Guru Nanak Sikh Academy

School Map Guru Nanak Sikh Academy Building A Ground Floor First Floor Reception, Subjects: Food Technology, Resistant Materials, Textiles, Graphics, Product Design Subject: Science Second Floor Subject: Science Building B Ground Floor Multipurpose Room, Toilets First Floor Subjects: Geography, English, Second Floor Subjects: Art, History, Business Studies Building C Year 7 Welcome Booklet 2017-2018 Ground Floor First Floor Second Floor Subject: Computing Subjects: Maths, French Gurdwara, Music Practice Rooms. Subjects: Punjabi, Sikh Studies, Music 44 1

Induction day timetable stick here Notes 2 43

Notes On your induction day you will receive lots of information. This section is for you to make notes during the day. If you think of any questions over the summer holidays, write them down here and ask your form tutor on your first day back in September. Keep this booklet with you and read through it over the summer to help you prepare for year 7 at Guru Nanak Sikh Academy. You will need the map on the back to help you find your way around the school during the first few weeks in September. Contents Page Page Welcome from the Principal 4 Vision Statement and Starting Secondary School 6 School Information and Points for Parents 8 Checklist and Homework 10 Parent Information 12 What s Going On For Year 7 students 14 Settling In 16 Subjects 16 30 What Year 7 Students Say About Secondary School 30 House System and Structure Of The School Day 32 Homework diary 34 Rewards and Consequence ladders 36 Term Dates 38 Uniform and P.E. Kit 40 Notes 42 42 3

Welcome from the Principal P.E. Kit July 2017 Dear Parent/Carer and student I am writing to extend both to you and to your son or daughter a sincere welcome to the Guru Nanak Sikh Academy. All of us at the academy hope that our new arrivals, as well as their parents, will quickly come to feel themselves a real part of the Guru Nanak community. For those of you who have had no previous involvement with the school, I hope you will find that the arrangements made for your child's education and his or her welfare at the school will be to your satisfaction. I believe that the step from primary to secondary education is quite a significant one for children to take. The much larger environment of the comprehensive school and the different pattern of the school are new elements which children have to come to terms with. By now, however, a number of us will have spoken directly to our incoming students in their primary school and they will have spent part of the day with us; so we hope that already some of the strangeness of the new setting will be an adjustment. We also arrange a special evening after a few weeks of the Autumn term when parents are invited to discuss any difficulties of settling-in with Form Tutors. I would like to stress how critically important your own supportive role as parents is to your son or daughter's educational success over the years ahead. More and more educational research is demonstrating how vital the part played by parents in helping to achieve high level examination qualifications and other educational outcomes, that the parents and teachers want for young people in secondary education. I intend to take various opportunities to develop this theme in more detail both at relevant meetings with parents and in letters home over the months ahead. The school also celebrates all Sikh festivals and, I do hope, that you will make every effort to attend with your family. We have our Black fleece Girls P.E. polo shirt: White with GNSA logo Jog bottoms: Plain black with white stripe Shorts: Plain black with white stripe Football socks: Yellow Boys Rugby shirt: Plain black and yellow P.E. polo shirt: White with GNSA logo Jog bottoms: Plain black with white stripe Shorts: Plain black with white stripe Football socks: Yellow This is the Guru Nanak P.E kit with the embroidered GNSA logos, it is compulsory for all the Year 7 students. To order the P.E. kit please visit the following web page www.swi.co.uk. Alternatively, you can visit the school website and follow the instructions on the P.E curriculum page. Sportswear International is the only provider of the school PE Kit. 4 41

