our curriculum y7 - 11 · our curriculum y7 - 11 english the english department at toan is...

Our Curriculum Y7 - 11

English

The English Department at TOAN is committed to ensuring all our students achieve great outcomes whilst developing core skills needed in the world of work. We inspire our students, develop a love of reading and explore the world through the written world.

Our curriculum is designed to ensure that:

• students are exposed to a wide range of texts • students have the opportunity to write creatively and imaginatively • students have every chance to succeed and achieve excellent results

Key Stage 3

In Year 7 students complete six units, including studying autobiographies, poetry and short stories, villainous villains and fiction prose before studying set scenes from a Shakespeare play and developing creative writing skills, in particular looking at the use of language techniques to engage a reader and extended but appropriate vocabulary. All students will complete an end of year examination, focused on all of the reading and writing skills they have obtained over the course of the year.

In Year 8 students complete six units including:

• A modern novel • Conflict Poetry • Shakespeare • Short stories • Transactional writing and non-fiction reading • Modern Drama

All students will also complete an end of year examination, focused on all of the reading and writing skills they have obtained over the course of the year.

Year 9 is the year in which we lay the clear foundations for the GCSE course; building on the core skills developed in Key Stage 3. The texts are increasingly challenging and the focus is on stretching and challenging the


students to ensure that they are prepared for the rigour of GCSE English Literature and Language. Students cover the following topics:

• Modern Drama • The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde • Short stories • Non-Fiction and the Media • Romeo and Juliet • Poetry

Key Stage 4

Students begin their formal preparation for GCSE English Language and English Literature in Year 10. Students all follow the AQA Syllabus and the two courses are integrated throughout the two-year course. Students will complete the following units:

Blood Brothers:

Students will study Russell’s dramatic methods; Russell’s use of language; contextual factors; theme and character study.

Transactional Writing:

Students will cover specific skills related to the purpose of writing to argue and persuade; use of relevant linguistic devices and clear focus on technical accuracy

Power and Conflict Poetry:

Students will cover the analysis of the Power and Conflict poems, analysing the effect of language and comparing writers’ perspectives.

Macbeth:

Students will read the whole play; Shakespeare’s dramatic methods; analysis of key scenes in each act; all major characters; themes and motifs; contextual factors

Students will develop core skills for English Literature Paper 1.


Non Fiction:

Students will read a range of non-fiction articles to prepare them for English Language Paper 2. They will be developing core skills of analysis and evaluation.

Unseen Poetry:

Students will cover the skills needed to analyse poetry. Specific exam practise on attempting the unseen poem and comparing two unseen poems.

A Christmas Carol:

Students will read the 19th century classic. They will cover: the text as a whole; Dickens’ characterisation; themes and ideas; contextual factors.

Descriptive and Narrative Writing:

Students will cover specific skills related to the purpose of writing to describe; use of relevant linguistic devices and clear focus on technical accuracy.

Throughout Year 11 students will have the opportunity for specific, tailored revision according to their own needs. They will be able to attend EQP – revision classes on a weekly basis and may have the opportunity to attend Saturday School.

There will be formal mock examinations throughout the year as well as regular assessments to ensure that we tailor the revision to the needs of each and every student.

During Term 1, students will revise all the elements for GCSE English Language Paper 1 and 2. They will build on their knowledge from Year 10 and continue to develop the key skills of analysis, evaluation and writing for different audiences and purposes.

During Term 2, students will revisit the Literature texts from Year 10. As well as revising the content of the texts, students will develop further insight into the writers’ methods and intentions whilst continuing to develop core skills.


For more information regarding the GCSE courses please visit the following pages:

GCSE English Literature

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/gcse/english-literature-8702

GCSE English Language

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/gcse/english-language-8700

Maths

Studying mathematics opens up many opportunities and is essential for entry into college. Mathematics at The Oldham Academy North is taught in a suite of 8 classrooms and each classroom is fitted with an interactive whiteboard to improve the learning experience. Within the mathematics area there is a resource room suitable for small group teaching. The faculty subscribes to a number of electronic resources to enhance the learning of the students. Resources available include interactive tutorials, which specifically support the courses that our students follow, websites that help students to enhance their skills and to support students in their learning and investigatory skills.


Support

We ensure all students leave with a Mathematics qualification at The Oldham Academy North whether it is GCSE Mathematics or Entry Level Mathematics. The qualification that suits the student best to meet their full potential will be chosen.

There are lots of opportunities to compete in mathematics competitions, we take part in UKMT and WinAtSchool annually. We do the in school papers as well as day trips competing with schools across the North West. We receive bronze, silver and gold awards annually and have had students get through to the European challenge round!

KS3 Overview

In maths at The Oldham Academy North students follow a 5 year tiered scheme of work based on six maths areas: Number, Algebra, Probability, Statistics, Geometry and Measures, and Ratio and Proportion which starts in KS3 and lays the foundation for GCSE work in year 9 and throughout KS4. KS3 pupils follow the Pi, Theta or Delta programme using a variety of teaching methods and applying the Mathematics to real life situations. The programme includes problem solving mathematics including financial planning. Students are assessed at the end of each unit and half term, they are notified of their strengths and areas for development so they are clear of what they have done well and how to improve for next time.

Students study the Mathematics National Curriculum and through this we aim to develop our students as follows:

• a positive attitude towards mathematics, as well as competence and confidence in mathematical knowledge, concepts and skills;

• an ability to solve problems, to reason, to think logically and to work systematically and logically;


• the skills to use their own initiative and an ability to work both independently and in co-operation with others;

• an ability to communicate through mathematics and to use and apply mathematics across the curriculum and in real life.

