THE BRITISH SCHOOL AL KHUBAIRAT
CURRICULUM 2020/2021
YEAR 7
RATED OUTSTANDING BY ADEK AND BRITISH SCHOOLS OVERSEAS
OUR SCHOOL The British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) is Abu Dhabi’s leading British not-for-profit, co-educational day school. From Nursery to A Level (3 – 18) our dynamic school culture offers students an enriching experience and outstanding results.
OUR VISION Building on our unique local heritage, we will provide a world-class British education, inspiring all our students to exceed expectations.
OUR VALUES Empathy and Care | Respect and Inclusivity Honesty and Integrity | Endeavour and Resilience
FOREWORD BY DEPUTY HEAD Dear Parents & Students, Under normal circumstances, this booklet would have arrived at the start of this term. We delayed it to see if we needed to adjust it under the current circumstances. We were hoping to welcome Year 7 students back to school last week however since their return has been delayed we feel this is still a suitable time to let you know what our departments have planned for this year. What is absolutely clear, is that no one will ever forget this period of their life, where nothing seems to be ‘normal’, and everything seems to be a little bit up in the air. For our students, having 6 months of not walking through our BSAK doors to receive their education has been a real challenge. We have said many times how proud we are of our students’ resilience and endeavour, and how they have thrown themselves into their distance learning. However, we also understand that for many students, this has been the worst of times, and that part of our job at BSAK is to recreate and foster their love and enthusiasm for learning, as well as ensuring that every students’ social and emotional wellbeing is catered for. I am proud that our staff recognise this and have adapted their teaching to ensure that this is top of their agenda. While this booklet provides you with the overview of the subject curriculum for this year, it is important to outline the impact that Covid-19 may have on education as we move through this academic year. What seems to be clear is that we must expect the unexpected, and cannot assume that we will have every student in front of us for the entirety of this year. It looks likely that schools may have to become extremely adaptable in how they deliver their content over the next few months. Therefore, our departments and subject areas have adapted their curriculum so that it is able to cope with being delivered effectively both in school, and also if we are forced to revert to some amount of distance learning, which for some students will have been already selected on medical grounds. Teaching with a blended model of face to face learning, while simultaneously teaching students online is a real challenge, but it is one that BSAK staff are becoming incredibly proficient at, and will continue to strive to improve. This desire to continually drive to be even better is what keeps BSAK ahead of the game, and at the very pinnacle of our profession. This year may still provide us with many challenges: educationally, socially, and emotionally. Together, as a community of staff, students, and parents, I am certain that we will get through this - and more importantly, allow our students to thrive.
Mr Nigel Davis Deputy Head ndavis@britishschool.sch.ae
YEAR 7 CURRICULUM BOOKLET 2020/2021 CONTENTS Subjects In Alphabetical Order P06 P08 P12 P16 P18 P20 P22 P24 P26 P28 P30 P32 P34 P36 P38 P42 P46 P50 P52 P54
Arabic A Arabic B Art Computer Science Design & Technology Drama English French Geography History Islamic Studies A & B Learning Support Mathematics MELS Music Physical Education Science Social Studies Spanish STEAM
ARABIC A ACADEMIC YEAR 2020/2021 YEAR 7
ARABIC A Arabic A is for native Arabic speaking students. The course aims to expose students to variety of informational texts as well as a variety of literature texts. Both of these are used as a vehicle to deepen students’ vocabulary, grammar usage and writing composition skills. This is a compulsory course within the UAE, students follow the Ministry of Education Arabic curriculum, with additions and adaptations to meet their learning needs.
COURSE CONTENT Students complete one unit of lessons each half term which covers three main areas of study: ● Reading ● Comprehension ● Language structures ● Writing Texts vary between classic and modern poetry and prose, mostly linked to UAE identity, Islamic and Arabic history and background. SKILLS DEVELOPED ● Speaking ● Listening ● Reading ● Writing RESOURCES ● Ministry textbooks ● Worksheets ● Websites ● Lessons developed by the teacher SETTING Teaching will be delivered in form groups.
ASSESSMENTS Students complete half-termly and termly examinations in speaking, listening, reading and writing. The end of year exam covers all the essential skills.
ARABIC B ACADEMIC YEAR 2020/2021 YEAR 7
ARABIC B Arabic is a key 21st century language, being the official language of the UAE and ranked as the second most vital language for the UK in the British Council’s 2013 Languages for the Future report. Knowing Arabic is vital for understanding the UAE, its culture. Therefore, students follow the Ministry of Education Arabic curriculum, with additions and adaptations to meet their learning needs.