Uniform All school uniform items can be purchased from either: Kevins Schoolwear: 17 The Broadway, Greenford, Middlesex, UB6 9PH. Tel : 020 8578 1210 Fashion Mark: 18 High Street, Southall, Middlesex, UB1 3DA. Tel : 020 8813 8841 Girls Khameez: White with navy blue neck trim, knee length Salwaar: Navy blue Chunni: White with navy blue trim annual religious Parkash event from 15-17 July 2017. If you would like to participate in voluntary sewa, please do not hesitate to contact the Admin Office. At Guru Nanak Sikh Academy we feel that we have much to offer to our students and this view is supported by our recent OFSTED inspection which concluded that Guru Nanak Sikh Academy is a GOOD school. The last ten years have seen many changes to our school through continuous improvements to our facilities. These improvements have enabled us to continue to strive for the academic success, for which our school is renowned. Alongside maintaining our tradition of academic excellence, we encourage our students to further develop through extracurricular activities such as clubs, societies, sporting activities and educational outings and visits. Blazer: Royal blue with embroidered school logo Shoes: Plain black, flat, no trainers or boots Socks: Plain black or white Boys Our school is deeply committed to creating a strong community which comprises parents/guardians, teachers, non teaching staff, governors and students. As a result of the supportive environment that this community provides, the vast majority of our students enjoy their time at the academy. We sincerely hope, and will do everything we can to ensure that, the same will be true for your child. We look forward to you and your family becoming part of this growing community over the next few years and we are confident that your child will flourish at the Guru Nanak Sikh Academy. Shirt: White with collar Trousers: Plain black, no denim Tie: Orange with school logo Rajinder Singh Sandhu Principal Blazer: Royal Blue with embroidered school logo Shoes: Plain black, no trainers or boots Head covering: Plain black 40 5

Guru Nanak Multi-Academy Trust Vision Statement Guru Nanak Sikh Academy School Term and Holiday Dates 2017-18 To provide an outstanding learning environment which challenges all of us to achieve our full potential and to continually share our knowledge and skills with the local and global community. Here at the Academy, we encourage all students to SHARE. The meaning of each letter can be seen below: 6 39

First Impressions In the space below, describe your first impressions of GNSA.. Starting Secondary School This is a new and exciting time for everyone. This booklet will answer some questions that you might have and help prepare you for the changes that you will experience when you join us at the Guru Nanak Sikh Academy. What s different about secondary school? Write a list of as many things you can think of that will be different in secondary school. New friends there will be 30 students in your form class and 180 in your year meaning lots of new people to make friends with. There are lots of students who are the only person from their primary school so don t be afraid to make friends, everyone is in the same situation as you. Spend time trying to talk people as some people might be shy and not find it easy to make new friends and other people might not stop talking! Everyone aims to look after each other at the Guru Nanak Sikh Academy no matter what year or form they are in. If you do feel worried about an issue then speak to your form tutor or Year 7 buddy about it. Remember if you do not tell anyone, nothing can be done about it. 38 7

Bigger school School Information Consequences Our school is a big place take some time to walk around and find where your lessons are. If you cannot find a classroom or the restaurant there is always a student or teacher around that will point you in the right direction. Moving classrooms You will have to move classroom for every lesson. There are 7 lessons everyday which might mean 7 different classrooms! Most students in your class will be moving with you so do not be afraid of getting lost. Equipment As you will be moving classrooms you will have to bring all your own equipment with you to each lesson. Lockers are available to rent from the school in September so you do not have to carry all of your books and equipment every day. It is a good idea to write a list of the equipment you need to pack in your bag each day. Teachers You will have a different teacher for every subject (that s up to 14 different teachers in a week!) It takes time to get used to all the different teachers but try your best in every subject and remember each teacher has to get to know you too. There is a similar ladder in place for consequences; for any unacceptable behaviour, there is one for around the school and during lessons. Different types of unacceptable behaviour is mapped onto the ladder with a consequence level given to it depending on the level of unacceptable behaviour. See below for the different consequence levels: Warning verbal or recorded C1 recorded and 15 minute detention C2 recorded and 30 minute detention C3 recorded, parents informed,referred to Head of Year or Head of Department and detention given C4 recorded, parents informed, referred to Assistant Principal, detention given, exclusion considered. All behaviour points are recorded; that means all teachers can see them and the reasons why the behaviour points have been awarded. Both the consequence and rewards ladders will be available for you to look at in your homework diary and are displayed around school. 8 37

