Year 8 Curriculum information booklet 2022 - 2023

Year 8 Curriculum Information Booklet

2022 - 2023

Curriculum information | Year 8 KS3

Curriculum information booklet

The curriculum at Cowes Enterprise College extends from years 7 to 13 and includes both the formal timetabled curriculum and all the informal learning and development that occurs outside the timetable.

The purpose of the curriculum in all OAT schools is to

• Teach – the curriculum sets out the knowledge and skills students are entitled to

• Develop – the curriculum sets out how students will develop socially and emotionally

• Change – the curriculum is designed so that any student can excel, so that no one is disadvantaged

The most common question we are asked at parents’ evenings is “how can I support my child?”. This booklet aims to give you useful information that will help you support your child through their year 8 learning journey. If you require any further information, please email info@cowesec.org and your query will be forwarded to the appropriate person.

Assessment and reporting

In order to improve the relevance of the information that we are able to send home in reports, we are changing how we do this at KS3 for this academic year. Instead of sending out a written report once a year, on a set date, that includes all subjects, we are moving to a system where each subject has been able to set their own assessment and reporting schedule to fit in with the rhythm of their curriculum. They will report in a format that lends best to the information they are sharing.

Assessment is something that occurs in classrooms on a daily basis through questioning and observation and enables us to adapt our teaching instantly to meet the needs of our students. Knowledge recall quizzes are set regularly for homework and more formal assessments are used to measure whether long-term learning has been achieved.

Reports are sent home through the SIMS App. If you will need paper copies instead, please let us know through info@cowesec.org.

Subject information

Each subject has included their year 8 curriculum overview, details on how and when learning will be assessed, their reporting schedule and links for useful information, for example, websites, curriculum content/knowledge organisers and wider reading.

Timetabled lessons

There are 25 hour-long lessons on the timetable each week and a 20-minute tutor time every day, during which tutor groups take part in whole-class reading and charter activities. The lessons are distributed as follows:

Art | Year 8 KS3

Overview

In Art & Design students are introduced to a wide range of techniques, media and genres. There are four main components that run throughout the KS3 course: RECORDING and DEVELOPING ideas, USING ARTISTS AND DESIGNERS as an influence, REFINING of practical skills and CRITICAL AWARENESS. There are three projects in Year Eight: Basic Skills, Moving Figure and Micro-life. These projects are designed to build students’ confidence in a wide range of techniques and form the foundations of the KS3 Art & Design Curriculum, which will then be built upon each year. Practical skills covered will include: drawing, colour media such as painting and pastels, 3D – sculpture and printmaking.

Students will have their own Art & Design Folder which acts as a ‘sketch book’, in which the majority of their work will be kept. They are expected to have their own HB pencil, rubber, and sharpener and bring these to every lesson. The three units for year 8 are shown below.

Yr 8 learning journey

When and how assessment of learning will happen

The first half term will be a basic skills project where students will carry out several tasks which will be used as a baseline assessment for the start of year 8.

Students will also be assessed formally at the end of each project and in addition to this, students will be given continual informal assessment and feedback throughout each project.

You will receive a report home twice a year, towards the beginning of February and again in July.

The first will reflect on the work and skills completed so far in the Basic Skills project and the Moving Figure Project, and the second will give a more complete ‘overview’ of your child’s progress and attainment for the whole year. There will also be comments on how to improve further and useful information to extend your child’s knowledge and understanding of Art & Design.

Art | Year 8 KS3

Useful information

It is always a great idea to expand your child’s experiences as much as possible and one way is to visit a gallery. Being able to talk about and reflect upon artwork is a key part of our curriculum and so having opportunities to do this will help your child gain in confidence not just in Art & Design but other subjects too.

Here are some of the Key Artists and Art Movements that we will be featuring in Yr8 that you may wish to find out about in advance: Cubism, Futurism, George Braques and Marcel Duchamp.

Local galleries:

Quay Arts - Newport, Creative Hub - Newport, City Art Gallery - Southampton, The John Hansard GallerySouthampton. Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery, Aspex Gallery - Portsmouth. Or why not take an online “virtual tour” at the national gallery Virtual tours | Visiting | National Gallery, London

Homework expectations

Homework is set each half term and students have a choice of tasks that are related to their current theme. They are expected to complete four tasks that should take between 30 - 45mins each. We are happy to supply any materials and equipment that students need for homework. We find students really enjoy the Art & Design tasks as it offers opportunities to show their independence and creativity.

Drama | Year 8 KS3

Overview

The year 8 Drama schemes build on the Drama skills that students learnt in year 7 and starts to develop depth in their Drama knowledge, skills and techniques through a range of themes and ideas across the year. Across KS3 we focus on building the 4 C’s confidence, communication, co-operation and creativity as these will enable students to take an active part in Drama but are also excellent life skills. As part of their learning the students work in different group sizes using both improvisation and scripts to create performances. They continue to develop their ability to reflect and evaluate their own Drama work and that of others including professional actors. The seven Drama units for year 8 are shown below.

Yr 8 learning journey

Drama | Year 8 KS3

When and how assessment of learning will happen

To assess learning in Drama, our year 8 students will complete an in-class assessment at the end of each topic. These will take place during or at the end of each unit of work. Within each in-class assessment, students will be assessed in five strands; Group work and planning skills, Creativity, Artistic intention, Voice and Movement skills, and Reflecting and Evaluating.

Reports will go home at the beginning of February and July. These will give information on three half- terms’ work and will give the current attainment and information across the five strands on how to improve further.

Useful information

The best way to understand Drama and theatre is to see it. There are now a wide range of online resources as well as local theatres that you can go to.

To really improve a student’s Drama skills, getting involved in our school plays is a great free way to do this. We are totally inclusive and everyone is welcome whether they want to be on stage or work backstage, all we ask is that they are present at rehearsals and performances and try their best.

Drama online is free and the school has an account that your child will be given access to via Show my homework:

https://www.dramaonlinelibrary.com/

BBC Bitesize is a great place to start for understanding more about Drama skills.

How performers use their body - Physical skills for interpreting a character - AQA - GCSE Drama Revision - AQABBC Bitesize

How performers use their voice - Vocal interpretation of a character - AQA - GCSE Drama Revision - AQA - BBC Bitesize

Homework Expectations

Drama homework will be set to ensure that it is effective and supports the work taking place in class. It will be set once every half term with students choosing from a range of tasks for that unit.

Design & Technology | Year 8 KS3

Food, Textiles, Resistant Materials

Overview

In Design Technology across KS3 we use a structure of a carousel of different specialisms to ensure students get a broad and balanced approach of the Design & Technology and Food curriculum areas. Each student completes a half term on rotation across the carousel within each specialism. We have 4 half terms for these specialisms and we share the timetable with Computing (Computing has 2 half terms).

Students access workshops, tools and materials to design and make working products to develop student knowledge and experience in specialist classrooms, kitchens and workshops. From day one we ensure students access and engage fully in safe use of our specialist areas. Our subject provides an active, out of your seat learning environment, utilising team challenges, paired work and individual activities to provide many opportunities to explore the subject across the Key Stage and develop a breadth of experience in each specialism. Across KS3 the activities and projects are scaled, to ensure students build year-on-year their experience in the specialisms.

We are a fundamental and integral element of the maritime thematic curriculum here at CEC. Our students learn about the maritime environment of our local area, setting in context the world of work, careers and the skills of the maritime world. All projects integrate maritime links within the specialisms’ curriculum.

