Secondary

In Year 7 we endeavour to develop key art skills & knowledge that will become a foundation for future key stages. The main focus for year 7 is to develop the pupils’ knowledge on the key fundamental art aspects- the visual elements. We set out to explore the 7 visual elements specifically in the 1st project to really enforce their importance, looking at key terminologies and definitions of Line, Tone, Colour, Pattern, Shape, Form & Texture. In the following projects pupils will be exposed to unique techniques, processes and materials such as Lino printing, Mono Printing, Clay building, textured outcomes, tessellations & rotations, watercolour painting, composition making etc. Each topic will look at developing one or more of the visual elements.

Year 7 Character and Culture Curriculum Overview 23-24

The purpose of the Character and Culture curriculum is to develop students who are respectful, adaptable and informed in line with the whole school values. The curriculum builds over the two years introducing students to concepts and ideas in Year 7 and then extending this understanding by examining and evaluating the opinions of others and teaching students how to engage with them critically so that they can make informed decisions. Finally, in Year 9 students are taught how to act independently and robustly in society, how to behave in a morally responsible manner and challenge negative actions wherever and whenever they encounter them. These strands are developed in age-appropriate situations for students in Year 10 and 11.

Year 7 Computing Curriculum Overview 23-24

Computing is an exciting and challenging subject that incorporates Computer Science, ICT and Digital Literacy.

Computing lessons at Oakley have been designed to provide students with a great variety of topics enabling students to develop a wide range of skills and knowledge. Lessons consist of a good mix of theory and practical application to enrich their approach to the subject.  In Computing lessons students are encouraged to work independently and problem solve and produce appropriate solutions which is a key skill that can be utilised across all subjects.  All Oakley pupils will have one lesson of Computing per week which will be delivered in a dedicated IT Suite where each student can work on their own PC with access to the latest software. A range of other hardware will also be utilised in year 7 such as micro:bits and root robots.

Year 7 Design and Technology Curriculum Overview 23-24

The Year 7 Design Technology Curriculum has been sequenced for students to complete four projects which will focus on the main material areas: Product Design, Graphic Design, Textiles and Engineering. The students will work iteratively through the design cycle, whilst learning about the importance of User Centred Design. Within each project, students develop their practical skills by using specialist tools, materials, and techniques to achieve high-quality outcomes. As well as practical skills, there is also a clear focus on the teaching and understanding of core material and manufacturing knowledge. Students will learn about the latest technological advances in modern materials and analyse the impact they have on our society, both socially and environmentally. By the end of Year 7, we aim for all students to be confident and enthusiastic problem solvers who have a passion for designing the world to be a better place.   

Year 7 Drama Curriculum Overview 23-24

Drama in Y7 begins with building confidence in working with each other and learning through mistake making. Students also begin to develop knowledge of drama terminology for performance and design.  Throughout KS3, students will develop an understanding of character building and naturalistic and non-naturalistic forms.  Students will expand their knowledge of a range of performance history and styles through exposure to a variety of scripts and devising styles.

Year 7 English Curriculum Overview 23-24

English at Oakley aims to explore some of the most fundamental questions we ask about our world through inspiring literature, both classic and contemporary. Not only is English fundamental across the curriculum, it serves as a key method for our students to build their curiosity, cultural knowledge, and empathy. Our students deserve a rich variety of literary experiences, ranging from different eras, people, races and beliefs in order to fully prepare them for the world beyond school and leave them with a passion for exploring the written word. 

In Year 7 we aim to develop student understanding of the cornerstones of English literature, beginning in ancient myth, reading some of the oldest known texts such as the Odyssey and the Epic of Gilgamesh, exploring them through a range of creative and factual writing, spoken word debate, and close analysis. We then transition through to Legends, focusing on Sir Gawain and Green Knight and Arthurian legend. We then explore Shakespeare with Julius Caser, looking closely at the art of rhetoric, before finally exploring the Romance genre through the ages - and not in the way students might expect! Through these texts we aim to underpin student understanding across the curriculum, forming a literary timeline that helps them to contextualise a full range of reading material. 

In Food and Nutrition lessons we endeavour to enable pupils to acquire a range of food technical skills, increasing in complexity and accuracy, to cook a range of predominately savoury dishes, safely and hygienically.  Students will learn about dietary guidelines e.g. the eat well guide, the 8 tips for healthy eating, the 5 a day policy as well as basic nutrition principles. They will have opportunities to learn and apply their knowledge of nutrition, food provenance and food science throughout Year 7. There will be opportunities to repeat/build on and improve certain core skills. 