The Year 7 curriculum will begin to lay the foundations for the rigours of GCSE and build on previous knowledge acquired in early years and primary Arabic lessons by developing listening, speaking, reading and writing skills as well as a focus on skills such as translation and spontaneous speaking. The Year 7 course will also emphasise the fact that learning Arabic is not just about vocabulary and grammar but having an appreciation of Arabic culture and customs. We aim to foster an inquisitive and curious student who can take advantage of where we are and foster a genuine passion for Arabic as well as a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject. It is after all, all around us! COURSE CONTENT Term 1 ● Myself ● Family ● My home ● My Future employment Term 2 ● My hobbies ● My town ● My school Term 3 ● Transport ● Clothes ● Food
ASSESSMENTS Arabic is assessed summatively through one summative assessment per term, linked closely to the skills developed. The end of year assessment follows a similar format but will include all modules studied. Arabic is also assessed formatively as in ongoing daily informal assessment. Both types of assessment contribute to a students assessment grade.
ARABIC B SKILLS DEVELOPED Students are required to develop confidence in: ● Listening ● Speaking ● Reading ● Writing ● Grammar - There is a greater emphasis on grammar, requiring students to use and manipulate a variety of key grammar structures and patterns. ● Vocabulary - There is also a greater emphasis on vocabulary including vocabulary that goes beyond students’ immediate needs and interests. RESOURCES ● Pre-GCSE Arabic (My Language is my Identity) Coursebook ● Languagenut digital learning platform ● Languagenut is provided by School but students may also access other websites independently such as Languagesonline, Duolingo, Memrise or Quizlet. SETTING Students are placed in sets determined by previous exposure to the Arabic language, baseline testing, summative and formative assessment, and teachers’ professional judgements. Students can and do move between sets regularly. Our objective is always to place students in the correct group commensurate with their language learning needs.
ART ACADEMIC YEAR 2020/2021 YEAR 7
ART Art, Craft and Design enables students to explore and understand the world through the acquisition and development of observational and communication skills. Self-expression, creativity, moral and social awareness and an active engagement of the Impact of art, craft and design on culture are what we aim to foster in our young artists. In Year 7, our young artists develop their observation and creative skills through a rich and varied curriculum. Traditional and contemporary artists , designers, cultures and genres are explored through an exciting range of media, techniques and processes. The Formal Elements are central to all art knowledge and activities with an emphasis in Year 7 on the themes of Landscape, Still Life and Portraiture.
COURSE CONTENT Landscape All students will explore and develop skills in: ● A range of artists and artworks investigating Natural and Urban Landscape genre. ● Exploring media, techniques and processes. ● Exploring artist and contextual sources related to landscape genre. ● Creating and developing a range of ideas and concepts leading towards personal outcomes ● Interpretation and response to artwork and artefacts through the development of Visual and Written Literacy. Still Life All students will explore and develop skills in: ● A range of artists and artworks investigating traditional and contemporary Still Life. ● Composition and Narrative within Still Life Composition. ● Investigating symbolism. ● Observational drawing and mark making. Planning a drawing. Portrait All students will explore and develop skills in: ● A range of artists and artworks investigating traditional and contemporary Portraiture. ● Observational drawing. ● Establishing proportion and structure ● Introducing colour and tone.
ASSESSMENTS Term 1 Assessment structure and taxonomy is derived from GCSE and A-Level Assessment language Term ● 2 Students are assessed against Assessment language taxonomy End ● of year Assessment exam sheets are located in each student sketchbook and Google Classrooms ● The Formal Elements are central to all assessment whether self, peer, group or teacher led
ART Formal Elements ● Central to art skills acquisition and development as artists, the Formal Elements are a consistent reference point in creating and understanding art and culture in all forms. ● Within our art curriculum the Formal Elements are integral to exploring developing and communicating Visual and Written Literacy. LINE / SHAPE / FORM / TONE / TEXTURE / SPACE / PATTERN / COLOUR / COMPOSITION SKILLS DEVELOPED ● Develop knowledge and understanding of artist, designers, genres and contextual sources to inspire and influence personal responses. ● Develop knowledge, appreciation and application of the Formal Elements ● Developing a creative confidence in the use of a range of media, techniques and processes. ● Developing skills in communication, visual interpretation, individual and collaborative creative practice. ● Developing confidence in Visual and Written Literacy SETTING Teaching will be taught in mixed form groups. EQUIPMENT REQUIRED Whilst we have excellent facilities and resources for art, all students are expected to bring to every lesson the following items. HB and 2B/6B Pencil Eraser Sharpener Black fine liner Ruler Glue stick Set of coloured pencils Homework and next lesson preparation activities will often require the above items
ASSESSMENTS Assessment structure and taxonomy is derived from GCSE and A-Level Assessment Term 1 language Term ● 2 Students are assessed against Assessment language taxonomy End ● of year Assessment exam sheets are located in each student sketchbook and Google Classrooms ● The Formal Elements are central to all assessment whether self, peer, group or teacher led
ASSESSMENTS Assessment structure and taxonomy is derived from GCSE and A-Level Assessment Term 1 language Term ● 2 Students are assessed against Assessment language taxonomy End ● of year Assessment exam sheets are located in each student sketchbook and Google Classrooms ● The Formal Elements are central to all assessment whether self, peer, group or teacher led
COMPUTER SCIENCE ACADEMIC YEAR 2020/2021 YEAR 7
COMPUTER SCIENCE A key area in Year 7 is for students to understand and develop computer programs using both block and text coding that reflect computational thinking and become fully aware of staying safe online and cyberbullying.