Yr 8 learning journey

Unlike other Learning Journeys, in DT students may cover the units in a different order but will complete all units during the course of the year.

Students will complete each of the following during a half term, across our timetabled four half terms:

• Textiles – Students will explore a design context and creatively design and make a high-quality machine sewn tote bag. Incorporation of manufacture using the sewing machine and practical skills alongside design and creativity.

• Food – Students learn about the importance of Food hygiene, safety and eating a healthy and well-balanced diet. They will also develop practical skills in our wonderful kitchen, making products to taste, evaluate and develop. Students continue to develop their skills in the kitchen exploring and using a host of equipment whilst combining ingredients. We call this ‘cooking in the galley’.

Design & Technology | Year 8 KS3

Food, Textiles, Resistant

Materials

• Resistant Materials – We focus developing our students’ experiences of the workshop across specific materials to construct a high-quality mechanical toy. We also look at the communication and design skills that help communicate ideas within the design cycle.

• Maritime – This is a groundbreaking project where students design and manufacture a powerboat. The STEM style project builds on the skills of Resistant Materials and students’ use of the workshop and tools and materials. Students test in teams their powerboats on our testing ponds. We integrally develop employability skills of cooperation, sharing, teamwork, leadership and meeting deadlines. We also include research into maritime careers.

When and how assessment of learning will happen

Assessment takes a variety of forms in our specialisms from verbal feedback in the workshop and kitchen during practicals, through multiple choice quizzes and related class and homework activities. Individual and peer reflection are integral as well as reading, sharing and expressing our thoughts and designs. Employability skills are also reviewed. Each student will receive a detailed report each term, from the specialisms they have completed. This will include the attainment and progress they have made during the projects, provide some useful tips and links to activities that could be completed to develop and support progress.

As students complete different specialisms as part of the carousel, students will receive reports from these areas at different times to some of their peers.

Useful information

Design Museum, London - https://designmuseum.org/ Technology student website - https://www.technologystudent.com/

OAT’s maritime careers - https://oatfutures.co.uk/sectors/maritime/

BBC Bitesize – Design Technology - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zvg4d2p

Design Council - https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/

British Nutrition Foundation - https://www.nutrition.org.uk/

Design Technology – careers website - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/tags/zn7h8xs/jobs-that-use-design-andtechnology/1

Homework expectations

Students are expected to access Show My Homework (SMHW), the CEC online hub for issuing homework. We use a variety of formats for homeworks. Homework tasks are set to build on the learning in class or check and reinforce and revisit topics, to support making further progress and checking and testing knowledge acquisition, retention and application.

It is usual that a homework task or activity sheet is carefully returned to school and submitted in class or if electronic to be completed online. It is expected that homework is completed to a high standard.

All homework tasks can be printed if students have trouble accessing the online task. Deadlines for homeworks are expected to be met, and to support inclusivity we understand that this may not be possible on occasion and a note to the teacher can then support completion.

Design & Technology | Year

ICT and Computer Science

Overview

This year will see new and interesting topics being introduced into the IT and Computer Science rotation. The lessons form part of the Design Technology rotation, and your child will be timetabled to a term in which they will have these lessons.

Students will continue their three-year journey learning a range of knowledge and practical skills allowing them to expand their confidence, application and creativity as well as giving them skills that they will be able to use throughout their lives. The diverse range of skills will also support them in their other subjects to be able to access, present and consolidate their IT skills. They will also gain a firm foundation for KS4 and KS5 options later in their school career.

Yr 8 Learning Journey

When and how assessment of learning will happen

Students are assessed against their theory knowledge and practical application through a mix of in-class work and digital exam-style assessment. The students are continuously assessed on their recall and at the end of each topic their written work will be assessed against the criteria given to them at the beginning of the topic.

You will receive a report home at the end of the rotation in which your child has been allocated:

Rotation 1 – End of Term 1

Rotation 2 – End of Term 2

Rotation 3 – End of Term 3

Design & Technology | Year 8 KS3

and Computer Science

Curriculum topics

Programming in Python: Sequence Computer programmes, User data, Data types, Placeholders & lists, Working with lists, Working with strings

Advanced Spreadsheet

Sound and Video Editing

Drop-down list, VLOOKUP & sorting data, Check boxes, Macros, Logical operators and the REPT function

Introduction to sound editing and Audacity, Audio effects, Planning a video advert, Creating a soundtrack for a video advert, Introduction to video editing and OpenShot, Visual effects

Programming in Python: Selection Decisions based on calculations, If else, Comparing strings and numbers, Elif, Multiple elifs

Internet Safety Cyber Security & Encryption Digital footprint, Passwords & phishing, malware

Useful information

https://scratch.mit.edu/

https://www.codecademy.com/ https://boost-learning.com/

We try to use freeware when appropriate to encourage students to access software from home:

MU: https://codewith.mu/en/download

GIMP: https://www.gimp.org/downloads/

PYTHON 3.10.5: https://www.python.org/downloads/release/python-3105/

AUDACITY: https://www.audacityteam.org/download/

OPENSHOT: https://www.openshot.org/download/

Homework expectations

A short homework task is set every lesson, this is usually a short digital quiz to assess their recall from the previous lesson or a research task in preparation for the next lesson.

Overview

We are very proud to introduce our new English curriculum, fresh for Sept 2022. Our new Year 8 program of study continues to introduce students to what we feel are the most influential and beautiful stories ever written. In English literature, we call these works ‘the literary canon.’ By the end of year 8, students will have read and studied:

The sonnet form: a variety of this important poetic from throughout time by various authors

The Bible as Literature: King James Version

Comedy Through Time: As You Like It by William Shakespeare

The Story of the Novel: Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

Each of these foundational texts are accompanied by a range of complementary texts equally as inspiring and important in the literary canon. Using these texts, students will also complete a variety of creative writing and speaking and listening tasks.

Yr 8 learning journey

There are four units in year 8, shown below.

When and how assessment of learning will happen

We will be posting the assessment in advance of the unit on show my homework and showing the children exactly what they will need to know for their end of unit test. The test might be sat all in one session, or the teacher might choose to break the assessments into smaller parts and your child will attempt these at different points during the unit. Our assessments consist of short answer questions, multiple choice, writing short paragraphs and a few longer style questions: we aim for your child to achieve 100% on these assessments.

You should be receiving a comprehensive report home:

• approximately the week of December 5th

• approximately the week of Week of May 18th

• approximately the week of July 10th

You will have already seen the assessment on Show My Homework (SMHW), but the report will show you exactly what your child achieves on the assessment.

Useful information

What can be better than curling up with a great book? We expect children to read at home in evenings for at least ten minutes every evening.

Our fantastic library is well stocked and waiting for students to borrow books! Children are welcome to come and read any time after 8 am and up to 4 pm, including break times and lunch times. Books can be borrowed for three weeks and if, by some mysterious twist of fate, we do not have the book a student is after, they should be sure to fill in a ‘book request’ form, found next to Mrs Wooton’s desk and we will get it for them. English teachers will take each of their classes to the library to show students where everything is.

Be sure to check out our monthly library newsletter we will send home at the end of each month for reviews of the latest books, staff and student recommendations and tips for finding the perfect book.

Homework expectations

As well as the minimum ten minutes reading, homework tasks include quizzes, research, creative writing, spelling, watching and commenting on video clips and lots of exciting activities that will stretch and broaden students’ experience of the curriculum.

