Key Stage 3 Curriculum Guide 2017

International School, Luxembourg A.S.B.L.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum

Soon Booklet

Table of Contents Overview ....................................................................................................................... 2 Assessment ................................................................................................................... 2 Art, Craft and Design .................................................................................................... 3 Drama ........................................................................................................................... 5 English .......................................................................................................................... 6 French ........................................................................................................................... 7 Geography .................................................................................................................... 8 German ......................................................................................................................... 9 History ........................................................................................................................ 10 Information Communication Technology................................................................... 11 Mathematics ............................................................................................................... 12 Music ........................................................................................................................... 13 Physical Education ...................................................................................................... 14 Science ........................................................................................................................ 15 SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Education) ............................................. 17

Overview At St. George’s International School, students in Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) study a broad and balanced curriculum that builds on their learning in the Primary school and prepares them for the examination courses which begin in Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11).

All students will study the following subjects:       

Maths, Science, English Modern Foreign Languages (French and German) The Arts (Music, Drama, Art) Humanities (History, Geography) Physical Education SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Education) ICT

Students with particular needs will receive specialist support:   

English as an Additional Language (EAL) Learning Support – Maths and English Gifted & Talented students

Assessment Assessment during KS3 takes place informally through continual teacher assessment and also formally in end of year exams in the summer term. Year 7 students will take a CAT4 test (Cognitive Abilities Test) early the Autumn term. This provides the school with an assessment of the potential of individual students and is also used internally to assist subject teachers when monitoring and tracking student progress through the Key Stage.

Homework Homework in KS3 will follow the programme outlined in the KS3 homework timetable which is published on the school website.

For further information on the Key Stage 3 programme please contact Mr G. Cooper (Assistant Head Teacher, Key Stage 3). Parents of students wishing to join the school in Key Stage 3 are asked to contact Mrs Kerry Tranter, Admissions Officer (admissions@st-georges.lu).

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Art, Craft and Design The Art, Craft and Design course will encourage personal expression, imagination, sensitivity, conceptual thinking, powers of observation, analytical ability and practical attitudes. It will lead to a greater understanding of the role of the visual arts in the history of civilisations. It will widen cultural horizons and enrich the individual. It will combine a breadth and depth of study so that it may accommodate a wide range of abilities and individual resources.

Art, Craft and Design complements literary, mathematical, scientific and factual subjects. It is especially concerned with the development of visual perception and aesthetics, and it is a form of communication and a means of expressing ideas and feelings.

Outline of the schemes of work for Key Stage 3 Year 7

Year 8

Year 9 Formal Elements

Autumn/ Spring Spring/ Summer

Maps

Typography and graphics

Insects

Everyday objects

Cross-curricular: Science - Microscopic

Line

Texture Form Cross-curricular: Music/Science – Thumb pianos

Colour

Cross-curricular: Drama/Music – Shadow Puppets

Pattern

Tone

Year 7 Students will focus on developing mark making using a variety of materials to gain confidence in the subject and will learn the lino printing technique. Later in the year they will work on basic drawing skills concentrating on line and tone. Colour mixing will be introduced through the use of watercolour paints, colouring pencils and oil pastels. Students will also combine new techniques such as monoprinting and embroidery to produce a variety of outcomes.

Main artists studied Vincent Van Gogh Paul Klee Nigel Peake Ernst Haekel Henri Rousseau

Materials & techniques used Mixed media drawing and painting Lino printing Monoprinting Embroidery Clay

Outcomes Individual imaginary map Individual textile piece Collection of lino prints Experimental drawings Clay tile Artist research booklet

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Year 8 Students will explore typography in art and develop an individual style to create a poster to promote art. Drawing will continue to develop from year 7 with the introduction of more experimental techniques. Colour mixing skills from year 7 will continue to expand through the introduction of acrylic paint and students will have the opportunity to develop work through the use of digital media. Students will learn about collagraph printmaking and will also develop sculpture through basic construction using cardboard and papier mache.

Main artists studied Roy Lichtenstein Vic Lee Peter Blake Michael Craig Martin Bridget Riley Dan Funderburgh

Materials & techniques used Acrylic paint Collography Drawing/Graphite Colouring pencil Fineliner Cardboard and papier mache Digital media

Outcomes Slogan poster 3D artist letter Rotational symmetry design Michael Craig Martin style painting Collagraphs Digital prints Artist research booklet

Year 9 Formal Elements Students will focus on the art, craft and design formal elements in order to prepare for GCSE Art and Design. Line will be explored through mark making, texture through weave, form through the creation of thumb pianos, colour through painting, pattern through printmaking and tone through mixed media drawing.