Rewards Different Rules The teachers at the academy have high expectations of student behaviour and we expect all students to adapt the Sikh ethos of working hard and respecting others. Some of our school rules include: Full school uniform must be worn at all times, (no trainers or outdoor coats). Head coverings must be worn at all times. No makeup, nail varnish or jewellery is allowed, (except watches or religious items) 1 pair of stud earrings are allowed. No IPods, MP3 players, personal stereos or tippex are allowed. Mobile phones must be switched off at the start of the school and stored in the students locker. No chewing gum is allowed. Transport to the Academy Some of you might be travelling here by bus, cycling or walking. Do a test run before your first day of school to see how long it takes you. Always aim to be at school by 7:50 a.m., this allows a few extra minutes in case you get stuck in traffic. 36 9

Equipment Check List All students must have the following items: 1. School bag 2. Pencil case 3. Pens: Blue, black, red, green 4. Pencils: Two 2H, Two HB, 2B sketching pencil 5. Sharpener 6. Rubber 7. Rulers: 30cm and 15cm 8. Coloured Pencils Science Religious Studies Technology (RM) Technology (FT/TT) Notes (including Parent & Teacher Comments) 9. Protractor 10. Compass 11. Scientific calculator 12. Glue stick (non-toxic) Word of the Week Attendance am pm M T W T F P = Present A = Absent L = Late Absence Note My child was/will be absent from (date) to (date): for the following reason: Signed (Parent): Parent s Signature Tutor s Signature 10 35

Homework Diary In September you will receive a homework diary. This will be a place for you to record your timetable, all homework, important notes and information. You will bring your homework diary to school every day and it will be signed by a parent and your form tutor every Tuesday. Below is an example of a page from the homework diary: Subject Art Week Beginning: 4th September 2017 Homework Details Date Due Homework More Homework You will not get lots of homework on your first day but it will gradually increase. Use your school diary to carefully write in your homework then you will be able to monitor what you need to do each night. Make sure you have a set place to do your homework every day after school. Find somewhere quiet with space to lay out your books and try to get it done as soon as you go home while it is fresh in your mind. Remember if you do not understand your homework ask the teacher for help before the day it is due in. Computing English French Form tutors Your form tutor is a very important person in the school. You will register with them in the morning and again after lunch everyday. They will monitor your progress in school and, if you have any problems, they are the first person you should talk to. They will check your diary once a week so its very important you keep it neat and tidy! Geography History Maths Timetable In September you will receive your weekly timetable. This will tell you who your teachers are and what classrooms you will be taught in. You will then be able to organise your books and equipment each evening to ensure everything is ready for the following day. Music PE PSHE Punjabi 34 11

Attendance Points for Parents Regular attendance is crucial to a child s progress and we hope you will cooperate in keeping absences to a minimum. Parents are required to telephone the school before 8:00 a.m. to inform us of a child s absence. When the child returns to school he/she should provide a note from their parent explaining the absence and, where necessary, medical evidence in the form of appointment cards/ hospital letters, etc. For long periods of illness a medical certificate is required. Failure to comply with this may result in the matter being referred to the Education Welfare Service at Hillingdon. Appointments (Medical/ Dental) Except in the case of an emergency, Medical and Dental appointments must be made outside school hours and during holiday periods. Where an appointment cannot be avoided during the school day, evidence must be produced at least 2 days in advance. Whole days off are not allowed for check-up appointments. At Guru Nanak Sikh Academy we have an in-house procedure where a permission slip must be completed by the child in advance of any appointments taken. The permission slip can be collected from the Reception area. Exceptional leave In accordance with the new guidance from the Education Welfare Service for schools, the academy is not allowed to authorise leave for students during school term time. However, in the event of the bereavement of a close family member, an application can be made to the Principal. Contacts If, at any stage, you need to contact the school with any issue regarding your child then the form tutor is the first person you should liaise with. Your child s diary is a first point of contact or else speak to reception where an appointment can be made with the form tutor. The school Reception is open between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. daily. If entering the school grounds, parents must report to Reception immediately and should wear a head covering. 12 Structure of the school day When you first come to the school 7 lessons a day can be quite confusing! Look below to see the structure of your day to help you be more organised for September. Don t worry if it s too difficult, you will get used to it very quickly! Registration 8am 8.35 Period 1 8.35 9.20 Period 2 9.20 10.05 Break 10.05 10.25 Period 3 10.25 11.10 Period 4 11.10 11.55 Period 5 11.55 12.40 Lunch 12.40 1.40 Registration 1.40 1.45 Period 6 1.45 2.30 Period 7 2.30 3.15 During registration you will be with your form tutor they are your main teacher who will get to know you the best! During morning registration you will be either attending the Gurdwara, special assemblies, PSHE lessons, SALAD activities (Speaking and Listening and Discussion), mentoring, signing diaries! It s a busy time! 33