COURSE CONTENT ● Students will study the Input-Process-Output sequence and the Fetch-Decode-Execute cycle through practical activities. ● They will look at some simple binary to decimal conversion and vice versa, and learn how text characters are represented using the ASCII code. This will be followed by some simple binary addition. ● Students will learn more in depth how storage devices represent data using binary patterns and physically save these patterns. ● Students will cover some of the legal safeguards regarding computer use, including overviews of the Computer Misuse Act, Data Protection Act and Copyright Law and their implications for computer use. Phishing scams and other email frauds, hacking, “data harvesting” and identity theft are discussed together with ways of protecting online identity and privacy. ● Students will be introduced to a Python programming environment and begin solving various tasks using block based commands. They will then start to plan and develop their own algorithms, learning to incorporate variables and use their computational thinking skills to make decisions and introduce iteration at appropriate times. ● Program robots and learn to debug their code. SKILLS DEVELOPED ● Computational thinking ● Problem solving ● Troubleshooting ● Knowledge and understanding of computers ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED Students will be expected to bring a set of headphones to all Computer Science lessons.
ASSESSMENTS Students will be assessed every half term based on the work covered up to that point. There will also be an end of year assessment, where students will be assessed on the topics covered throughout the year. This will consist of both a practical and written paper.
DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY ACADEMIC YEAR 2020/2021 YEAR 7
DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY In Year 7 students students will experience three aspects of Design and Technology and complete approximately 12 weeks of lessons in each of these areas: Food and Nutrition Product Design Product Design (Textiles)
COURSE CONTENT - ON ROTATION Food and Nutrition Students will learn where food comes from, how to cook a range of dishes safely and hygienically and to apply their knowledge of healthy eating. They will learn basic food preparation and cooking techniques, learn to follow recipes using appropriate ingredients and equipment to prepare and cook a range of predominantly savoury dishes. They will gain knowledge from The Eatwell Guide to make informed choices about their own diet and will develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to complete tasks confidently. They will evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others. Product Design Students will experience a design and make task based in the workshop. Students will design a pencil holder developing ideas using basic 3D graphical skills, models in compliant materials and produce a 3D outcome out of a range of resistant materials including wood, metal and plastic. Focus is on producing a quality well finished outcome which is fit for purpose. Product Design (Textiles) This introduction to textiles investigates how textiles are made and used. Students experiment with making their own felt fabric. Additionally, students learn how to set up and safely use a sewing machine to create a felt phone holder. Their final product outcome includes a felt sample and an appliqued phone holder. SKILLS DEVELOPED All focus areas ensure that students can confidently use a range of materials and understand their properties whilst developing a student’s ability to understand the processes that materials undergo to transform them from raw stock items to finished products. All students will understand the design process when tackling design and make tasks. RESOURCES Project books will be supplied at the start of each unit. ASSESSMENTS Assessments are carried out at key points throughout the unit and summative assessment will take place once the unit is complete and final products are completed. One combined Design and Technology paper (one hour) will be sat during the summer examination period and will form part of the overall Design and Technology assessment.
DRAMA ACADEMIC YEAR 2020/2021 YEAR 7
DRAMA Students begin to use a new and exciting range of Drama strategies and conventions in order to examine the world, varying cultures and social issues. The confidence and communication skills which are fostered through learning in Drama, are a valuable and transferable skills set and the impact on other subjects is obvious. Students often find secondary speaking and listening situations more manageable and enjoyable from skills developed in Drama lessons.