BBC Radio 4: In Our Time the Bible

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00xh4s3

BBC Radio 4: In our Time Shakespeare and Literary Criticism

BBC Radio 3

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/b00g2v6p

Show My Homework www.satchelone.com

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00545dp

Copies of the Texts available from Amazon (all are also available on audible)

As you like it

Great Expectations

Everyone Matters | Year 8 KS3

Overview

Our innovative Everyone Matters (E1M) subject is a personal development programme. We help students learn more about the world and how to keep themselves safe, healthy and positive. Students will learn ways to make a positive difference to the world through this curriculum, as well as taking part in a Social Action project in our local community. By the end of year 8, the students will have explored five key questions.

• How do I keep myself healthy?

How do I keep myself safe?

• How can I be the change I want to see?

What is respect?

• How can I prepare for life in the modern world?

Yr 8 learning journey

Everyone Matters | Year 8 KS3

When and how assessment of learning will happen

In E1M, students will be regularly assessed through self-assessments. This will take place at the beginning and end of each topic to assess learning and to identify any knowledge gaps. The self-assessments consist of short questions to assess knowledge and understanding. Further assessment opportunities will also take place during lessons where students will be given the opportunity to partake in Q&A discussion activities, and regular reflection opportunities.

Useful information

There are a wide range of online resources available to support in E1M curriculum discussion at home.

Unit 1: How can I keep myself safe?

The following websites will provide further information on safety topics including anti-social behaviour, safety in social groups, online safety and First Aid.

www.childline.org.uk

www.think.gov.uk

www.internetmatters.org

www.crimestoppers-uk.org

www.nspcc.org.uk

www.respectthewater.com

www.ceop.police.uk

www.saferinternet.org.uk

Unit 2 and 3: How can I keep myself healthy? Part 1/Part 2

www.childnet.com

www.thinkuknow.co.uk

St John Ambulance (sja.org.uk)

www.youngminds.org.uk

The following websites will provide further information on safety topics including digital consent, keeping safe online, dangers of drugs and alcohol, body confidence and antisocial behaviour, health information and coping with loss.

www.childline.org.uk

www.nhs.uk/change4life

www.talktofrank.com

www.kidshealth.org

Children and bereavement - NHS

Unit 4: What is respect?

www.nspcc.org.uk

www.quit.org.uk

www.youngminds.org.uk

www.riseabove.org.uk

www.thinkuknow.co.uk

www.ash.org.uk

www.brook.org.uk

freederm.co.uk

These websites will provide further information on self-respect, respecting others and promoting respect online.

www.childline.org.uk

www.themix.org.uk

www.youthwellbeing.co.uk

www.nspcc.org.uk

www.youngminds.org.uk

Unit 5 – How can I be the change I want to see?

www.mind.org.uk

www.youthaccess.org.uk

The students will make a positive impact on our local community by taking part in a Social Action project. This year

Year 8 will learn how to make a sustainable business from £10.

Unit 6: How does Britain work? How can I prepare for life in the modern world?

These websites will provide further information on liberties, the judicial system, rights and responsibilities and economic well-being.

• Fly The Flag: www.flytheflag.org.uk

• Courts and Tribunals Judiciary – information about the justice system: www.judiciary.uk/about-the-judiciary/the-justice-system

• National Careers Service: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk

• The Money Advice Service – how to teach children about money: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/how-to-talk-to-your-children-about-money

Overview

Having learnt basic grammatical structures, including present and future tense formation in year 7, in year 8 students are challenged to apply these in new contexts. The year 8 curriculum is also designed to introduce students to new topics (eg: holidays and food) with further vocabulary learning and to the past tense to enable them to vary their language and use of structures, which is crucial to GCSE success. We aim to encourage students to be creative with language, to use more mature structures and vocabulary in order to understand and respond to speakers of the language and to give them the skills to cope on a global stage. The five year 8 units are shown below.

Yr 8 learning journey

When and how assessment of learning will happen

Holidays

Are you connected? – TV, Music, Online activities Listening

I love Paris!

My identity – describing self, hobbies and relationships

My home, your home – homes, food, mealtimes

Reading

Listening / Speaking End of half term 4

Reading / Writing

of half term 6

French | Year 8 KS3

How skills are assessed

Listening

Speaking

Students will show that they can understand the main points of short texts and some longer texts, including events in the past and future.

Students will demonstrate that they can say the majority of words from the Y8 curriculum with accurate French pronunciation. Students will also discuss free time activities, likes and dislikes regarding music and TV including reasons for these opinions as well as what they did yesterday in their free time and during holidays in the past.

Reading Students will demonstrate their understanding of main points, opinions and details in short written texts about holidays, future plans and food, including past holidays.

Writing Students will aim to write short texts using language from memory, giving opinions with reasons, including sequencers, and reference to the past and future.

Useful information

Vocabulary learning is vital for language acquisition. Please try some of these…

• Use “Look-cover-write-check” or “Look-cover-say-check” strategy for revision for speaking and writing tests

• Play games with your child to learn the vocabulary – use the links for the online learning resource “blooket” given each week on SMHW.

• Sticky notes: Ask your child to write new vocabulary on sticky notes and stick them where he/she will see them often. For example, he/she could stick them to the bathroom mirror to read through every time he/she washes their hands or brush his/her teeth.

• Make cards: Cut up some paper or card into small rectangles. Write one target language word on each card. Write out the English words too, one word per card. Mix them up and match the cards! You can play snap with them or turn them all upside down and try to find the pairs.

• Use languages online link below to help your child learn the past tense https://www.languagesonline.org.uk/French/Grammar/Begin_Perfect_Tense/index.htm

Homework expectations

Each Friday, a link to “quizlet” and “blooket” will be provided on Show My Homework (SMHW) for your child to start learning the key vocabulary for the unit to be taught the following week. Encourage your child to review the vocabulary on their preferred site (you will need to help them make an account using their school email). Encourage your child to spend 10 minutes per day reviewing the vocabulary and at the end of the week, they should complete the vocabulary quiz on Show My Homework (SMHW) to show their teacher they have retained the vocabulary. This is due every Friday. If you require a paper copy of the key vocabulary, please email your child’s class teacher or info@ cowesec.org. Students are expected also to prepare thoroughly for speaking and writing assessments.

Geography

Overview

In year 8 we continue to build on the skills and knowledge that our geographers have begun to develop. We have put together a curriculum that intends to inspire a sense of awe and wonder about our physical and human surroundings. We also aim to further encourage our geographers to develop an appreciation of interdependencehow people and countries are interlinked and how they interact with each other.

Alongside the factual (substantive) knowledge, students will also be taught the key disciplinary concepts in geography.

Location for students to be able to locate places, features and people at a range of scales, from local to global. For example, we want year 8 geographers to use OS maps to locate river features and in our globalisation topic we want our geographers locate countries and how they connect with each other..

Place Here we want our geographers to understand what activities and processes take place in various locations on our Island, in the UK or globally. We will explore the social networks that in turn create values, attitudes and behaviours. For example, in our continent study of Africa we look to explore the misconceptions surrounding Africa and further our understanding of how places vary.

Human processes

Physical processes

This is our study of the interrelationships between people, place, and environment, and how these vary spatially and over time, across and between locations. In year 8 we aim to build on their understanding of processes such as development, globalisation and sustainability through a country study of China.