Artists studied David Hockney Grayson Perry Henri Matisse Banksy Tracey Emin Chris Ofili

Materials & techniques used Mixed media drawing Mixed media weaving Pyrography Mixed media paint Variety of intaglio and relief printmaking techniques

Outcomes Self portrait Twig weave Thumb piano Mixed media painting Collection of printed patterns Experimental drawings Artist research booklet

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Drama Through practical and theoretical study, students will develop an understanding and enjoyment of drama, developing group and individual skills and studying ways to communicate ideas and feelings to an audience.

They learn how to discover the performance possibilities of a play text and devise dramatic material of their own. Learners also develop their performance skills, the demonstration of which will form part of every assessment.

Students will study aspects of world theatre and some theatre history will be covered over the course of KS3.

In year 7 and 8 the course is 100% practical. In year 9 there is one essay writing task to prepare students for the demands of IGCSE Drama.

What students will learn Drama in Years 7, 8 and 9 offers the opportunity to learn basic performance skills and will be assessed in four main areas of study;    

Voice and Movement Characterisation Devising Drama Evaluating Drama

Topics of Study

Year 7 Year 8

Year 9

Autumn

Spring

Summer

Basic stage craft / Suspense Gothic Horror

Mime / Greek Theatre

Shadow Puppets

Trestle Masks

An introduction to Devising

Page to Stage

Naturalism V Nonnaturalism

Staging a public performance

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English The work in Key Stage 3 is designed to develop students appreciation of literary texts and written communication.There are three main sections in the Year 7, 8 and 9 course. The three principal areas of study are speaking and listening, reading, and writing. Work throughout the subject generally ensures that these areas are integrated.

In addition to language study – grammar and the development of language – are also incorporated within the three main sections.

What will students learn?

Speaking and listening Students develop essential skills in learning to:  Speak fluently and appropriately in different contexts, adapting their skills to the situation and audience  Listen, understand and respond critically to texts  Participate effectively in group discussion discussing and evaluating evidence in order to arrive at a considered viewpoint Reading Both class study and individual reading should enable students to develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of texts. For example they should be able to extract meaning beyond the literal and decide how language and style affects implied and explicit meaning. Students are presented with a wide range of literature, plays, poetry, fiction and non-fiction including both traditional and modern writers. Students will also examine the social, cultural and historical content to works of literature from around the world.

Writing There is particular emphasis on planning and redrafting in Year 7 so the skill is embedded for use as early as possible. Various study skills are included as the programme progresses. These include skimming and scanning, paragraphing and main points, summarising, planning, self-checking and some revision and memory techniques. They will be able to produce formal essays in standard English within a specified time, writing fluently and legibly and maintaining technical accuracy when writing at speed. The opportunity to write creative prose, poetry and non-fiction pieces is available throughout Key Stage 3.

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French What will students learn?

Students are taught in ability groups and with different objectives in mind: these differences normally reflect their previous experience of French.

Students will develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing in French. They are encouraged to work independently, in pairs, in groups or as a class on various tasks. The course promotes the learning of grammar in context and the ability to communicate. It also affords an insight into the culture and civilisation of the francophone world with the use of authentic material.

Students will be expected to participate actively in all their lessons and do homework on a regular basis. The four linguistic skills will be tested at the end of each unit of work. They will also use technology as part of their learning.

The curriculum is based on the following points:          

Linguistic competence.

Developing the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing in a range of situations and contexts.

Applying linguistic knowledge and skills to understand and communicate effectively.

Knowledge of language.

Understanding how a language works and how to manipulate it.

Creativity.

Using familiar language for new purposes and in new contexts.

Using imagination to express thoughts, ideas, experiences and feelings.

Intercultural understanding.

Appreciating the richness and diversity of the French culture.

Apprendre le français c’est formidable !

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Geography Key Stage 3 Geography begins by concentrating on the area around us, and seeing how the familiar relates to basic geographical principles, such as drawing plans to scale, using keys, planning a route on a map and accurate use of an atlas and maps by way of grid references. As the course progresses students will be expected to use the common practices on locations they are less familiar with, giving them a solid foundation, both in geographical techniques and knowledge of different global locations. Recurring themes such as climate, development, natural hazards, ecosystems, industrialisation and environmental impact will be reinforced throughout the 3 years, giving each student the opportunity to further their understanding and expertise in what is a very broad subject.

Year 7 Topics     

What is geography?

Map skills Settlement and urbanisation Weather and climate Rivers and flooding

Year 8 Topics     

Coasts and Glaciation Economic activity and tourism Population India Global Issues

Year 9 Topics     

Plate tectonics (earthquakes and volcanoes) Resources and the Environment China International Development Environmental regions and ecosystems

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German What will students learn?

Students are taught in ability groups and with different objectives in mind: these differences normally reflect their previous experience of German.

Throughout the course students will develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing.

They are encouraged to work independently, in pairs, in groups or as a class on various tasks.