COURSE CONTENT Term 1
Devising Skills Students will physically explore Physical Theatre; learning how to use bodies and voices imaginatively and creatively. Students will develop their group work and rehearsal skills with an emphasis being put on personal and social skills such as listening, empathising, cooperating and negotiating. Term 2
Oliver Twist – Exploring a Play Script Exploration of the classic story ‘Oliver Twist’. Students will develop their understanding of the plot and themes as well as interpreting characters and key moments in the play. Acting skills are developed as students prepare for a polished performance in front of an audience. Term 3
Technical Theatre Work focusing on technical aspects of Theatre such as set, costume, lighting and sound design. SKILLS DEVELOPED ● Basic drama skills and techniques – a range of skills are taught to enable students to experiment with basic style within a range of performances. ● Developing and performing character ● Creating devised and scripted performances. ● A wide range of social and personal skills such as communication, confidence, negotiation, problem solving, organisational etc.
ASSESSMENTS Term ● 1 During each unit of study every student will have a summative assessment on one or more of the 3 Term 2 assessment areas: Making, Performing and Reflecting. End of year exam ● There is no formal exam in Key Stage 3.
ENGLISH ACADEMIC YEAR 2020/2021 YEAR 7
ENGLISH English is a key curriculum subject and our inspiring thematic curriculum aims to encourage a love of reading, creativity with language use and a fascination for words and communication in all forms! Each term Year 7 will focus on developing specific speaking and listening, reading and writing skill sets linked by a common theme and drawing on fiction and non-fiction writing across the ages.
COURSE CONTENT Texts are varied, engaging and challenging, with Year 7 students studying the following: Term 1 ● This is Me -- Non Fiction Unit ● Market Unit Term 2 ● Why do we study Shakespeare? ● Introduction to Poetry Term 3 ● Spies ● Alice in Wonderland - Growing Up SKILLS DEVELOPED ● The ability to read and make connections across a wide range of literature and non-fiction, analysing and evaluating writer’s choices of language and structure. ● Use of a wide ranging vocabulary, along with accurate and effective standard English to produce their own transactional and creative writing pieces for specific audiences and purposes. ● The ability to speak confidently and effectively in a range of contexts, including small group and whole class discussions and debates, presentations and dramatic roles. RESOURCES Please click here to view the English 5 Year Learning Journey. Full resourcing for lessons and homework will be provided by the department. Students should supplement this with their daily wider and independent reading. SETTING Students will be broadly grouped according to ability in English.
ASSESSMENTS As a skills based subject, our focus is on continually improving a wide range of linked skills across each term, rather than learning separate sets of content each time. We encourage students and parents to see all assessments as an opportunity to identify how they will improve further with the next theme.
FRENCH ACADEMIC YEAR 2020/2021 YEAR 7
FRENCH The Year 7 curriculum aims to develop the confidence to communicate in French. It helps ease the transition from Primary to Year 7 and moves at the right pace for students. It also emphasises the fact that learning French is not just about vocabulary and grammar but having an appreciation of French and indeed francophone culture and customs. We aim to foster an inquisitive and curious student who has a genuine passion for ‘all things’ French as well as a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject.
COURSE CONTENT Term 1 ● Personal Information ● School Life Term 2 ● Free Time ● My region Term 3 ● Holidays SKILLS DEVELOPED ● Listening & Speaking ● Reading & Writing ● Grammar - There is a greater emphasis on grammar, requiring students to use and manipulate a variety of key grammar structures and patterns. ● Vocabulary - There is also a greater emphasis on vocabulary including vocabulary that goes beyond a student’s’ immediate needs and interests. RESOURCES ● Studio 1 via Pearson online textbook ● Languagenut digital learning platform Languagenut and Studio 1 resources are provided. Students may also access other sites independently such as Languages Online, Duolingo, Memrise or Quizlet. SETTING Students are placed in sets determined by previous exposure to the French language, summative and formative assessment, and teachers’ professional judgements. Students can and do move between sets regularly. Our objective is always to place students in the correct group commensurate with their language learning needs.
ASSESSMENTS French is assessed summatively through at least one assessment per module, linked closely to the skills developed. The end of year assessment follows a similar format but will include all modules studied. French is also assessed through informal assessments which are conducted in each lesson. Both types of assessments contribute to students’ overall assessment grade.
GEOGRAPHY ACADEMIC YEAR 2020/2021 YEAR 7
GEOGRAPHY Geography is the study of Planet Earth: the natural world, people, and how they interact with one another. We aim to instill an ‘awe and wonder’ of the natural world, as well as building on local and international examples to spark students’ interest. Year 7 focuses on the core geographical skills that are then embedded into the rest of secondary school Geography.
