Engaging minds. Nurturing success. Inspiring futures. · necessary knowledge, experiences and skills to become a curious, reflective and resilient learner, who is ready to reach your

Haylands Way, Bedford MK41 9BX Telephone: 01234 261516 Fax: 01234 272344

e-mail: [email protected] Website: www.goldingtonacademy.org.uk

Principal: Mr. Francis Galbraith BSc (Hons), NPQH, MBA

Engaging minds. Nurturing success. Inspiring futures.

Goldington Academy is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales. Company No. 07557785

May 2020 Dear Parent/Carer I am writing to update you on our curriculum model from September 2020. In the summer of 2017, the first reformed GCSEs, graded 9-1 were introduced. The reforms were designed to better equip young people with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in 21st century Britain, and to match the best performing education systems in the world. These reformed GCSEs cover more challenging content than in previous years, with an increased focus on examinations and less coursework. Since embarking on our own GCSE journey, Goldington Academy has, up until now, invited pupils to make their GCSE choices in Year 8 and start their key stage 4 courses in Year 9. After consultation with staff and governors, we have decided to change our curriculum model. Your child will therefore continue to study a wide variety of subjects in Year 9 in order to allow them to gain the necessary knowledge, experiences and skills to become curious, reflective and resilient learners. Your child will then go on to choose their option subjects in Year 9, and begin their GCSE and Vocational courses in Year 10. A number of factors have led us to this change in our thinking. First, we have found that a three-year GCSE is too long for many pupils. GCSE and Vocational subjects stipulate learners should be taught for 120 Guided Learning Hours with 30 additional hours of home study. A three-year GCSE/ Vocational course provided children with in the region of 220 Guided Learning Hours. This meant that some children went over topics a number of times and didn’t have the breadth of study to keep them engaged in their learning. Second, we have seen that asking pupils to make decisions midway through Year 8 was, for many pupils, too early and resulted in pupils changing subjects during a course as a result of making the wrong subject choices. Thirdly, pupils were subjected to key stage 4 specific assessment in Year 9 when quite often they were not ready to do so, both in terms of their skills and their maturity. Pupils were not making sufficient progress to warrant a narrowing of the curriculum.

However, we do recognise that pupils will have particular interests that they may want to develop, so, following the success of the Personalised Learning Programme in Year 8, pupils in Year 9 will be able to select two subjects that they can study in much greater depth, alongside the core key stage 3 curriculum. The Year 9 Personalised Learning Programme will enable pupils to specialise according to their interests and develop their knowledge and skills in these areas. Programmes of study will be offered in:

• Art • Computer science • Dance • Drama • Enterprise • Music • Spanish • Sport science.

Pupils will choose and follow two subjects for one lesson per week for the duration of the academic year. It is important to note that the subjects chosen as part of the Year 9 Personalised Learning Programme are not key stage 4 options choices. Pupils will not have to do the GCSE/Vocational course in the subjects they choose, although they will be better prepared for those key stage four choices at the end of Year 9. Yours sincerely

Francis Galbraith Principal

Year 9 Personalised Learning Programme 2020 - 2021

Year 9 Personalised Learning Programme

In Year 9 you will be able to select two subjects that you can study in much greater depth alongside the core key stage 3 curriculum. This will allow you to gain the necessary knowledge, experiences and skills to become a curious, reflective and resilient learner, who is ready to reach your potential in a complex and rapidly changing world. Programmes of study will be offered in art, computing, dance, drama, enterprise, music, Spanish and sport science. You will follow two programmes of study for one lesson each per week throughout Year 9.

It is important to note that the subjects chosen as part of the Personalised Learning Programme in Year 9 are not GCSE choices. You will not have to study your chosen subjects in key stage 4, although you will be better prepared to study them as GCSE options. How to decide which programme to choose: Start by asking yourself what interests you and what you’re good at. Do not choose a programme because your friend does or you like a particular teacher. Consider the following points:

• What you are interested in - other cultures and languages, writing projects,

computer programming, understanding how the body works, or art and culture?

• What types of activity do you enjoy most – working things out and thinking them through, practical activities, performing to others or linguistic activities?

• What do you like to do outside of school – what skills have you developed by following outside interests?

• What you might like to do in the future – which of the programme choices will give you a better idea of what might be required if you were to follow a particular career path?

How the choice process will work: Read this booklet carefully and take your time to make decisions; find out more information from staff if you need to and discuss your choices with your parents/carers. You must then complete the decision form and return it for the attention of Abby Alexander. Please choose the 2 courses that you would most like to study next year and number them 1 and 2 in order of preference.