The course promotes the learning of grammar in context and the ability to communicate. It also affords an insight into the culture and civilisation of the German speaking world with the use of authentic material. Students will be expected to participate actively in all their lessons and do homework on a regular basis. The four linguistic skills will be tested at the end of each unit of work. They will also use technology as part of their learning.

The curriculum is based on the following points:          

Linguistic competence.

Developing the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing in a range of situations and contexts.

Applying linguistic knowledge and skills to understand and communicate effectively.

Knowledge of language.

Understanding how a language works and how to manipulate it.

Creativity.

Using familiar language for new purposes and in new contexts.

Using imagination to express thoughts, ideas, experiences and feelings.

Intercultural understanding.

Appreciating the richness and diversity of the German culture.

Deutsch lernen ist einfach toll!

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History Key Stage 3 builds on and consolidates the knowledge, skills and understanding developed during KS2.

What do students learn?

In Years 7, 8 and 9 students will follow an adaptation of the National Curriculum of the UK which states that History fires students' curiosity and imagination, moving and inspiring them with the dilemmas, choices and beliefs of people in the past. Our fun course helps students develop their own identities through an understanding of history at personal, local, national and international levels. It helps them to ask and answer questions of the present by engaging with the past.

Students discover the history of their community, Britain, Europe and the world. They develop a chronological overview that enables them to make connections within and across different periods and societies. Students are also encouraged to develop the ability to discuss the causes and significance of important historical events learning how to make an argument, supported by evidence, in order to reach an analytical conclusion.

Themes studied include: Year 7: Year 8: Year 9:

The Middle Ages, The Crusades, Islamic Empires The Tudors, Slavery, Family History Project Industrial Revolution, World War One and World War Two

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Information Communication Technology The work in Years 7, 8 and 9 is completed individually or as part of a team and the ICT lessons are organised to ensure that the students have the skills, knowledge and understanding of information technology they need to support their learning across the curriculum.

What will students learn?

This course introduces students to a range of software and builds on skills already acquired in Key Stages 1 and 2.            

Hardware – digital cameras, scanners, memory storage devices Databases – creating, sorting and searching Desk-top Publishing (DTP) – design, change of format, text manipulation, graphics Spreadsheets – enter text and formulae to complete calculations and charts Presentation – layout, graphics, animation and sound Animation – creating animations using symbols, key frames, layers and tweens Scratch – using a programming language to create interactive stories, animations, games, music, and art Website – developing a website using html codes as well as Flash and Dreamweaver App Inventor – creating an App using App Inventor for Android devices Control – use Flowol to control a real life situation such as traffic lights and a railway crossing Internet safety – including cyber-bullying and tips on how to stay safe on line Graphics – use Photoshop to edit and create images

The work is often project based using real situations such as producing a newspaper, ecological surveys etc.

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Mathematics In Year 7 students learn a broad range of mathematical applications in number, algebra, geometry and statistics. Students are encouraged to form a deep understanding of the mathematics involved and central to their learning is being able to understand and explain why the solutions work and why some methods fail. This forms the basis of deep-rooted learning and represents the start of preparation work for the IGCSE exams.

In Years 8 and 9, students revisit the topics learned in Year 7, each time studying them in broader detail. This allows students to build upon a solid foundation, each time gaining a more detailed and clearer understanding of the material.

In Mathematics students have the opportunity to learn at a pace that suits them in a supportive environment that allows good and steady progress to be made. There is much opportunity for enrichment and extension activities and students can expect to be stretched and challenged. In their learning students will be given opportunity to see how mathematics relates to the real world and to other subjects. It is our goal to ensure students appreciate the relevance in all that they learn.

Although calculators are allowed students are strongly encouraged to use and develop noncalculator methods in answering questions. In a world where use of computers is increasingly more widespread it is important that students have opportunity to use ICT in their learning. There are many lessons where learning takes place online in an ICT suite. One of our popular learning platforms is through www.myimaths.com and students are able to extend their learning at home with the following login details: Username: sgis Password: octagon15 We encourage students to participate in Inter-school Mathematics competitions and events such as World Maths Day. A yearly event involves a trip to the U.K. where a hand-picked number of students pit their wits against students from other schools.

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Music Music in Years 7, 8 and 9 builds on the skills and knowledge developed in Key Stage 2 and uses them to develop the student’s abilities in composing their own pieces of music based on different stimuli. They will use the classroom instruments as well as learning the use of computers and computer programs in music composition.

What will students learn?   

Listening – students are required to listen to extracts of music of varying styles and to analyse and comment on selected aspects of the work. They will also study the way in which music from other cultures is structured.

Composing – the student’s own abilities and knowledge are used to create pieces of their own composition based on different stimuli and using cross-curricula materials.

Performing – students are expected to take part in various productions during the school year. They continue to sing songs of increasing musical complexity.

In Y7, students will learn the recorder and in Y8 they will learn keyboard skills and the ukulele.