COURSE CONTENT Term 1 ● What is Geography? ● Atlas & Map skills Term 2 ● Urban Environments Term 3 ● Water on the land SKILLS DEVELOPED ● Atlas skills ● Map skills ● Spatial awareness ● Enquiry based learning ● Extended and Argumentative writing ● Comparison making ● An understanding of settlement location, type, form and function. ● Knowledge of the different characteristics of settlements and an understanding of the features of a sustainable settlement. RESOURCES ● Mapzone Website ● BBC Bitesize - KS3 Geography ● GeoGuessr ● www.geograhy-map-games.com SETTING Teaching will be delivered in form classes.
ASSESSMENTS Students will complete mini assessments throughout the year when the class teacher deems appropriate to check knowledge, understanding and application. End of year exam will be based on all taught content. The paper will be approximately 1 hour.
HISTORY ACADEMIC YEAR 2020/2021 YEAR 7
HISTORY History aims to engage a students curiosity and imagination and present them with the dilemmas, choices and beliefs of people in the past. It helps students develop their own identities through an understanding of history at personal, local, national and international levels. Year 7 is all about preparing students with the skills they will need at KS3 and beyond.
COURSE CONTENT Term 1 ● An introduction to key skills used in history. ● Events of 1066 and why did William win the Battle of Hastings? Term 2 ● How did William control Medieval England? ● What was medieval life like? Term 3 ● Castles and Conflict – Fighting wars in Medieval England ● The impact and effects of th4e Black Death SKILLS DEVELOPED ● Chronology - what happens when? ● Cause and Consequence - why do things happen? ● Change and Continuity - what changes and stays the same? ● Significance - what made something important? ● Interpretations - what do other people think? ● Using Evidence – what evidence do I have?
RESOURCES Resources will be provided through text books, work books and via the Google Classroom. SETTING Teaching will be delivered in form groups.
ASSESSMENTS History is assessed formally through at least one assessment per half term, linked closely to the History skills below. End of year assessment is through a 1 hour written paper, covering a selection of the topics from the whole year.
ISLAMIC STUDIES A & B ACADEMIC YEAR 2020/2021 YEAR 7
ISLAMIC STUDIES A & B This is a compulsory course within the UAE for all those of Muslim faith. Students follow the Ministry of Education curriculum either in the medium of Arabic or English, with additions and adaptations to meet their learning needs. Students are encouraged to reflect on their faith and look at relevant topics such as cleanliness and purity in Islam, care of orphans, the importance of work, humility and tolerance, the holy names of Allah (SWT), the rules of reading the Holy Quran. Students also read and memorise a selection of Hadeeth and Surahs from the Holy Quran (Surah Al Rahman and Surah Kaf).
COURSE CONTENT As per the Ministry of Education curriculum, the course covers a range of topics that allow students to: ● ● ●
Practice recitation and memorisation of the Holy Quran and Hadith Learn different rulings related to the five pillars of Islam Learn about the life of Prophets and their companions
SKILLS DEVELOPED ● Holy Quranic pronunciation and recitation ● Hadeeth memorisation ● Understanding of acts of worship and basic rules of dealings RESOURCES Ministry textbooks and the teacher’s own resources
ASSESSMENTS End of Unit Tests Projects End of year examination
LEARNING SUPPORT ACADEMIC YEAR 2020/2021 YEAR 7
LEARNING SUPPORT BSAK has a resourceful and friendly Learning Support team to help students from the age of eleven to eighteen. The Learning Support teachers and assistants are patient, dedicated and experienced in finding solutions to the difficulties faced by young learners in busy classrooms. We like to help students build on their strengths and reach their goals in a practical, sensible way.
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We support students who experience a range of specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia. Other students have difficulties with speech, language and communication, managing anxiety or social relationships.
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We provide targeted interventions in order to equip students with the necessary literacy and numeracy skills to access the curriculum to the best of their ability and with confidence.
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Learning is active and enjoyable, and develops visual and auditory processing, phonological skills, memory and concentration.
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Learning Support students follow personalised programme of study during which they work on reading techniques to develop a love of reading and to enable them to read actively for different purposes. They learn how to plan and shape their writing to meet a range of requirements, and to improve their technical accuracy.
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They also learn techniques to help them cope with examinations, alternative revision skills and how to manage their workload more effectively.
AIMING HIGH Two of our main priorities are showing students how to persevere when they experience difficulties, and that there should be no limit to their aspirations, whatever those may be, whether achieving a 9 in French GCSE, one year early, or winning a Poetry performance competition. Together we create a secure learning environment so that students acquire the courage to take risks and accept challenges. They realise that they are expected to try their best, to stretch themselves and that the Learning Support team is there to help them to build a reliable problem-solving repertoire.