We will try to ensure that you get your top 2 choices where we can; however, we cannot guarantee every selection, so please choose a third option which you should rank clearly as number 3. Please think carefully about this choice as you may be allocated this programme course if we are unable to place you in either of your top 2 choices. You must return your form signed by your parents/guardian by Friday 22 May 2020.

Art

What will be taught in this course

Art encourages creativity and independent thinking when planning artwork.

Pupils will work through a series of experimental printmaking workshops focusing on the theme of Marine Life. They will take their own photographs and use their own designs to produce monoprints, printed collages, etchings, reduction lino prints and collagraph prints. Several artists will be looked at, for example Ernst Haeckel.

Links to wider learning

Pupils will develop photography, compositional and experimental skills, which are key to any art project. Some work will link very closely to biology and pupils will be develop their knowledge of marine life.

Independent learning opportunities

Pupils will be encouraged to research the work of artists independently. They will develop key research skills and the ability to analyse and evaluate artworks. In addition, pupils will be able to attend Art Club should they wish to experiment further with printmaking.

Additional opportunities

A trip to Tring Natural History museum will be planned in order for students to develop their knowledge of marine life and photography skills.

End of course outcome

Pupils will produce a series of prints. Each print will be assessed individually and skills will be tracked in order to support future learning. There will be an exhibition of the prints produced.

Computer Science


Computer Science covers a wide variety of theoretical and practical topics. There is a vast array of computing knowledge required! Pupils will cover computational thinking, algorithms in mathematics, pseudo-code, Boolean and logic gates, object orientated programming, binary and hexadecimal, storage and compression, validation and verification, trees and Huffman coding, hardware, software, networking as well as social engineering, cyber security, ethics, the law and the environment.


Computer Science has many links to wider learning; mathematics – Binary and Algorithms, history – WWII – The Enigma Machine and Bletchley Park; science / design technology – A Variety of STEM projects and business – “Dragons Den” group task.


Pupils will design, code, test and evaluate their own apps and software both individually and in groups. There will be a various opportunities to develop theoretical learning, programming experience and development of media elements. Pupils will work in small groups, taking on the different required roles within a computer development team.


On site: “Cinema” trip – The Imitation Game Off site: trip to Bletchley Park and The National Museum of Computing.


Assessment will take various forms including written assessment, practical programming and presentations. They will focus on: • Creation of algorithms and programs and

understanding of how both are stored. • Developing theoretical understanding of

hardware, software, the internet, computer networks, security/ systems lifecycle and multi-media productions.

Dance


Dance will link 3 stands of learning:

• Performance Skills

• Choreographic Skills

• Appreciation Skills

Pupils will develop an understanding of dance through physical challenges, choreographic problems and analytical appreciation. They will be introduced to new dance styles and concepts and their place in the evolution of dance, learning the theory of dance appreciation in order to develop an understanding of how dance can communicate with an audience.

Pupils will become part of the Y9 PLP Dance Company which will be involved in a dance tour to local schools and venues.


Dance develops an appreciation of how the body can be used to express, challenge and communicate with the world around us, whilst building resilience, team work, and confidence.


Pupils will take ownership and lead an aspect of the organisation of Goldington Academy’s PLP Dance Company.


Pupils will develop their own work through studying and working with professional dance artists and attending a variety of workshops held at the University of Bedfordshire. Performance opportunities include U: Dance, Milton Keynes Youth Dance Festival. Pupils will be able to attend optional theatre trips.


Pupils will be assessed on the 3 strands (outlined above). There will be a combination of practical and written assignments.

Drama


Drama will focus on Interpreting Theatre and offer experience of the rigour and challenge of the more academic side of drama and theatre studies.

Pupils will study, mostly in a classroom setting, two play texts in their entirety whilst exploring their social, political, cultural and economic influences.

Pupils will research in depth the writers and times and strive to answer the question: what is drama?


Drama has many links to wider learning: English literature, theatre design, creative careers, politics and debate.


Pupils will experience live and pre-recorded performances. There will be many opportunities for Independent practice, reading and research.


Pupils will have the opportunity to see a professional production.


Pupils will complete the course with a comprehensive knowledge of two set texts.

Pupils will be able to process and clearly articulate their own response to social, political and cultural influences on theatre and playwriting.

Enterprise


Enterprise includes a range of topics. These include market research, finance, drafting and designing ideas, promotional techniques and advertising methods.

Pupils will be able to use this knowledge to complete individual projects throughout the year.


Enterprise has strong links to numeracy within the finance topic. Links to data collection, art and ICT skills will be developed within the draft and design unit of work.