This is our study of Earth’s climate, atmosphere, soil, streams, landforms, and oceans. We also examine how human culture interacts with the natural environment and the way that locations and places can have an impact on people. Year 8 geographers will use their knowledge from their coasts topic in year 7 to help them to explore the river landforms, characteristics and their management.

Geographical skills

These provide the necessary tools and techniques for us to think geographically. These include GIS (Digital mapping), photo and satellite image interpretations, interpreting data and fieldwork.

These concepts exist through our geography curriculum from year 7 to 13. Each topic is built around a big question with each lesson exploring a particular enquiry question.

Yr 8 Learning Journey

When and how assessment of learning will happen

To assess learning in Geography, our year 8 students will complete an in-class assessment. These will take place towards the end of the first, third and fifth half-terms with reports being sent home in weeks 10, 23 and 35. Within each in-class assessment, students will be assessed in four strands:

• Knowledge – This will assess knowledge of key terms, locations and facts. These will be multiple choice, definition or brief one sentence responses.

• Understanding – This will assess explanation of processes, for example to explain the formation of a V shaped valley. These will be short answer questions requiring a few sentences to complete an explanation.

• Application – This will assess the ability to evaluate or assess based on a place studied in the topic, and will be a structured extended answer.

• Geographical skills – This will assess map skills, data interpretation skills and image analysis. These will be multiple choice, definition or brief one sentence responses.

In addition, they will complete regular knowledge quizzes to help them develop and recall the key ‘must know knowledge’. These will be set in a combination of in-class and online quizzes.

In our Geography subject report you will find:

• Useful information about the in-class assessment the students have completed

A numerical and percentage score from their in-class assessment

Information and feedback about why a particular score was awarded and an indication of how this could be improved

• ‘Next steps’ and sources of support to help students improve their performance in the future

A percentage score from the in-class or online recall quizzes, including feedback about whether they were completed or not.

Useful information

Each Geography report will contain more specific sources of support relevant to each in-class assessment and Geography topic, such as links to relevant online revision tools and access to the knowledge organisers.

In addition to a paper copy in their exercise books, students will always be able to access the relevant knowledge organisers for each Geography topic online on Show My Homework to aid them working on the topic out of lesson, and to further the possibility of specific support being given at home.

Knowledge organisers are concise and precise overviews of the must know knowledge needed for each topic. They also contain the key subject specific vocabulary relevant for each topic.

Homework expectations

Students will be set a knowledge retrieval quiz on Show My Homework (SMHW) each week, linked to the knowledge covered in those lessons. In addition, each topic has a fiction or non-fiction text linked to it and so additional knowledge quizzes will be linked to a section of text from the particular topic. Year 8 Geographers this year will look at extracts from ‘When the rivers run dry’, ‘Almighty Dollar’ and ‘Africa is not a country’.

History | Year 8 KS3

Overview

Our curriculum in year 8 builds on year 7 learning and aims to enable our students to gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world and to inspire students’ curiosity to know more about the past. Across the Key Stage, students will cover a broad history of Britain as a coherent, chronological narrative, from the earliest times to the present day, as well as how Britain has influenced and been influenced by the wider world.

During our year 8 History lessons, students will have the opportunity to explore rich and diverse stories from the past. They will be taught key ‘must know’ knowledge essential to their deep understanding of the issues we explore. Alongside this factual knowledge, students will also be taught the key disciplinary concepts which make up History as a subject.

Yr 8 learning journey

Across KS3, students will develop their understanding of:

• Continuity and change. Why do some aspects of the past change, sometimes dramatically, whilst other aspects appear to change very little?

• Cause and consequence. What causes lead to events happening in the past? What consequences do these lead to and with what impacts?

Similarity and difference. Within a time period, what similarities and differences can be drawn between people, groups or events? Why do these similarities or differences exist?

• Significance. What makes events or moments in the past significant?

Through the key stage, students will have the opportunity to develop these disciplinary concepts to make connections, draw contrasts, analyse trends, frame historically-valid questions and create their own structured accounts, including written narratives and analyses. Students will also be able to explore how evidence is used rigorously to make historical claims, and discern how and why contrasting arguments and interpretations of the past have been constructed.

The particular focus for each topic within our year 8 curriculum is indicated on our curriculum journey shown above.

When and how assessment of learning will happen

To assess student progress in History, our Year 8 students will complete an in-class assessment at the end of each topic. These will take place at the end of the second, fourth and sixth half-terms. Within each in-class assessment, students will be assessed in three strands:

1. ‘Must know knowledge’. This will be assessed through multiple choice, definition or brief one sentence responses.

2. Disciplinary concepts. This will assess understanding of specific concepts developed through the topic. For example, students could be asked to match up causes to their consequences.

3. Historical skills or writing. This will assess students’ ability to write their own structured accounts, provide an analysis or to use evidence or explore historical interpretations.

In addition, they will complete regular knowledge quizzes to help them develop and recall the key ‘must know knowledge’. These will be set in a combination of in-class and online quizzes. In a 6-week half-term, we would expect students to complete at least 2 quizzes in addition to their in-class assessment.

Reporting

In year 8, you will receive a subject report at the end of each History topic. Currently, this will be at the end of the second, fourth and sixth half-terms.

In our History subject report you will find:

Useful information about the in-class assessment the students have completed

A numerical and percentage score from their in-class assessment

• Information and feedback about why a particular score was awarded and an indication of how this could be improved

‘Next steps’ and sources of support to help students improve their performance in the future

A percentage score from the in-class or online recall quizzes, including feedback about whether they were completed or not

Useful information

Each History report will contain more specific sources of support relevant to each in-class assessment and History topic.

In addition to a paper copy in their exercise books, students will always be able to access the relevant Knowledge Organisers for each History topic online through their History Teams page. This can be accessed via this link tinyurl. com/59fh9dt9 or by logging into Office365 using their school login credentials, selecting Microsoft Teams and then searching for Year 8 History in their individual Teams page. All students will also be given a copy of the link via Show My Homework at the beginning of the year.

Our Teams page will also include access to a ‘Read, watch, click’ for each topic. This will give a suggestion of a good book, documentary and website for each topic we study. A copy of our ‘Read, watch, click’ will also be provided via Show My Homework in advance of each History topic.

A really useful general website providing good overviews of most of the topics we study in Year 8 can be www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zk26n39

Homework expectations

In a typical 6 week half term, students would be expected to complete at least three homework activities. These could include online knowledge quizzes, revision and enquiry based activities. Homework will be set via Show My Homework (SMHW).

Maths | Year 8 KS3

Overview

The mathematics curriculum at Cowes is well sequenced which enables all students at all levels of attainment to practise fluency, to reason, and to think mathematically at every possible opportunity.

The curriculum prioritises critical knowledge and gradually builds understanding over time across the three years. It is underpinned by the principles of cognitive science.

Yr 8 learning journey

Maths | Year 8 KS3

When and how assessment of learning will happen

There are two formal assessments in year 8, one at the beginning of November and the second towards the middle of June. Reports based on these assessments will be sent home in November and July. A topic list for each assessment with associated Mathswatch clips to support with revision will be sent out in advance of each assessment through show my homework.

Videos can be found on the video tab and clip numbers typed in the search box. If the clip number is preceded by a letter, it is in the KS3 Qualification dropdown. If the clip number is not preceded by a letter, it will be in the GCSE option.

Above the video, there are options such as interactive questions and a downloadable worksheet. The interactive question option is perfect for students’ independent work. The video will talk about various methods to solve mathematical calculations with opportunities to pause the video so students can answer questions on paper. The videos are helpful to students and parents alike on how to solve mathematical problems.