‘I really like Learning Support because it covers things from other lessons you might not understand at first.’
MATHEMATICS ACADEMIC YEAR 2020/2021 YEAR 7
MATHEMATICS Mathematics in Year 7 aims to provide students with the ability to reason mathematically, an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics and a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject. In Year 7 there is an emphasis on understanding and confidently using different forms of calculation. New concepts in algebra, shape and space are also introduced.
COURSE CONTENT Term 1 ● Numbers and the number system ● Calculating ● Exploring and calculating fractions ● Decimals ● Percentages Term 2 ● Algebraic proficiency ● Solving equations and inequalities ● Investigating properties of shapes and angles Term 3 ● Measuring and calculating space ● Proportional reasoning ● Checking/approximating and estimating, transformations SKILLS DEVELOPED ● Numeracy ● Problem solving ● Pattern spotting ● Mathematical reasoning skills ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED ● Geometry set ● Scientific calculator - we recommends the Casio FX-991 EX calculator RESOURCES BSAK Maths Website SETTING Students will be broadly grouped according to ability in Mathematics. ASSESSMENTS Assessment every half term based on the work covered up to that point. 1 hour end of year exam , based on the topics covered throughout the year.
MELS ACADEMIC YEAR 2020/2021 YEAR 7
MELS Moral Education and Life Skills (formally known as PSHE) plays a unique role in the education we offer our students. It takes a positive approach to help young people to understand how to live healthy lives, how to make well-informed and educated choices and how to be resilient in dealing with the challenges and issues that they may face as they grow up.
MELS is taught once per week but also forms part of the daily routines, dialogues and values of those who work in our school. The curriculum provides a positive contribution to the climate and ethos of the school enabling students to grow and flourish; building effective relationships, developing social skills and resilience and thereby leading to confident individuals. COURSE CONTENT The curriculum is based upon a combination of the UK guidelines on Personal, Social and Health Education and the UAE’s Moral Education framework. The programme aims to develop essential skills and attributes based around core themes; health and wellbeing, relationships, living in the wider world, study skills, character and morality, the individual and the community. SKILLS DEVELOPED ● problem solving ● critical thinking ● resilience SETTING Lessons are taught in form groups.
ASSESSMENTS No formal assessment. The impact of the program is seen through the interactions, beliefs and behaviours of those in the school community. Work and reflections can be recorded in the MELS / Wellbeing Journals.
MUSIC ACADEMIC YEAR 2020/2021 YEAR 7
MUSIC Music is a subject which is held in high regard by Universities all over the world, it is a universal language that embodies one of the highest forms of creativity. Research suggests that a high-quality music education helps strengthen learning in all areas of the curriculum, as well as improving self-confidence, cognitive function and focus. Music has the potential to make a significant contribution to children’s development. Year 7 Music builds on previous knowledge and skills through performing, composing and listening activities.
COURSE CONTENT RHYTHM, MELODY & ACCOMPANIMENT Unit 1 - Rhythm, Pulse, Beat ● Focus on sound - for assessment ● Rhythm terminology ● Rhythm notation ● Writing and performing From 4 part rhythm scores - record for assessment ● Ternary form - focus on sound ● Rhythms in Arabic music ● Samba/Stomp! ● Sibelius - score writing Unit 2 - Pitch & Melody Writing ● Focus on sound for assessment ● Pitch notation ● How to write the perfect melody ● Using tuned percussion ● Using keyboards ● Perform and record “Baby Bossa’ - for assessment ● Ukulele introduction Unit 3 - Exploring the Pentatonic Scale ● Pentatonic listening ● Improvising clear phrases ● Ostinato accompaniments ● Structure - focus on sound ● Pentatonic group composition - record for assessment ● Perform “Arriba”
ASSESSMENTS ● ● ●
Music is assessed through both group individual performance. At the end of each unit the students perform and record their compositions and together they listen and use staff and appraise their work. There is no formal exam for Music at Key Stage 3.