Pupils will develop research skills and be expected to work independently. They will have to use their creativity to discover information. Pupils will develop their communication skills as there will be opportunities for group work and leading presentations.


Pupils will conduct their market research in Bedford town centre.


Pupils will have a greater understanding of how businesses are run and the thought that goes into designing and developing a product. Pupils will be assessed in a variety of methods including exam-style questions, annotations of designs and presentations.

Music


Music will cover three of the areas of study: Rhythms of the World; The Concerto Through Time and Conventions of Pop.

A range of integrated performing, composing and listening activities will allow pupils to explore the traditional rhythmic roots of African drumming, Calypso and Samba; find out what a concerto is and how this has changed over time.

Pupils will look at how pop music started in the 1950s with Rock ‘n’ Roll and how this compares to music today. This will be supported by the work done in core Year 9 music lessons which will focus on DJing and music written for films and video games.


Pupils will investigate styles of music from different times and places which will deepen students’ understanding of the world, its people and their cultures. Extensive use of music technology will help to develop ICT skills.


Pupils will complete many practical activities in groups or pair work. There will also be increasing opportunities to create individual compositions (which can be continued at home) and to develop solo performing skills.


Pupils will participate in Samba workshops with a professional percussionist and will provided with an opportunity to experience live orchestral music. There will be a number of performance opportunities, including a chance to perform at the Summer Concert at the University Theatre.


Pupils will perform and compose music in groups, pairs and individually. Listening questions will also form part of the assessment.

Spanish


Spanish will teach pupils how to speak and write about a range of different topics including school life, friends and family, where they live, hobbies, and food and drink. The course aims to develop speaking and listening skills through the use of songs, whole-class games and pair work. Lessons will be interactive.

The ability to speak a foreign language is a highly useful skill in a multicultural world. Not only does it facilitate travel and leisure; it can also open doors to a world of exciting career opportunities.


Pupils will learn useful conversational skills, which they will be able to use when they travel to a Spanish-speaking country. They will learn about aspects of Spanish culture. The course will develop pupils’ listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.


Pupils will complete weekly tasks, which will include learning key vocabulary studied in lessons. Pupils will have access to a number of Spanish websites to practice listening, reading and writing skills.


Pupils will have the opportunity to watch Spanish films to support their understanding of language and culture. There will also be the opportunity to see a Spanish play and take part in a cinema visit to view a relevant film.


Pupils will be assessed by means of listening, speaking, reading and writing tests on completion of each topic. They will develop useful conversational skills alongside linguistic and grammatical knowledge in Spanish.

Sport Science


Sport Science will mostly be theory based, but will include practical application whenever possible.

Pupils will develop their knowledge of a variety of body systems (skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular and respiratory) and how they are effected when exercising or playing competitive sport. Pupils will learn how social and ethical issues impact sport in society and how psychology can be used to improve performance.


Sport Science has strong links to science, particularly biology, where pupils will develop their understanding of how the body works. Links to PSHE health and wellbeing topics will be developed as pupils will look at the physical and psychological impact of health and fitness.


Pupils will complete a presentation task chosen from one of the topics covered. Pupils will complete their own research and develop ICT skills.


A trip to University of Bedfordshire physiology laboratories will be arranged to test the different components of fitness.


Assessment will be via a variety of topic tests and a larger written project. Pupils will be able to assess and develop their own physical fitness.

Year 9 Personalised Learning Programme

Student’s Name:

Tutor Group:

Please choose the 2 courses that you would most like to study next year and number them 1 and 2 in order of preference.

We will try to ensure that you get your top 2 choices where we can; however, we cannot guarantee every selection, so please choose a third option which you should rank clearly as number 3. Please think carefully about this choice as you may be allocated this programme course if we are unable to place you in either of your top 2 choices.

Personalised Learning Programme Subject Choices

Rank of Choices 1 - 3

Art Computer Science Dance Drama Enterprise Music Spanish Sports Science

Student’s Signature: ___________________________ Parent’s/Carer’s Signature: ___________________________

This form must be returned to school by Friday 22 May 2020.

Please email your response to: [email protected]

If you are unable scan the response form just simply list your child’s name,

form, your name and in priority order list their 3 choices and return using the above email address

Only post your response if you have no internet access.

Return to: Ms Fearon, Goldington Academy, Haylands Way, Bedford, MK41 9BX

mailto:[email protected]

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Engaging minds. Nurturing success. Inspiring futures. · necessary knowledge, experiences and skills to become a curious, reflective and resilient learner, who is ready to reach your