In Year 9, students develop the compositional and technological skills needed for study at Key Stage 4 and 5 by learning how to navigate and operate software such as Logic Pro and Sibelius 7. The end of year 9 also sees students prepare a performance in conjunction with the rest of the Arts faculty.

These   

three elements join together to broaden the student’s knowledge of: How music is structured The different instruments used The various styles of music composed.

This will enable the students to understand and enjoy a wide variety of music, both in and out of school.

Instrumental Lessons Individual instrumental lessons are available on a variety of instruments and are taught by visiting teachers to St George’s. These lessons are charged separately and are not included in the school fees. Enquiries regarding lessons, instruments and timetabling can be directed to Mrs. Ni at music@st-georges.lu.

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Physical Education What will students learn?

The main aim of Physical Education is to promote physical development and the appreciation of a healthy life style. At present the students travel to off-site facilities including those at the INS and the Coque during their PE lessons.

The students follow a programme of study across the Key Stage that includes: 

  

Invasion Games including Basketball, Rugby, Hockey and Football. The principle of these games is to attack, defend, keep possession and score goals, tries or baskets against your opponents. The skills and strategies are transferable across all of these types of games.

Net Games including Badminton and Table Tennis. The aim of these games is to create space which can then be attacked using different types of shots in order to score points against your opponent.

Striking and Fielding Games including Rounders, Danish Longball and Cricket. Hitting, throwing and catching skills are important to be able to score or prevent your opponents from scoring in these games.

Individual activities including Ballroom Dancing and Athletics.

Students will be assessed on their practical performance in each activity and their ability to organise and lead individual and group warm and cool down activities. Students will have the opportunity to study Physical Education as a GCSE option in Key Stage 4.

For their annual residential trip in Year 9 all students go skiing for one week in France.

A range of extra-curricular sports clubs are offered for students of all abilities each year.

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Science During Key Stage 3 students build on their scientific knowledge and understanding, making connections between different areas of science. They use scientific ideas and models to explain phenomena and events and to understand the positive and negative effects of scientific and technological developments on the environment and in other contexts. In Key Stage 3 this subject is taught as an integrated programme.

What will students learn?     

Problem solving skills, mainly through planning, carrying out and evaluating their practical work.

The ability to use scientific apparatus and materials safely and with increasing confidence.

IT skills.

To recognise there are hazards in living things, materials and physical processes and to assess the risks and take action to reduce these risks to themselves and others.

To use scientific language conventions and symbols.

Key Stage 3 Science – Exploring Science (Working Scientifically) Year 7 Topics  Cells, tissues, organs and systems  Sexual reproduction in animals  Ecosystems  Mixtures and separation  Acids and alkalis  The particle model  Atoms, elements and molecules  Energy  Current electricity  Forces

Year 8 Topics  Food and nutrition  Breathing and respiration  Unicellular organisms  Combustion  The periodic table  Metals and their uses  Fluids  Light  Energy transfers

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Year 9 Topics  Genetics and evolution  Plant growth and plant reproduction  Making materials  Reactivity  Sound  Earth and space  Forces and motion  Force fields and electromagnets

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SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Education) What will students learn?

SMSC is cross curricular, age appropriate and continuous in its promotion of personal and social development. It gives students the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to lead confident, healthy, independent lives and to become informed, active and responsible citizens.

In doing so students:     

Recognise their own worth Contribute to the life of the school community Become increasingly responsible for their own learning Learn to reflect on their own experiences Understand how they are personally developing

In KS3 there are the following termly topics: Autumn 1 Autumn 2 Spring 1 Spring 2 Summer 1 Summer 2

Learning to Learn Health and Wellbeing Careers Education Emotional Health and Wellbeing Learning to Learn Sex and Relationships Education

Term

YEAR 7

YEAR 8

YEAR 9

Autumn 1

Focus Learning To Learn

Focus Learning To Learn

Focus Learning To Learn

Learning Outcomes - Letter to myself - Organising learning - Personal Learning and Thinking Skills

Learning Outcomes - My learning style - VAK learning - My learning brain

Learning Outcomes - SMART targets - Prioritising my learning - Developing my learning style

Focus Health and Wellbeing

Focus Health and Wellbeing

Focus Health and Wellbeing

Learning Outcomes - To understand what a healthy diet is.

- To know the dangers of smoking and drinking alcohol.

Learning Outcomes - To understand what being a vegetarian means.

- To know the different types of illegal drugs.

Learning Outcomes - to understand the problems associated with fast food and obesity - Say No to drugs

Autumn 2

Example of the content covered in the Autumn term in KS3.

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NOTES

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St George’s International School, Luxembourg

11, rue des Peupliers L-2328 Luxembourg tel: +352 42 32 24 fax: +352 42 32 34 www.st-georges.lu

A.S.B.L