MUSIC Unit 4 - Major & Minor ● Major/Minor tonality ● Chords and Triads ● Perform Russian March - record for assessment ● Melody - Qu. & Ans. Phrases ● Ostinato accompaniment ● Structure ● Ukulele maj/min chords ● The Arabic scale and drone ● Arabic Composition task Unit 5 - Modes ● History of modes & scales ● Modes in folk music and film music ● Dorian & Aeolian Modes ● Modes in Arabic Music ● Modal Chord progressions ● Improvising ● “Kije’s March’ - perform and record for assessment pSKILLS DEVELOPED ● ● ●
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Play and perform confidently in a range of solo and ensemble contexts using their voice, playing instruments musically, fluently and with accuracy and expression. Improvise and compose; extending and developing musical ideas by drawing on a range of musical structures styles, genres and traditions. Use staff and other relevant notations appropriately and accurately in a range of musical styles, genres and traditions. Identify and use the interrelated dimensions of music expressively and with increasing sophistication, including use of tonalities, different types of scales and other musical devices. Listen to a wide range of music from great composers and musicians. Develop a deepening understanding of the music that they perform and to which they listen and it’s history.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION ACADEMIC YEAR 2020/2021 YEAR 7
PHYSICAL EDUCATION At BSAK we aim to give the students a world class offering of Physical Education. Students have two lessons per week: Lesson 1 (Core PE) Development of Physical Fitness, Skills in Isolation, knowledge of Sports Science Lesson 2 (Competitive Sport) - Development of Coaching, Leadership and Performance in a competitive setting. We adopt a holistic approach to Physical Education, providing students with the knowledge and understanding that will allow them to live a healthy, active lifestyle throughout their adult life. We aim to embed many of the school values within Physical Education lessons such as resilience, integrity and endeavour. Students will be expected to wear their blue BSAK Physical Education kit for all lessons. COURSE CONTENT In order to provide the students of BSAK with a wealth of experiences, we offer a varied and vast curriculum. Our aim is to enrich the lives of the students by offering them many opportunities. Some of the Sports we offer are as follows: ● ● ● ● ●
Cricket Rugby Football Netball Athletics
We also offer lessons that will develop the students physical prowess: ● ● ● ●
Performing at Maximal Levels Outwitting Opponents Accurate Replication of Performance Exercising Safely & Effectively
ASSESSMENTS All physical activities will be assessed and criteria shared to assist with future development. Students will be encouraged to be part of this assessment process. There will be self and peer assessment opportunities, via video analysis. Students will also have a theoretical examination during term 3 (Exam week). This will allow us to assess their knowledge of Sports Science and the theoretical concepts that underpin sporting performance. Assessment will be focused on five areas: 1. Physical Fitness 2. Core Skills in Isolation 3. Performance in a Competitive setting 4. Coaching & Leadership 5. Knowledge of Sports Science
PHYSICAL EDUCATION The aim is not just to develop sporting prowess, but to give the students a true education. ● ● ● ●
Enhance knowledge of Sports Science Develop Communication Skills Improve Analysis and Evaluation skills Develop a love of learning and promote well being
The focus is to develop the students' understanding of how the theoretical concepts underpin sporting performance. This will be done through the creation of a Personalised Exercise Program. ADDITIONAL SKILLS DEVELOPED A range of skills are developed and refined with a key focus on: ● A range of skills are developed and refined with a key focus on teamwork ● Collaboration ● Tactics ● Strategies ● Students are also encouraged to analyse their performance using ICT KIT POLICY At BSAK we have a policy, where all students are expected to bring a kit to every lesson. If they are injured or unwell, they must have a parental note that excuses them from the practical element of the lesson. However, they must still get changed and they will develop their coaching and leadership skills. SETTING All lessons are mixed ability classes.
SCIENCE ACADEMIC YEAR 2020/2021 YEAR 7
SCIENCE Science at BSAK offers students the ability to access a wealth of knowledge and information which will contribute to their understanding of how and why things work as they do. Science is able to explain the mechanics and reasons behind the daily functioning of complex systems, which range from the human body to sophisticated modern technology. Our students are able to use their knowledge and skills to understand new concepts, make well-informed decisions and pursue new interests. Science allows our students to be critical and make reasoned decisions about the information they read in books and newspapers, see on the television or are exposed to on the internet. Students will study Science as a combined subject in Year 7 with aspects of biology, chemistry and physics being taught on a topic by topic basis. COURSE CONTENT Term 1 ● Particles and their behaviour ● Cells ● Forces ● Separation techniques Term 2 ● ● ● ●
Structure and Function of Body Systems Sound Elements, Compounds and The Periodic Table Science Fair projects
Term 3 ● Space ● Reproduction ● Light SKILLS DEVELOPED ● Describe and explain scientific ideas ● Application of knowledge including problem solving ● Data analysis, including calculations and evaluation ● Scientific literacy ● Practical work
ASSESSMENT Students will be assessed at the end of each topic studied using a range of questions to assess learning. There will also be an end of year exam, consisting of two approximately one hour papers assessing all topics and skills covered until that point.
