically on identifying Gothic archetypes and building their own descriptive writing skills. This genre acts as a foundation for both next term’s novel and later GCSE texts such as A Christmas Carol. Year 8 have had an introduction to the great author Charles Dickens through the exploration of Oliver Twist. Students have explored Victorian life for children in the workhouses and the challenges and injustices at the time. They have been developing their reading analysis skills and building up their essay writing stamina.

Key Stage 4

Year 9 have been studying a selection of poetry, focusing specifically on themes of belonging and coming-of-age. These poems have also provided a springboard for discussing moral dilemmas, aiding wider student development. Year 10 began their study of ‘A Christmas Carol,’ which is content for their English Literature GCSE. It served as a perfect opportunity to remind ourselves of our own moral responsibilities towards one another, a message that is as relevant today as it was when the novella was published in 1843.Not only this, but the text has also served its purpose in getting students and staff in the festive mood!

Maths

This term, from Year 7 to 11, the Maths Faculty has carried on the journey started last year based on a culture of deep understanding, confidence and competence in maths – a culture that produces strong, secure learning and real progress. We have reviewed and modified our road map that helps students to progress confidently throughout a 5-year curriculum, from Year 7 to 11, with opportunities to close gaps in learning due to the pandemic.

The platform Sparx Maths has been embedded in lessons, with teachers using the questions that students found most difficult as a starter point to address misconceptions. Sparx personalises each child’s homework, creating a weekly set of questions tailored to their level of understanding and learning pace. The questions are designed to be achievable whilst offering the stretch that learners need to make progress. If you would like to know more, you can watch this video.
In terms of curriculum, the themes covered are the following:

• Year 7 - Place Value and Proportion
• Year 8 - Representations
• Year 9 - Constructing in 2 and 3 Dimensions
• Year 10 - Developing Algebra
• Year 11 - Manipulating and Solving in Algebra
• Set 4 students from Year 7 to 11 - Numbers

In Year 11, a group of students has been selected to attend our Further Maths lessons with Mr Gupta: small group lessons with a specifically designed curriculum that stretches our most able students.

Similarly, in Year 12 and 13 a group of students have been selected to attend our Further Maths A-level course, to prepare them to achieve a double A-level grade in the subject, which will open amazing university choices.

In November, the Maths Faculty took part in Information Evenings for Year 7 (online) and 10 (in person) for parents/carers. We covered a range of key information such as the curriculum, online resources and assessments and demonstrated how these could be accessed from home. In particular, the Year 7 session was interactive with questions typed into the chat allowing us to respond straight away.

The Maths faculty also has been running the several enrichment programmes, which have been proven to be very popular (some of them with more 50 students!): the ever so popular Chess club, UKMT Challenge and Sci-facts debate. Our enrichment activities aim to open students' minds to the breadth and depth of mathematics, foster/develop brain fitness, feel good about solving a challenge and develop communication skills.
Finally, this term we have welcome a new Maths HLTA, Ms Matuszewska, who has already been busy supporting students in different sets and year groups.

Science

What a busy term this has been, full of ‘Exploration’ and ‘Discovery’ and as the days grew shorter, students in science showed great resilience in exploring new scientific concepts as well as meeting the challenge of applying their knowledge in topic tasks and mock exams for Year 11 & 13.

KS3 Science

Year 7 students have been studying about – Forces, Particles and their behaviour and Cells. They have been busy creating 3D models of animals and plant cells and specialised cells of either animal or plant cells.

Year 8 students have been studying about health and lifestyle – they have learnt about healthy diets and how exercise is important in everyday life. They have also learnt about the side effects of an unhealthy diet as well as testing foods for sugar, protein, fats, and starch. In Physics they have learnt about electricity – series and parallel circuit, potential difference, and resistance. In Chemistry the students have learnt about periodic table and elements in different groups.

Year 9 students have begun exploring the fundamental concepts in all three science subjects. They have explored the atomic structure and the development of the atom, as well as some basic practical techniques in Chemistry. In Biology the students have explored cells and built up the systems within animals and plants as well as exploring the key mechanisms of diffusion and osmosis that enables cells to work. The concepts of energy conservation and transfer, and what modes our modern world uses to generate both non-renewable and renewable resources.

We want to remind all our students in Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 to take some time over the holidays to review their learning and create some revision resources on the topics they have covered in science so far. We look forward to seeing those resources in the new year.

KS4 Science

Year 10s have spent much of the term learning new concepts in science and using the foundation knowledge they gained in Year 9 to develop these concepts.

Year 11s have worked hard this term sitting their mock exams in the early part of this term and then consolidating their knowledge from the exams. They have then dived into the new topics in science working towards the end of the curriculum ready for their next mock exams in March.

KS5 Science

Our 6th Form students have been working hard on exploring the curriculums in their science subjects and applying the concepts to practical investigations.