Year 8 Subject Content

Autumn Term 2017

Subject Content Art Pupils will use the elements of art and principles of design to create a visually appealing, unique skateboard deck design. In their designs, pupils will use line and shape to show a sense of movement and motion. Pupils will understand how to make their designs standout through the use of contrasts with colour, line and shape. During the second half of term, pupils will work on a whole school Christmas installation project, in which they will design and develop individual sculptures, which will form part of large-scale installation piece. Biology This term in Biology, Year 8 will be studying nutrition: in particular what constitutes a balanced diet, and how to test for the different food groups in the diet. After half term they will go on to study digestion: the structure and function of the digestive system, and investigating how it works in practical sessions. Assessment will be carried out by means of class discussion, written activities and an end of unit test. Chemistry This term, pupils will be studying the structure of an atom and how atoms relate to the periodic table. They will learn how to use the atomic number and mass number to calculate the number of particles in each element and draw diagrams of atoms. There will be an assessment test at the end of the unit. DT: Food Technology This term, Year 8 will be studying ‘The versatility of eggs in cookery’ as well as revisiting ‘Health and Safety within the classroom’. They will learn more about nutrition, the main food groups and what a well-balanced diet entails. There will be opportunities for developing fine and gross motor control through cookery. Pupils will be encouraged to follow a step-by-step sequence of making and to work more independently when following a recipe. Practical lessons will cover making coconut clouds, muffins and an egg salad. DT: Resistant Materials This term, Year 8 will be working on a pine box project. They will start by learning the difference between hardwoods and softwoods. The practical production of the pine box will involve cutting mitre joints using a mitre saw and the use of the disc sander. The lid and base of the box will be screwed on. Pupils will learn about roundhead and countersink screws and how to use a pillar drill, cordless drill and hand drill to make clearance, pilot and countersunk holes. The pupils will finish the box by sanding it and applying three coats of varnish. Pupils will then write a production plan and an evaluation for the pine box, recording tests and suggestions for future improvements. Pupils will also learn rendering techniques to improve their drawings and convey texture as well as learning to draw using isometric paper and a drawing board. English This term the Year 8 pupils will learn how to write short stories on a variety of topics using a variety of literary techniques. They will learn how to structure a story, how to create characters, how to build tension and how to describe settings. They will also complete some reading comprehension tasks based on works of fiction. Geography This term, Year 8 will learn about the physical features created along a coast line by the movement of water. Pupils will learn about the processes of erosion, deposition and transportation and the landforms that each of these create. Also, they will learn about ways in which we can protect the coast from these processes. The main focus for the term will be to assess and extend geographical skills, including drawing and annotating accurate diagrams and using source materials to answer specific questions. Pupils will be introduced to Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and learn how to create basic layered maps. History This term, Year 8 will learn about the Native Americans. They will focus on the different tribes that lived on the Main Plains such as Sioux, Cheyenne and Comanche. They will learn about their lifestyle, beliefs and warfare habits. Information This term, Year 8 will develop their knowledge of E-safety in order to ensure that they are well equipped to be Communication sensible users of the internet. Also, pupils will be introduced to two new software programs used for creating Technology animations and game development. Using these programmes will introduce pupils to logic programming allowing the development of both technical and thinking skills. Maths This term, Year 8 pupils will be study the Mathematical areas of Statistics, Powers, Roots, Rounding and Estimating, Algebra, Graphs and Transformations. The assessment for each unit will include class tests, question and answer sessions during lessons and weekly homework tasks. Performing Arts During the Autumn Term, Year 8 pupils will be exploring drama based on a range of issues, using explorative strategies and analytical techniques. This will include a short workshop to revise and develop the basic skills necessary for drama to take place and reinforce a positive whole-group dynamic, develop analytical skills and the ability to respond and reflect in role. We will be exploring the Elements of Music (texture, dynamics) through working on keyboards and percussion instruments to create pieces that represent these elements, and working towards a group performance. We will be listening to various pieces of music covering different styles, and applying the terms learnt to describe the music. Personal, Social & Health This term Year 8 PSHE topics will include: ‘Self-esteem’, ‘Being myself’, ‘Friendships’, ‘Social relationships’ and Education ‘Bullying’, linked to an understanding of e-safety protocol. Pupils will also use PSHE lessons to prepare a Form Gathering to present to the school. Physical Education This term students will work on Invasion Games such as Basketball, Handball, Uni-hockey and Football. They will learn, practise and applying transferrable skills from one game to another. The common themes are spatial awareness, sending and receiving a ball, dodging and changing direction. Pupils will also work on Problem Solving activities to encourage team work, communication, leadership and creative thinking. Physics In the first half term pupils will be studying the three ways that heat moves: conduction, convection and radiation. Pupils will be using various practical experiments to demonstrate these processes. Pupils will also discuss the importance of reducing heat transfer in our homes. After half term, pupils will be studying magnetism and its uses. Both topics will be assessed in an end-of-unit test. Religious Education This term Year 8 will learn about Christianity. They will study the life of Jesus and his teachings, Christian beliefs, the Bible and different Christian denominations.