SCIENCE RESOURCES All students will be issued with login access to www.kerboodle.com where they will be able to use an extensive bank of learning resources including videos, animations, podcasts, worksheets and a digital version of the Oxford KS3 Science Activate 1 and 2 textbooks. Another very useful resource is: KS3 Science Website SETTING Students will be broadly grouped according to ability in Science.
SOCIAL STUDIES ACADEMIC YEAR 2020/2021 YEAR 7
SOCIAL STUDIES Arabic Social Studies is an essential topic in the UAE and in our curriculum at BSAK. It is the subject that allows local students to learn about and be proud of their heritage and history, whilst also learning essential information about the culture of their country. Students also learn about the history of the other countries in the GCC, specifically their alliances with these countries and their cultures.
COURSE CONTENT Term 1 ● I maintain my national identity ● National Service ● The natural characteristics of the Arabian Peninsula ● Climate and natural vegetation in the Arabian Peninsula Term 2 ● Geographic Information Systems ● Remote Sensing ● The natural and human characteristics of the UAE Term 3 ● Perennial plants in the UAE ● Shaikh Zayed trips and tours in the UAE and North America
SKILLS DEVELOPED The students learn how to research efficiently and correctly, and are also asked to do one project a term. They will also learn about the shape of the Gulf and how to draw it and will develop their History and Geography skills. RESOURCES Ministry textbooks, worksheets developed by teachers and websites SETTING This course is compulsory for the majority of Native Students (those in Arabic A (who speak fluent Arabic).
ASSESSMENTS Students complete half-termly and termly exams on the specified subjects, testing their knowledge and how much information they have retained. The end of year exam covers all the essential skills.
SPANISH ACADEMIC YEAR 2020/2021 YEAR 7
SPANISH The Year 7 curriculum aims to develop the confidence to communicate in Spanish. It helps ease the transition from Primary to Year 7 and moves at the right pace for students. It also emphasises the fact that learning Spanish is not just about vocabulary and grammar but having an appreciation of Spanish and indeed Hispanic culture and customs. We aim to foster an inquisitive and curious student who has a genuine passion for ‘all things’ Spanish as well as a sense of enjoyment and curiosity about the subject. COURSE CONTENT Term 1 ● My life ● Free time Term 2 ● My studies ● My family Term 3 ● My home town SKILLS DEVELOPED ● Listening & Speaking ● Reading & Writing ● Grammar - There is a greater emphasis on grammar, requiring students to use and manipulate a variety of key grammar structures and patterns. ● Vocabulary - There is also a greater emphasis on vocabulary including vocabulary that goes beyond a student’s immediate needs and interests. RESOURCES ● Viva 1 online textbook via Pearson ● Languagenut digital learning platform Languagenut and Viva 1 resources are provided. Students may also access other sites independently such as Languages Online, Duolingo, Memrise or Quizlet. SETTING Students are placed in sets determined by previous exposure to the Spanish language, summative and formative assessment, and teachers’ professional judgements. Students can and do move between sets regularly. Our objective is always to place students in the correct group commensurate with their language learning needs.
ASSESSMENTS Spanish is assessed summatively through at least one assessment per module, linked closely to the skills developed. The end of year assessment follows a similar format but will include all modules studied. Spanish is also assessed through informal assessments which are conducted in each lesson. Both types of assessments contribute to students’ overall assessment grade.
STEAM ACADEMIC YEAR 2020/2021 YEAR 7
STEAM The Extended Project Course in Year 7 is designed to help students become innovators, educators, leaders and learners of the 21st century. Transferred learning, making connections, creating problems and using an holIstic and collaborative approach to Imagining and designing responses is central to STEAM activities. Students are encouraged to explore and research innovators in the field to develop and inspire their own knowledge and dynamic responses. COURSE CONTENT The course is project based and will have a STEAM focus. STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as a basis for students’ learning. The end results are students who take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem-solving, embrace collaboration, and work through the creative process. The STEAM approach is based around creativity and creative questioning, A ‘what if’ approach is fostered in lessons and activities. SKILLS DEVELOPED ● Independent learning ● Problem solving ● Collaboration ● Creativity ● Experimentation ● Research skills ● Time Management ● Communication skills ● Critical thinking SETTING Students will be grouped based upon their timetable commitments in other areas of the curriculum. EQUIPMENT REQUIRED HB and 2B/6B Pencil Eraser / Sharpener Black fine liner Ruler Glue stick Set of coloured pencils Homework and next lesson preparation activities will often require the above items. ASSESSMENTS Assessment will be ongoing and will cover both the process, investigating, exploring and developing solutions as well as the outcome, production and presentation.