House System Education Welfare Service Education Welfare Officers are employed by the Local Authority to visit schools and discuss issues about attendance. They offer support and advice to students and families for whom regular attendance at school seems to be a problem. Their aim is to ensure all children benefit from the education to which they are entitled. Guidance and advice may also be offered about free school meals, uniform and clothing grants, employment of children, children in entertainments, the possibility of benefits, Special Education Needs and Child Protection. Education Welfare Officers work closely with other agencies including school nurses, Educational Psychologists, Child Guidance, Social Services, Young Persons Justice, the Police and voluntary agencies. Each form group will be assigned a House. You will be in your house from year 7 all the way to year 11. In these Houses you have a chance to compete in a variety of competitions across the year to win House Points. You can also gain House Points for punctuality, attendance, effort, upholding the SHARE values and many more reasons. You will record your House Points on a card which once filled can be traded in for rewards. All House Points are collated across the year and the winners receive the House Cup! Child protection It may be helpful for parents to be aware that the Local Authority requires all Principals to report any obvious or suspected child abuse. This may be a nonaccidental injury, physical neglect, emotional abuse, and or sexual abuse. Schools are encouraged to take the attitude that where there are grounds for suspicion it is better to be safe than sorry. The procedure is intended to protect children who may be at risk. This does mean that Principals risk upsetting some parents by reporting a case, which, on investigation, proves unfounded. In such circumstances it is hoped that parents will appreciate the sensitive nature of the Principal s role. The Principal and the staff of the school endeavour to act in the best interest of the child and take this responsibility very seriously. School Transport Mini bus numbers Challenge: Do you recognise any of the house names? Why do you think they are significant? Bus Route 1 Hayes, Southall. Contact Mrs Mohani Tel: 07949 559 721 Bus Route 2 Hounslow, Heston. Contact Mohinder Mohan Tel: 07956 504 370 (Please note that these minibuses are a separate service, not provided by the school.) 32 13

What's going on for Year 7 Students The Library The Sahibzada Fatah Singh Library is a round two story building situated in a quiet area of the School between the larger buildings. It is light and welcoming and is managed by Mrs Williams. In the Lower School Area, there are over 5,000 books, both fiction and non-fiction. You will find magazines and a weekly newspaper all on the lower level. Should you want to use a computer, there are two downstairs and thirty upstairs, all of which are bookable. This will be the only time you will be allowed upstairs. You may take out up to four books on a Library card which you may keep for up to two weeks. You can renew the date if you wish to take longer. It is open before and after school as well as break and lunch-time. There are not many rules, but we do enforce them. You will find the rules in your diary and on the doors as you enter. Please keep the Library tidy and quiet. This makes it pleasant for all. Arts Corner Keep up to date with Art news and Competitions in the half termly newsletter and Arts corner. Year 7 Sports At the academy there are a number of extracurricular activities to join. Every term the P.E department run a range of different clubs and tournaments. You can enter tournaments against other schools or enter competitions with your new form group to win house points. Sports Day is held in July every year and is filled with events. Throughout year 7 you have a range of extra clubs, events and trips you can attend, here are just some of them: Sports clubs Maths Challenge Poetry Workshop Fundraising Peer mentoring Year 6 7 assemblies University trips Volunteering project Form assemblies and many more 14 31