Useful information

There are plenty helpful and interesting mathematics websites. If you want help on improving your mathematics or just interested in mathematics for mathematics sake the following websites could be of interest.

BBC Bitesize Gives explanations and opportunities for revision on all topics in the maths curriculum

Mr Bartons Revision; Podcast; Maths and Logic Puzzles

Numberphile Video posts about mathematics that explore various topics

Nrich A website with a variety of mathematics problems suitable for all abilities

Homework expectations

A main homework will be set weekly by teachers either given in an electronic or paper based format. Homework will typically take 30 to 60 minutes to complete. It is an expectation that all homework is written in the back of exercise books.

As a daily homework students should be encouraged to read or correct their notes on the days immediately following their Maths lessons; they are more likely to remember what they have been taught using a “little and often” approach. The only way to remember what you learnt yesterday/last week/last month/last year is to try questions on those topics regularly. Daily homework should be typically 10 to 15 minutes on the day of a maths lesson or the day after.

Music | Year 8 KS3

Overview

We have developed a broad, captivating and fun curriculum journey, encompassing the transition into year 7 through to the end of year 9. It is structured in a manner that allows our students to gain a passion and curiosity for music, based on the constant re-visiting of the musical elements, opportunity for creativity (composition), understanding, application of skills (performance) and expression (singing).

Yr 8 learning journey

When and how assessment of learning will happen

As in year 7, each unit of work will be accompanied by a Knowledge Organiser which contains all of the information we focus on during the unit and then forms part of the end of unit assessment. There will be a quiz set on Show My Homework (SMHW) which students will complete on the last lesson of each unit. As well as this, students will be assessed on their ‘application of skills’ i.e performance. This will be assessed on two strands.

1. Technical control/accuracy.

2. Expression and interpretation.

Students complete a self-assessment radar (example below) which enables them to evaluate their own progress/ understanding and see where and how they can progress further. An example as follows.

Students will receive a music report twice a year which will again refer to the assessment criteria and offer an overview of their current level of progress and areas for development. Our year 8 curriculum offers our student’s the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the musical elements and develop their performing and composition skills.

Useful information

To allow our students to appreciate their musical journey with us to the fullest, we encourage them to broaden their musical listening tastes and explore the vast array of music out there. By doing this, students will develop their own taste in music, thus deepening their understanding of genres/styles. Each unit will have suggested listening, however, we do encourage our students to explore independently.

To further support our student’s musical learning, this link will help to develop the aural/theory training. https://www.musicca.com/

We also recommend this free online Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) where students can explore music production, composition, mixing and editing www.edu.bandlab.com

We actively encourage and advise our students to engage in extra curriculum music. As well as ensemble opportunity here at Cowes Enterprise College, the IOW also has a wide array of ensembles and groups the student’s can become involved in. Peripatetic instrumental lessons are also offered. https://iwmt.org.uk/

Finally, nothing encapsulates music better than live performance. Live, online music events can be accessed for free on many occasions. We also like to visit the Portsmouth Guildhall which offers a £1 ticket price for children under 18 for world class orchestral performances. https://portsmouthguildhall.org.uk/whats-on/

Our year 8 curriculum explores music from around the world. This is a useful link to research, listen and appreciate music from other cultures and traditions. https://www.allaroundthisworld.com/

Homework expectations

Music homework will be set once every fortnight (3 per unit of work). Homework will be based on revision of the unit’s knowledge organiser and development of practical skills. Homework will not exceed an hour, however, we would like to encourage our student’s to broaden their listening and enjoy keeping a log of listening and practice. Our music staff will be sharing their current listening and we warmly encourage students (and staff) to do the same.

Overview

Each year in PE students develop knowledge and skills across three main curriculum areas: Skills and Techniques, Tactics and Strategies, and Healthy Participation.

Yr 8 learning journey

The types of activity include:

Fitness - activities where the emphasis is on the individual’s health, fitness, and participation levels.

Invasion games - team game activities where one team play against another, for example, netball, football, and rugby.

OAA - Outdoor Adventurous Activities, which include elements of team building, communication, and orienteering. Creative activities - these are activities where the focus is on aesthetics and performances as either and individual or group, for example gymnastics and dance.

Athletics - Track and Field events such as sprinting, long-distance running, shot put and high jump.

Strike Field - This includes game events where students play in teams but have individual responsibilities within them, for example rounders and softball.

Net/Wall - these are introduced in year 8 and include racket sports such as tennis and badminton alongside net sports such as volleyball at KS4.

When and how assessment of learning will happen

Students will work towards bronze, silver and gold levels in the three main assessment areas. These levels are specific to their year group and the type of activity being undertaken. If students are able to perform beyond the gold level, they are awarded the CEC star grade.

For example, the criteria for year 8 invasion games are:

Bronze

Describe the main skills required in the activity being studied and provide teaching points. Explain the aim of the main game and be able to successfully apply basic core skills to a conditioned game in order to achieve success.

Silver Refine the main skills and develop understanding of key words. Demonstrate a clear knowledge and understanding of the rules.

Gold

Apply key words when talking about rules and regulations. Be able to perform main skills to a competent level and successfully apply a range of tactics during gameplay. Identify some related components of fitness.

Reports will go home to parents in November, March and July. These will give information on current attainment and information on how to improve further.

Useful information

Go with or encourage your child to go for a walk, jog or run and record it on the CECrun Share Point page.

Visit the #ThisIsPE page on the AfPE website for ideas on how to get involved with simple exercises at home which can help develop your child’s skills/fitness.

Learn about why PE in school is important:

How exercise affects the brain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0ARTVoI18U

How playing sports benefits your body ... and your brain: How playing sports benefits your body ... and your brainLeah Lagos and Jaspal Ricky Singh - YouTube

Visit websites such as BBC Sport to read about different sports/fixtures/events with your child:

BBC Sport Cricket: Cricket - BBC Sport

BBC Sport Football: Football - BBC Sport

BBC Sport Netball: Netball - BBC Sport

BBC Sport Rugby: Rugby Union - BBC Sport

BBC Sport Gymnastics:

Dance fact file: Dance - an overview and history of the sport - Dance - factfile - GCSE Physical Education Revision - Edexcel - BBC Bitesize

Watch video clips and learn about the skills and techniques of different sports on the BBC Sports Academy website: BBC SPORT | Sport Academy

Homework expectations

For core PE, homework expectations will be for students to take part in an extra curricular club, event or inter house event each term and to complete a multiple choice assessment in relation to a relevant activity being studied each term. These will be based on rules, regulations and tactical strategies and completed through Show My Homework (SMHW).

School clubs can be found here - Cowes Enterprise College, An Ormiston Academy - School Clubs (cowesec.org)

Overview

Our curriculum in year 8 Religious Studies aims to inspire our students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to ask and answer challenging questions. Across the Key Stage, students encounter a broad range of different theological, philosophical, and social science approaches, enabling them to ask deep and often searching questions about their own faiths and beliefs, the faiths and beliefs of others regarding pertinent contemporary moral issues.

Yr 8 learning journey

During our year 8 Religious Studies lessons, students will have a big question that leads them into the topic of the lesson, seeking to encourage discussion and debate from the students. They will be taught key ‘must know’ knowledge essential to their deep understanding of the issues we explore.

In Religious Studies, we will cover three different types of knowledge:

• Substantive knowledge – knowledge about various religious and non-religious traditions.