Year 7 Geography Curriculum Overview 23-24

The purpose of the Year 7 curriculum is to build upon many experiences students have had of geography at primary school. The year aims to give students the foundations they need to become lifelong geographers. The topics will cover a diverse range of the 3 main disciplines: physical, human and environmental geographies. Topics will include map skills, hydrology, ecosystems and deserts, changing places and climate change. We will also introduce students to the importance of fieldwork investigations and a local place study.

Year 7 History Curriculum Overview 23-24

In History, we believe that pupils deserve a broad and ambitious History curriculum, rich in skills and knowledge, which immerses pupils in a range of cultures, people and places and encourages them to enquire about the world around them. The History curriculum is largely chronological giving pupils the opportunity to develop an overview of events from the Medieval times to the modern day. Each topic is based around 'Big Enquiry Questions' which help pupils question and analyse the past in more depth. 

Year 7 History introduces pupils to key historical skills, before investigating what Britian was like before 1066 with a focus on the Romans. Pupils will have key opportunities to look at contemporary evidence about Medieval Britain and life after the Norman Conquest and go onto exploring the different institutions that held power and how they used this power in events such as the significance of the Magna Carta and the impact of the Black Death and Peasant's Revolt. We will also be investigating the Islamic Empire in the Middle East and their impact on Western civilisations. Year 7 will finish with an in-depth study into the Tudors with a focus on empire-building and diversity in Tudor England. We hope that through studying History at Oakley School pupils will develop a love of History and a passion for learning about the past.  

Year 7 Maths Curriculum Overview 23-24

In year 7, we will be helping our students to build confidence, increase knowledge and develop their ability to solve problems across all four main areas of Maths: Number, Algebra, Geometry and Data.  We will be answering a "Big Question" in all of our topics, helping us to question more deeply and link Maths to other subjects and areas of life.

Year 7 French Curriculum Overview 23-24

In Year 7 our students will study French, covering various topics throughout the year such as introducing themselves and their families, discussing life at school, describing their interests and learning about some aspects of francophone culture. By the end of the year they will be able to listen, read, speak and write in a foreign language, giving them a solid platform for further study in Year 8, where they will learn both French and Spanish.

In KS3 we endeavour to give every student the opportunities, skills and knowledge to enable them to develop as confident, creative and reflective musicians. Relevant theory, historical and cultural context and instrumental techniques will be taught in the context of making music to allow students to progress and develop their skills with increasing independence. Throughout all topics, an emphasis on resilience, awareness of others and self-evaluation will help students to develop as successful learners.

Year 7 PE Curriculum Overview 23-24

Year 7 PE Curriculum Schedule 2024-25

Year 8 PE Curriculum Schedule 2024-25

In year 7 our students will be taught a wide range of activities, covering difference categories and genre's. Our key focus is for students to develop a love of movement and lead a healthy active, balanced lifestyles.  In theses activities students will develop;

• Physical Abilities & Attributes
• Tactical Awareness & Application
• Knowledge & Understanding
• Personal & Social Skills

Our core PE curriculums are based around the following topics / areas;

• Team Games (invasion) – E.g. Basketball, Football, Netball, Handball 
• Team Game (striking & fielding) E.g. Cricket, Softball, Rounders
• Individual Games – E.g. Badminton, Table Tennis, Tennis 
• Creative Aesthetic – E.g. Gymnastics, Dance
• Athletics – E.g. Running, Jumping & Throwing Events
• Health & Fitness – E.g. How to prepare for, perform and measure fitness
• Outdoor & adventurous activities – E.g. Orienteering, problem solving

Year 7 Philosophy & Ethics Curriculum Overview 23-24

The purpose of the Year 7 Philosophy and Ethics curriculum is to introduce the concept of Philosophy to students whilst building upon their Religious Studies from Key Stage 2. They will be covering a range of beliefs and practices from religious and non-religious worldviews such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism. 

Year 7 Science Curriculum Overview 23-24

Science is built on wonder; our students will be encouraged to ask questions and investigate independently right from the start of their science journey in KS3. The introductory topic ‘Introduction to Investigations’ builds on students’ KS2 working scientifically knowledge and supports them to explore practically throughout the year. ‘Big ideas’ such as particles, cells, forces, and waves run consistently throughout topics in all key stages, so we have ensured a solid foundation knowledge of these concepts is taught in year 7. Students will be familiar with the overlap between the science sub-branches (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) as concepts such as the particle model, diffusion, concentration, and the solar system are commonly incorporated across topics. Mathematics and literacy skills are ubiquitous throughout the science curriculum and work has been done with the Oakley English and Mathematics department to incorporate standardised practice with skills such as solving equations and etymology.