What Our Year 7 Students Say About Secondary School Subjects You will be studying lots of exciting subjects in specialist classrooms. Find the subjects in the word search using the list below 30 ART COMPUTING FRENCH FOOD TECHNOLOGY GEOGRAPHY HISTORY MATHS MUSIC PANJABI PE PSHE RE ENGLISH SCIENCE RESISTANT MATERIALS 15

Art & Design Welcome to GNSA KS3 Art and Design! Over the next 2 years you will have the exciting opportunity to learn how to draw, paint and create sculpture using a range of different materials such as pencil, paint, clay and even digital art! You will also be taught how to write about your artwork and that of others to express your own opinion about art that you study. You will be given a sketch book to showcase your talent and will learn how to create art by studying the Art history timeline project throughout year 7 and 8. Your teachers will introduce you to the work of traditional and contemporary artist s, as well as develop your own style through the use of your own interests, photography and digital art! In year 7 you will learn about Realism, Impressionism, Pointillism and Art Nouveau. In year 8 you will learn about Abstract Art, Cubism Portraits and Surrealism. You will see how each exciting new style influenced the next. You will also learn about what was happening in the world at the time. Each project will include a skilled final piece both in and out of the your timeline sketchbook. These pieces will be show cased in our end of year exhibition. You should bring the following equipment to your art lessons: a sharp pencil, a black pen, a 30cm ruler, eraser, sharpener and a set of sharp colouring pencils. All other specialist equipment will be provided by the Art department. *Keep an eye out on the notice board and the school newsletter for our Artist of the Month * Technology What is Design and Technology? Design and Technology prepares students to participate in tomorrow's rapidly changing technologies. They learn to think and intervene creatively to improve quality of life. The subject calls for students to become autonomous and creative problem solvers, as individuals and members of a team. They must look for needs, wants and opportunities and respond to them by developing a range of ideas and making products and systems. They combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetics, social and environmental issues, function and industrial practices. As they do so, they reflect on and evaluate present and past design technology, its uses and effects. Through Design and Technology, all pupils can become discriminating and informed users of products, and innovators. Design and Technology is a subject that has several specialisms within it. At the Academy we offer five specialisms: Engineering, Food and Nutrition, Graphic Products, Product Design and Textiles Technology. All students have to undertake all five specialisms throughout Key Stage 3 and then at Key Stage 4, students can select one area which they would like to take further at GCSE. Information about the Department The Design and Technology Department has eight fully equipped rooms which all serve a purpose depending on their specialism. Currently there is one Textiles Workroom, two Food Workrooms, two ICT Suites, one Engineering Workshop and two Product Design Workshops. In addition to the above statements, all workrooms have an Interactive Whiteboard and ICT facilities, so that the subject can be delivered in an innovative manner. The department consists of six teaching staff and three technicians. Each member of teaching staff can teach more than two specialisms within the Design and Technology curriculum. Curriculum The current curriculum at Key Stage 3 is under review, the reason for this is the many changes that the government has introduced, but rest assured that there will be balance of practical and theory work involved in all specialisms. At Key Stage 4 (KS4) we offer five GCSE subjects, which are all delivered from the AQA Specification which are: Engineering, Graphic Products, Product Design and Textiles Technology. All four qualifications have a value of 60% coursework and 40% examination. The coursework is set by the examination board, which is carried out under controlled assessment rules. While the exam takes place at the end of the second year (Year 11) and is two hours in duration for each specialism apart from Engineering which is an hour. At Key Stage 5 (KS5) we offer one GCE subject, which is Product Design: Resistant Materials (EDEXCEL). This has the same value as the GCSE subjects listed above, however there is an exam at the end of each academic year. 16 29