• ‘Ways of knowing’ – where students will learn ‘how to know’ about religion and non-religion.

• Personal knowledge – allowing students to build an awareness of their own presuppositions and values about the religious and non-religious traditions they study.

Through the Key Stage, students will have the opportunity to develop these types of knowledge to make useful connections. The enquiry focus for each topic within our Year 8 curriculum is indicated on our curriculum journey shown above.

Religious Studies | Year 8 KS3

When and how assessment of learning will happen

To assess learning in Religious Studies, our year 8 students will:

• Complete an in-class assessment at the end of each topic. These will take place during or at the end of each unit of work. Within each in-class assessment, students will be assessed in two strands.

1. Part A: Requires the students to recall taught knowledge through multiple choice questions.

2. Part B: Requires the students to implement their taught knowledge through a range of different question types including some extended pieces of evaluative writing.

Each question in the in-class assessment will be worth a set number of marks. The marks available for each question will be based on its complexity. For example, a multiple choice or definition question would be worth one mark, whilst more extended pieces of evaluative writing will be worth 15 marks.

Complete regular knowledge quizzes to help them develop and recall the key ‘must know knowledge’. These will be set in a combination of in-class and online quizzes. In a 6 week half-term, we would expect students to complete at least 1 quiz in addition to their in-class assessment.

Reporting

You will receive a subject report at the end of each Religious Studies assessment. Currently, this will be during the third and sixth half-terms.

In our Religious Studies subject report you will find:

Useful information about the in-class assessment the students have completed

• A numerical and percentage score from their in-class assessment.

• Information and feedback about why a particular score was awarded and an indication of how this could be improved.

‘Next steps’ and sources of support to help students improve their performance in the future

A percentage score from the in-class or online recall quizzes, including feedback about whether they were completed or not

Useful information

Students will have access to a wide range of information and support to help them develop their skills as a theologian.

Each Religious Studies unit has a supporting booklet which the students complete during their lesson. This contains the essential information for each lesson and also tasks for the student to complete. At the start of each booklet, for each unit there is a knowledge organiser that contains key information, key vocabulary and key people for the unit. The relevant knowledge organisers will be able to be accessed through their Religious Studies Teams page. This can be accessed via this link tinyurl.com/2p83uwps or by logging into Office365 using their school login credentials, selecting Microsoft Teams and then searching for Year 8 Religious Studies in their individual Teams page.

Homework expectations

Students will be expected to regularly complete homework in Religious Studies. This will consist of knowledge recall tasks linked to their learning across the breadth of the topic or enquiry based activities and further research. Homework will be set once a fortnight via Show My Homework (SMHW).

Overview

Our curriculum in year 8 aims to further develop the concepts first encountered in year 7 and demonstrate to the students that with more depth of understanding comes more interest in the subject. This continues to be achieved through our organisation of the curriculum into the overarching topics of organisms, ecosystems, genes, matter, earth and beyond, reactions, energy, waves and forces. These topics are revisited regularly throughout KS3, and they progress into KS4 as well.

Alongside the factual (substantive) knowledge, students will also be taught the key disciplinary concepts which make up Science as a subject. Across year 8, students will develop their understanding of:

Biology

What is an ecosystem? How is a food web laid out? What is diffusion? How do humans breathe? What is photosynthesis? How does light intensity affect photosynthesis? What is variation in a species? How do organisms adapt to change? What are the nutrients we need from food? How is food digested? What is aerobic respiration? How is anaerobic respiration used in food production?

Chemistry

What is the structure of the Earth? How do sedimentary rocks form? What is a mixture? How does filtering separate solids from liquids? What are exothermic and endothermic reactions? How do reaction profiles show energy change in a reaction? What gases are in the atmosphere? How are humans contributing to global warming? Where do we get metal from? What can be recycled and why is it important? What is the periodic table? How does the pattern of reactivity change in group 1?

Physics

What happens when forces are unbalanced? How is speed calculated? What is the main difference between series and parallel circuits? How does static electricity build up? What is meant by conduction? How can a house be insulated to prevent energy loss? What is friction? How can you measure the stretching of a spring?

Throughout the Key Stage, students will have the opportunity to develop these disciplinary concepts to make connections, analyse different examples of the material taught, carry out practical work having determined the variables, as well as carrying out mathematical processes such as graphing and calculation of values. Students will also be able to explore how scientific evidence is used and generate their own conclusions from experimental data. Students will become confident when using key scientific terminology in their writing.

When and how assessment of learning will happen

To assess student progress in Science, our year 8 students will complete:

• an in-class, self-assessed learning quiz at the end of each topic followed up with improvement tasks completed in class to ensure students are developing their understanding.

an extended writing task based on the mini-topic being delivered which will be marked in the student’s books, and will generate an improvement target for the students to be completed in their books.

• formal assessments in January and June. The January mid-year assessment covers the topics delivered in the first half of the academic year. The terminal year 7 assessment in June covers the second half of the year in addition to recall of the key content from the first half. These assessments will be marked by teachers and will lead to science reports being sent home.

In our Science subject report you will find:

• Information about the in-class assessment the students have completed

• A numerical and percentage score from their in-class assessment.

• A progress comment for each of the topics included in the assessment.

‘Next steps’ and sources of support to help students improve their performance in the future based on the assessment.

• Links to knowledge organisers to help develop the areas most in need.

Useful information

Students will have access to a wide range of information and support to help them develop their science skills. Each Science report will contain more specific sources of support relevant to each in-class assessment, such as links to relevant online revision tools and access to the knowledge organisers.

In addition to a paper copy in their exercise books, students will always be able to access the relevant knowledge organisers for each Science topic online through the school website. All students will also be given a copy of the relevant topic knowledge organiser on Show My Homework to aid them working on the topic out of lesson, and to further the possibility of specific support being given at home.

Knowledge organisers are concise and precise overviews of the must know knowledge needed for each topic. They also contain the key subject specific vocabulary relevant for each topic.

A really useful general website providing good overviews of most of the topics we study in Year 8 can be found at BBC Bitesize https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zng4d2p

Homework expectations

Each topic will have the knowledge organiser set for home learning of the key content and the key terms. The students will also have an online Show My Homework (SMHW) quiz for the topic. This will be repeated in each topic (approximately 2 weeks).

Spanish | Year 8 KS3

Overview

Having learnt basic grammatical structures, including present and future tense formation in year 7, in year 8 students are challenged to apply these to new contexts. The Year 8 curriculum is also designed to introduce students to new topics (eg: holidays and food) with further vocabulary learning and to the past tense to enable them to vary their language, crucial to GCSE success. We aim to encourage students to be creative with language, to use more mature structures and vocabulary in order to understand and respond to speakers of the language and to give them the skills to cope on a global stage. The five year 8 topics are shown below.

Yr 8 learning journey

When and how assessment of learning will happen

How skills are assessed

Listening

Speaking

Students will show that they can understand the main points of short and longer spoken texts, including events in the past and future.

Students will demonstrate that they can say the majority of words from the Y8 curriculum with accurate French pronunciation. Students will also discuss free time activities, likes and dislikes regarding music and TV including reasons for these opinions as well as what they did yesterday in their free time and during holidays in the past.

Reading Students will demonstrate their understanding of main points, opinions and details in short and longer written texts about holidays, future plans and food, including past holidays.

Writing Students will aim to write texts using language from memory, giving opinions, with reasons, sequencers and reference to the past and future.