Science The course is an exciting challenge for all budding, motivated Year 7 students and is tailored to build on the skills developed from primary school. There are 4 lessons of Science every week (2 singles and a double) and students are taught in form groups. The majority of double lessons will involve exciting practical work which will help develop the essential skills all scientists require. Topics covered in year 7 are: Computing Why is it so vital that we learn Computing? We are already living in a world dominated by computers and software. Your telephone calls go over softwarecontrolled networks; your television is delivered over the internet; people don t buy maps anymore, they use the web; we all shop online. Your world will become even more online and digital. Soon, your house will be controlled with software, some of your medical care will be delivered over the web and your car may even drive itself. Mixtures and separation You will be taught in groups of about 22 in specialist Computer Study rooms equipped with computers, printers, scanners, microphones and headsets. You will have two lessons of Computing a week which each last for 45 minutes. Energy During the course of Year 7 we will be covering the following topics: Cells, tissues, organs and system Sexual reproduction in animals Acids and alkalis Current electricity Muscles and bones The particle model Forces Ecosystems Atoms, elements and Sound The specific aims of the Year 7 Science curriculum are to provide students with opportunities to: Contribute to an understanding of the world around us. Make informed decisions in the future. Develop experimental and investigative abilities Assessments: There will be regular assessments to ensure that all students make progress. In addition students practical skills be monitored and assessed regularly 28 throughout the year by investigation (Individual and group activities). Databases : You will be using simple and complex lines of enquiry to extract information you require and also gain an appreciation of how databases are used in different organisations. Spreadsheets: You will also be creating suitable models and applying basic formulae and functions in order to test out hypotheses. Using information gathered from both of these sources, you will then develop materials to advertise services and present findings to different groups of people. E-safety: You will develop your understanding of how to stay safe online and search the Internet effectively. You will be encouraged to consider bias and the reliability of any information you find. Social Networking: You will be aware of issues surrounding social networking and understand what you can do to ensure your personal identity remains safe. Computer Components: You will be learning the basics of how a computer works. Programming: You will be using Python to learn how to use basic commands and create simple sets of instructions in order to programme an event. You will also learn how to create and use simple Algorithms. 17

English All students will be developing their skills in reading and writing through the English Department s schemes of work that have been created to follow the National Curriculum requirements. Our teaching involves students with a variety of texts, styles and activities as we develop their understanding of language. Creative writing features throughout their education as we develop their knowledge of writing techniques and styles. Speaking and listening is an essential skill to develop and students will have opportunities through group work, presentations and drama activities that are part of regular lessons. Students will also be able to watch drama performances in school. There are also opportunities to be involved in productions such as the Shakespeare Schools Festival. Independent Reading: an essential skill for all students. In consultation with the school Librarian, and through regular visits to the library, we recommend a wide variety of texts for students to develop a love of reading. It is an essential skill for all students but is also something that they can take ownership of for themselves through their book selections. Parents can involve themselves by encouraging and monitoring this essential skill through the reading record that is in their student s diary. Reading clubs, reading awards and reading competitions are all part of our commitment to encourage reading by students. Religious Education Guru Nanak Sikh Academy was started as a faith school and still has a very strong element of faith deeply enrooted in its everyday life. We welcome children from different cultures and faith traditions all of whom work well together in imbibing the Sikh principles (Remembering God, working hard and sharing with others). Respect for beliefs/practices related to all religions is at the heart of our school ethos. We see each child as a whole person and provide a broad and balanced RE curriculum whilst aiming to help everyone achieve their personal beliefs and opinions on religion and life. Differences are respected and valued, and we believe that every individual should have equal access to the opportunities available in our school. Approaches to the teaching of RE In order to make religious education a lively, active subject we employ a variety of teaching methods, including art, music, discussions, the development of thinking skills, drama, the use of artifacts, pictures, stories, and the use of periods of stillness and reflection. In addition there are three major religious events which are celebrated by all students annually, offering them more performance and spiritual opportunities. The Religious Education curriculum will provide opportunities for students to develop the following skills and attitudes: Skills: Investigations, Empathy, Synthesis, Interpretation, Evaluation, Application, Reflection, Analysis and Expression. Attitudes: Self awareness, Respect for all, Open mindedness Year 7 topics: What do different people believe about God? Key religious figures Key religious beliefs Religious Authority Equality and Justice Ultimate questions Assessment: The Religious Education curriculum will be based on the two Attainment Targets set out in the Agreed Syllabus: Attainment Target 1 Knowledge and understanding of religion Attainment Target 2 Knowledge and understanding from religion 18 27

Physical Education French AEROBICS RUGBY DANCE TRAMPOLINING GYMNASTICS HOCKEY ROCK-IT-BALL VOLLEYBAL SWIMMING CYCLING FOOTBALL ROUNDERS NETBALL CRICKET SKIING SELF DEFENCE BASKETBALL BADMINTON SOFTBALL CHEERLEADING ATHLETICS TABLE TENNIS TENNIS ROCK CLIMBING You will have 3 French lessons of every week. Therefore by the end of the year, all of you will be able to communicate well in French and some of you will even begin to become fluent! As teachers, our aims are to: Stimulate your interest and enthusiasm Make learning an enjoyable experience Develop your understanding of the spoken and written forms of French Develop your understanding of grammar in French but also in English Understand and appreciate another European culture Allow you to develop new skills So, what is PE like at the Guru Nanak Sikh Academy? - PE is taught in single sex groups. - 90 minutes of PE per week. - There are plenty of clubs held every lunchtime and after school. - School teams include football (boys and girls), cricket, athletics, netball gymnastics, hockey, rounders and many more. What about awards and qualifications? GCSE PE is offered at KS 4 BTEC Level 3 National in Sport is offered at KS 5 Duke of Edinburgh Award Level 1 Sports Leaders Award is offered in year 10 The topics that you will cover in your first year are: Greetings Birthday Time Sports + Leisure House + Rooms in the house Animals Colours Horoscope Dictionaries Good dictionary skills are vital for language learning. You will need to have your own dictionary and we advise these: Collins easy learning French dictionary and Collins easy learning French verbs. Remember you will need to use them until your GCSE. In addition, you will need to have a pocket-sized dictionary, that will always stay in your school bag at all times, so that you can have it in every lesson. You will be assessed regularly both formally and informally to ensure that you make good progress. 26 19

Geography Personal, Social and Health Education At Key Stage 3 all students study geography. There are 2 lessons of 45 minutes each week and students are taught in form groups. During Year 7, we will build on the geographical skills that you have acquired at primary school including map skills and locational world geography. Other topics include Weather and Climate you will be able to test your weather forecasting skills and complete a weather diary for a week. During KS3 we also study the geography of crime, sport, city life, natural hazards, development, tourism and places such as Antarctica and Chindia (China and India). Personal, social and health education (PSHE) enables children to become healthy, independent and responsible members of society. We encourage our students to play a positive role in contributing to the life of the school and the wider community. The main areas of study are: Citizenship Health Education including: Sex & Relationships Education Drug Education Work Related Learning Learning to Learn British Values Students in Year 7 study PSHE as part of the timetabled curriculum for 1 lesson of 30 minutes per week which is taught in form groups. In addition to this, PSHE assemblies take place, which are based on areas within the PSHE programmes of study. Students will also have the opportunity to take part in national and international projects such as, Walk to School Week, Careers Week and National Braille Week, to develop greater awareness of the world around them. Geography is an exciting subject which allows you to relate your studies to items in the news and the world around you, for example, the Icelandic Volcanic eruption and how it affected our daily lives. Homework is set each week and over the summer holidays, we would encourage you to keep an eye on Geography in the News. 20 Every person is valued regardless of age, colour, gender, ethnicity, heritage, religion or disability. We teach children what it means to be a positive member of a diverse multicultural society, how society is organised and governed, ensuring that they experience the process of democracy in school through the School Council. The aims of personal, social and health education are to enable the children to: respect themselves as individuals, whilst developing an understanding, tolerance and respect for others and their differences, treating all people as equal; develop a clear set of values and attitudes; value themselves as unique human beings, capable of spiritual, moral, intellectual and physical growth and development; develop their varied abilities and talents fully setting achievable goals, learning to work and try hard, and understanding both success and failure; learn to live and enjoy a healthy lifestyle; develop an active role as a member of a family and of the community; 25