Useful information

Vocabulary learning is vital for language acquisition. Please try some of these…

• Use “Look-cover-write-check” or “Look-cover-say-check” strategy for revision for speaking and writing tests

• Play games with your child to learn the vocabulary – use the links for the online resource “blooket” given each week on SMHW

• Sticky notes: Ask your child to write new vocabulary on sticky notes and stick them where he/she will see them often. For example, he/she could stick them to the bathroom mirror to read through every time he/she washes their hands or brush his/her teeth

• Make cards: Cut up some paper or card into small rectangles. Write one target language word on each card. Write out the English words too, one word per card. Mix them up and match the cards! You can play snap with them or turn them all upside down and try to find the pairs.

Use languages online link below to help your child learn the past (preterit) tense https://www.languagesonline.org.uk/Spanish/preterite/index.htm

Homework expectations

Each Friday, a link to “quizlet” and “blooket” will be provided on Show My Homework (SMHW) for your child to start learning the key vocabulary for the unit to be taught the following week. Encourage your child to review the vocabulary on their preferred site (you will need to help them make an account using their school email). Encourage your child to spend 10 minutes per day reviewing the vocabulary and at the end of the week, they should complete the vocabulary quiz on Show My Homework (SMHW) to show their teacher they have retained the vocabulary. This is due every Friday. If you require a paper copy of the key vocabulary, please email your child’s class teacher or info@cowesec.org Students are expected also to prepare thoroughly for speaking and writing assessments.

What is refraction and the impact at sea?

What are marine ecosystems?

What is ocean acidification?

How do scientists clean oil spills?

How does the size of a sail affect speed?

Maritime | Year 8 KS3

Geography

Is coastal management in Cowes effective?

Overview

Excellence for Composites, Advanced Manufacturing and Marine) and engage in a practical activity to explore the links between technology and the maritime industry. They will learn how to electronically construct a circuit that produced a morse code signal using a range of different components. They will also learn about careers linked to safety at sea.

Y7 MARITIME

Maritime field trip: This unique visit takes all students out on a boat to see the varied coastal features on the north coast of the Isle of Wight. The students hear from local experts about how the coastal management techniques were conceived, funded and received by the local people. Students judge how effective the coastal management techniques are and their potential impact on residents. The tour is led by the Cowes Harbour Master who brings his extensive knowledge of the workings of

Art and Design

Maritime Heroes and charcoal portraits: How does World Ocean Day influence decisions and support change?

Who are our Maritime Heroes?

Can Maritime Art and Design influence the way we see the world or change the way we live?

Year 8 learning journey YR8

Food, preparation and nutrition: ‘Welcome aboard!’: What skills and techniques in the kitchen can be used in a compact maritime setting?

How can we prepare a balanced and nutritious diet on board a Merchant Navy vessel?

Every student in years 7, 8 and 9 studies and is exposed to our Maritime Futures Curriculum. The theme of maritime is not a discrete subject but is woven through traditional curriculum subjects to support students’ conceptual understanding using practical projects and experiences. This is also supported by local maritime experts who work with our students as mentors and advisors to bridge the gap between school and industry. Students have access to a careers portal that features video interviews from a range of maritime employers who discuss how different subjects studied can create pathways to a huge range of employment opportunities within the industry.

Y8 MARITIME

Science

What is the process of gas exchange in fish?

How does air resistance affect sailing?

How do ships capsize?

How do ships float and sink?

How does salt affect buoyancy?

How do you separate the components of sea water?

How is marine fuel obtained from distillation?

How does depth affect light intensity and photosynthesis?

Design and Technology

How does the technique of vacuum forming produce the desired shape of a hull?

How can you plan the manufacturer of a motor boat?

How can I apply knowledge of hull design and propulsion to manufacturer a straight-line speed vessel?

How can we develop and apply our knowledge of tools and materials to improve a naval design?

Students apply knowledge gained from year 8 Science, stability and use this to build a model motor boat that offers a stable platform and travels in a straight line.

Y8 MARITIME

Science

How do wetsuits provide insulation?

What nutrients are in a one pot meal?

What is sonar?

What fuel is best at powering a boat?

What is the carbon ocean cycle?

Geography

Geography

Y8 MARITIME

Why are rivers useful? How do rivers effect local populations, transportation, energy use and

History

What does the Mary Rose reveal about Tudor Society?

What can the artefacts found on the wreck of the Mary Rose tell us about life at sea in Tudor Britain?

Maritime Field Trip: This visit is a student led enquiry into how students can independently draw inferences from the artefacts found on the wreckage of the Mary Rose. Students will have a guided tour of the museum and each student will have their own thematic focus, for example multiculturalism or warfare technology. Each theme will be drawn back to wider inferences about life in Tudor England and address any misconceptions about the perceived mono-cultural nature of Tudor England. Students also learn how England became an important maritime nation and attracted people from around the world.

Y8 MARITIME

Art and Design

Mixed media and printmaking: Learning about micro-organisms and microplastics in the ocean.

How do I use a variety of media to record marine life forms?

How do artists, designers and scientists work together to support the ocean?

How have different cultures represented the ocean?

How do artists raise awareness about micro-plastic pollution?

Y8 MARITIME

Food, preparation and nutrition

Y8 MARITIME

How does the importance of containerisation effect our economy and its role within the shipping industry?

Students learn through their county study of China and how shipping routes interconnect countries globally.

Technology in action visit to CECAMM: Rescue at sea

Maritime Construction: Students visit CECAMM (Centre of Excellence for Composites, Advanced Manufacturing and Marine) and engage the three tasks involving maritime engine construction, composites and casting. Students use already cured components, and create a vacuum bag to learn how these components were created. They then have the opportunity to vacuum test their layup to see how well it held the vacuum. They will also explore careers opportunities relating to composites and construction.

How can I prepare and cook food using a hob and oven in a confined space to produce a well made and nutritious food product?

How can I ensure that the food a produce meets the dietary requirements of a multicultural crew?

Y8 MARITIME

Textiles

How can I safely operate a sewing machine to product a beach bag?

Students learn about different careers within the maritime clothing industry

Y8 MARITIME

Science

What are composites and how are they used?

How are polymers used in maritime?

How is magnetism used in navigation?

How do toxins affect aquatic organisms?

Y7 MARITIME

Y7 MARITIME

A professional maritime artefact diver visits the academy to talk to students about their work and how science supports them.

Visit from the Shipwreck Museum

Throughout the year, students in year 8 will have an opportunity to extend their maritime learning from year 7 and apply their knowledge to in all six different subjects. In Design and Technology, they will be building a motor boat that enables them to design ways to prevent water ingress into the hull and also study ways in which hull shapes need to change to support the weight of a motor. Through links to science, they will also use their investigative skills to design solutions to problems that affect the resistance of material in salt water.

As part of a main history topic, students will also visit the Mary Rose Museum in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. The visit takes the form a student-led enquiry where they draw inferences from artefacts found on the wreckage and use this information to inform a topic based project focusing on how Tudor exploration as influenced our maritime industry today.

Through their Y8 Science curriculum, students will learn about marine ecosystems where they study what affect high salt content water as on species and how the availability of light, food and nutrients is changing rapidly.

Half way through Year 8, the whole year group will have the opportunity to spend a day at CECAMM in East Cowes (Centre of Excellence for Composites, Advanced Manufacturing and Marine). They engage in a carousel of practical activities where they will be understanding how a marine engine works, learning how to solder electrical components and delving into the science behind composites.

At the end the academic year, students present their maritime work in a showcase event as well as having the opportunity to test their sailboat designs on water.

When and how assessment of learning will happen

Students will be assessed on their application of skills within the maritime unit of a subject. A knowledge organiser will also be provided that provides explanations to key vocabulary as well as examples and ideas to support their projects. Assessment will also take the form of formative assessment with students being given opportunities to respond to questions to challenge their understanding.

Useful information

Discuss your child’s maritime studies with them and talk about how the maritime industry has a vast range of employment opportunities from Naval Architecture (designing boats) to robotic engineers.

Cowes Enterprise College also runs a weekly boat building club where students work alongside technicians to learn about design and restoration through practical application.

Our OAT Futures webpage gives you an opportunity to listen to employers and employees discussing their job role and how their studies took them to their position – some of whom are ex-students from CEC. Please visit: https://oatfutures.co.uk

Interesting Podcasts for those looking for a little bit extra….

General

Ted Talks Daily: every weekday, this brings you the latest talks on thought-provoking ideas on every subject imaginable

Talks by brilliant kids and teens (Ted Talks): talks from scientists, musicians, innovators, activists -- all under the age of 20

Stuff you should know: an award-winning source of unbiased, reliable, easy-to-understand answers and explanations of how the world actually works

Part time Genius: for teens who love asking absurd questions, this podcast may just have the answers

What’s Good Games: an upbeat show for the nerdinclined and your source for video game news, analysis, commentary and funny stuff

Talks at Google: brings the world’s most influential thinkers, creators, makers, and doers all to one place

How to Fail: a podcast that celebrates the things that haven’t gone right. Every week, a new interviewee explores what their failures taught them about how to succeed better

Current Affairs

Wait, Wait Don’t Tell me: weekly news quiz. Have a laugh and test your knowledge with today’s funniest comedians

The Daily: The biggest world stories of our time, told by the journalists from the New York Times. Twenty minutes a day, five days a week, ready by 6 a.m.

Business/IT

How I Built This: a podcast about innovators, entrepreneurs, idealists, told by the founders of some of the world’s best known companies and brands

Foundering: an award winning podcast which brings you inside different high stakes drama from the technology industry

English

The Moth: Moth storytellers stand alone, under a spotlight, with only a microphone and a roomful of strangers. It’s a great listen for anyone interested in writing or storytelling

Live from Mount Olympus: combines contemporary theatre with the storytelling of Greek mythology. The first season retells the story of Perseus, who makes a vow to slay the Gorgon Medusa and bring back her head

The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel: a high-quality serial mystery. Think Goonies, meets Spy Kids, meets Stranger Things for up to 13 year-olds

Welcome to Night Vale: a quirky twice-monthly mystery podcast in the style of community updates for the fictional small desert town of Night Vale, reporting on the strange events that occur within it

Novel Pairings: a podcast “dedicated to making the classics readable, relevant, and fun”

Something Rhymes with Purple: Susie Dent and Gyles Brandreth invite you to enhance your vocabulary, uncover the hidden origins of language and share their love of words in this award-winning podcast

Word of Mouth: Poet Michael Rosen explores the world of words and the ways in which we use them

History

Stuff you missed in history class: History is full of weird, wonderful stories that are often glossed over in academic settings. This podcast uncovers some of those incidents.

You’re dead to me: the comedy podcast that takes history seriously. Greg Jenner brings together the best names in comedy and history to learn and laugh about the past

We are History: the less than serious history podcast

Dan Snow’s History hit: the most exciting and important things that have ever happened on the planet!

History Extra Podcast: the latest news from the team behind BBC History Magazine

The Rest is History: interrogates the past and attempts to de-tangle the present as a result

Science/Maths

The Curious Cases of Rutherford and Fry: science sleuths Dr Adam Rutherford and Dr Hannah Fry investigate everyday mysteries sent by listeners

The Infinite Monkey Cage: a witty look at the world through scientists’ eyes

Radiolab: the hosts break down scientific concepts to make them accessible

Science Friday: a podcast for science lovers which focuses on current events, and the scientific concepts that are in the news

Science(ish): delves into the science behind popular culture

Interesting Podcasts for those looking for a little bit extra….

Eureka! a show that gets under the skin of science with questions that really matter!

30 Animals that Made us Smarter: amazing things humans have learnt from the animal kingdom

Drama

The Hamilcast: a Hamilton Podcast: if you’re a fan of the world-famous musical or simply want to know about this cultural phenomenon, this podcast is just the thing for you

Backstage with Disney Theatrical: if you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of your favourite Disney shows, this podcast reveals all #SuchStuff from Shakespeare’s Globe: the hosts take you behind the scenes, into rehearsal rooms and onto Shakespeare’s Globe’s stages, sharing the incredible stories and experiences that come through their doors every day

Art

ArtCurious: think art history is boring? Think again. It’s weird, funny, mysterious and liberating. Who is Banksy, really? Did Van Gogh actually kill himself?

The Lonely Palette: in each episode Tamar picks a painting and interviews unsuspecting museum visitors about it

DT

99% Invisible: a tiny radio show about design, architecture & the ninety-nine percent invisible activity that shapes our world

Wellbeing / Teen Advice/ Careers

Mental Music: this is a podcast made for and by teens, focusing on mental health

Adult ISH: for older teens who are soon to be headed into the real world

Dear Hank and John: the brothers answer questions like how to quit a job, how to find time to do little things, and can bees feel happiness and sadness

Mentors 4 Teens: a careers podcast which brings in young successful mentors in a variety of industries who will give actionable tips and advice on how they got there and how a teenager can get there too

The Happiness Lab with Dr Laurie Santos: based on her Yale psychology course Laurie will change the way you think about happiness

Freakonomics Radio: tells you things you always thought you knew (but didn’t) and things you never thought you wanted to know (but do)

How do you cope?: the hosts talk to a range of guests about the challenges and hurdles they’ve faced in their own lives

Music

Song Exploder: where musicians take apart their songs, and piece by piece, tell the story of how they were made Switched on Pop: this podcast analyses the popular songs and artists that are in the music industry

Black Girl Songbook: a deep dive into a different Black woman in the music industry each week

Geography

Andy Steves Travel: from a life raised on travel, Andy Steves connects with global friends in seeking out the ultimate tips, tricks and tales of life abroad

Family Adventures: inspiring interviews with families who have dreamed big and experienced epic adventures

National Geographic Weekend: a weekly talk show featuring interviews with some of the most fascinating explorers and scientists on the planet

80 Days; An exploration Podcast: a podcast dedicated to exploring little-known countries, territories settlements and cities around the world

Ask the Geographer: a podcast by Royal Geographical Society Schools

Kid Friendly Geographer Fun Facts Podcast: weekly geography fun facts for kids and parents to enjoy together

RS and Philosophy

The Philosopher’s Zone: the simplest questions often have the most complex answers. The Philosopher’s Zone is your guide through the strange paths of logic and ethics

The Philosopher’s Arms: Matthew Sweet examines philosophical problems with a live audience in a pub

Reporting Schedule | Year 8

Parents’ Evening Dates

Year 8 Reporting Schedule

The table below gives an overview of which subjects will be sending reports home during each half term of the school year. Reports will be sent home at different times during the half term, depending on when the assessment has taken place. Following a formal assessment, teachers will mark and moderate work before entering data to generate the reports. Once this has been checked, the reports will be sent home.