Panjabi All year 7 students will learn Panjabi as a compulsory language. Students will have 2 lessons of Panjabi every week. As the majority of the children will be beginners, emphasis will be on listening and speaking skills. Therefore, by the end of the year all students will be able to communicate well in Panjabi. Reading and writing will be limited to the introduction, recognition and formation of the letters of the alphabets and joining of different letters and sounds of the symbols to form words. Our Aims To develop the ability to understand and use Panjabi effectively for purposes of practical communication. To develop an awareness of the nature of the language. To develop and understanding of the Panjabi grammar and ability to apply it. To develop students understanding of themselves and their own culture. To offer insights into the culture and civilization of Panjabi-speaking countries and communities. To form the sound base of skills, language and attitude required for further study, work and leisure. To make learning an enjoyable experience. Topics covered in Year 7 Greetings Myself and family Time Colours Animals My house Sports & Leisure My school and daily routine Dictionaries Students are expected to work independently both at home and at school, and good dictionary skills are vital. Panjabi classroom is equipped with dictionaries, but it is very much in student s interests to have their own dictionaries to help with their homework. History History is a subject that teaches us all about our diverse pasts and how we have come to live in the country and world that we do today. Through role-play, debate, source investigation and much, much more you will learn how to research the past and create your own view of what happened and who was most to blame. This is your chance to study history as a subject in its own right and will see you tackle a whole range of diverse topics from Ancient history to the end of the medieval period. We start with some skills -based work to learn about the key ideas in history through a topic called What is history? This is followed by looking at Ancient Rome and the impact it had on the lives of people in England and Wales. The rest of the year is spent trying to understand Medieval Britain and how key events impacted on the people and gave the foundations for the future. What is history? What was the impact of the Roman Empire? How did England become Norman? What was the impact of rulers, plague and revolt on the people of England? Why was there conflict between Christianity and Islam in the medieval period? So, dust off your Horrible History box set, get on your thinking cap and get ready for the roller coaster ride that is history. Through the torment, pain and struggle of those in the past you will develop a greater understanding of where we are today. Assessment Students will be assessed regularly formally and informally to make sure that they make good progress. Students will be expected to demonstrate four skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing 24 21

Maths Mathematics is taught for 4 lessons of 45 minutes each week. In the first halfterm you will be taught in your form group. At the end of October you will be placed in one of 7 groups. During the year we will monitor your progress through assessment tests and teacher assessments. It will be very important to bring all of your mathematics equipment to every lesson as this will help you to succeed. Our aim is to make mathematics fun and we want to ensure that you look forward to and enjoy your lessons. We will study a range of topics and will use calculators and interactive computer software to help you. There will be opportunities for you to experience fun activities in maths including the Hillingdon Maths Challenge and the UK Maths Challenge. Can you use all 4 numbers for make the number 24? Music All year 7 students have a music lesson twice a week for 45 minutes. In this lesson we identify and evaluate the use of the different elements of music and you will learn to evaluate and respond to different styles and conventions of music from around the world. We spend most of our time in music lessons performing but we also learn to read and write western music. We often perform in small groups or as a whole class but towards the middle of the year we begin to use computers to help us compose music. Our department has enough Apple Mac computers shared for one between two students and we have music software to help you compose the best music you can. You also have the opportunity to learn musical instruments in school. We have visiting professional musicians who come to school once a week to teach our students a variety of different instruments. We are able to offer you lessons on the Guitar, Piano, Violin, Drum Kit, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Tabla, and Western singing (including pop singing). So whether you play one of these already or if you would like to learn as a beginner we can arrange this for you. You will be told how to sign up for these lessons in your music lessons at the start of the year. We also have an Academy Choir, a Steel Pans Band, a Theory Club, and an African Drumming Club which anyone can attend. Music is an extremely enjoyable subject and I am sure you ll find it creative and challenging. The music department is looking forward to working with you next year. 22 23