Year 7 Study Topics

• Analysing and displaying data • Arithmetic • Expressions, functions and formulae • Decimals and measures • Fractions • Probability • Ratio and proportion • Lines and angles • Sequences and graphs • Transformations

Additional Topics Covered in Year 7

• Equations • Multiplicative reasoning • Students not yet ready to follow a year 7 Scheme of Work, work on

numeracy based activates to improve attainment.

Year 8 Study Topics

• Negative numbers, powers and roots • Area and volume • Statistics, graphs and charts • Expressions and equations • Real life graphs • Decimals and ratio • Lines and angles • Calculating with fractions • Straight line graphs • Percentages, decimals and fractions


• Index laws • Surface area and volume of 3D shapes


• Scale drawings and constructions • Students not yet ready to follow a year 8 Scheme of Work, work on

numeracy based activates to improve attainment.

KS4 Overview

Year 9 students begin following the new reformed Edexcel GCSE course as a 3 year period of study, internal assessments continue to use end of topic tests and half termly assessments. Students are prepared to sit their GCSE examination using the Edexcel Linear course, which contains 3 examinations (2 calculator and 1 non-calculator) at the end of year 11 with grades determined by performance across all papers, the final grade awarded will be on 9-1 scale. Students study at either Foundation or Higher Tier depending on their ability. Students are fully supported throughout the course with excellent resources, targeted teaching and many opportunities to attend extra support sessions. One-to-one tuition is also provided for selected students.

For more information from the Edexcel exam board on the reformed GCSE click here:

http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/mathematics-2015.html

Year 9 Topics of Study

• Factors and multiples • Expressions, substitution and factorising • Graphs, tables and charts • Fractions and percentages • Equations, inequalities and sequences • Angles • Averages and range • Perimeter, area and volume


• Surds • Pyramids and cones



• Graphs • Transformations • Ratio and proportion • Right angle triangles • Probability • Multiplicative Reasoning • Constructions, loci and bearings • Quadratic equations and graphs • Area and Circumference of Circles


• Quadratic formula • Venn diagrams and set notation • Growth and decay • Histograms • Circle Theorems


• Fractions, indices and standard form • Congruence • Simultaneous equations


• Algebraic Fractions • Translating graphs of functions


E-Learning

There are many websites and packages the mathematics faculty use for interactive learning experiences in the academy and as homework, students receive individual usernames and all work is sent back to their class teacher to monitor their progress.

Some of these materials available are:

MY MATHS– Where students can do online homework and access lessons on all the units covered.

MATHSWATCH– Where students can access teacher led videos on all the course content.

ACTIVELEARN– Online homework with examples and revision material.

DIAGNOSTIC QUESTIONS– Multiple choice and reasoning activities to help students rectify any misconceptions, the website then personalized each student’s revision package.

DODDLE– A variety of homework, classwork and assessment activities that are interactive.

GCSE POD- A collection of podcasts on all of the maths GCSE topics.

Other useful Maths websites:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/maths/

http://www.mathsrevision.net/

http://www.purplemath.com/

http://www.mrbartonmaths.com/goodsites.htm


**We advise that students purchase a calculator for their exam and we have the Casio model available in school at a cost of £5.00.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Maths faculty

Science

The Science Faculty's mission is to equip students with the resilience and perseverance to become inquisitive and independent thinkers and to use scientific models of enquiry within an ever-changing world.

In order to do this we have built a Science curriculum that will deepen scientific knowledge and develop the varied skills that will form the basis for success at KS3, KS4 and beyond. This includes science-specific knowledge, literacy, numeracy and investigative skills.

Key Stage 3

Year 7

Pupils are introduced to the foundations of science knowledge and skills. We have created an exciting and interactive year that will provide the awe and wonder we want to inspire in our pupils. They will develop practical and


investigative skills. The first unit of learning is chemistry and this will lead into learning the underpinning principles of working scientifically, chemical reactions and particles. Next pupils will begin to develop the scientific knowledge and concepts of physics whereby they will understand how energy is stored and transferred along with an understanding of the forces that are around us and how this can be useful to us in society. In the final term, pupils will structure their learning on how organisms are structured and the processes that they carry out, including both plants and humans. This will begin to build a foundation for the final biology unit, which focuses on ecology and the dependence organisms have on each other for survival.

Year 8

Pupils step into the next level of scientific knowledge and will begin to develop skills of application so that their knowledge is opened up to both familiar and unfamiliar situations. In the first chemistry unit of learning, they will link particles and chemical reactions to atomic structure and ask why reactions occur. Similarly, their knowledge of combustion, life processes and energy transfers from Year 7 will take them into a deeper understanding of how Earth’s atmosphere is changing. Again developing and building on their learning they will transfer their knowledge of atomic structure to begin learning about electricity and how it is able to flow through circuits. In the second unit of physics pupils will look into waves, including how waves such as light and sound travel and their applications in society. The final unit of learning in Year 8 is biology whereby students look deeply into our genetics and how they have influenced characteristics and have been used for understanding medical conditions such as genetic diseases. Finally, students will look at how the human body and plants help defend themselves against illnesses and how conditions with organisms are regulated for survival purposes.

Year 9

In Year 9 we have our own entry level course whereby students will begin learning which prepares them for the skills they need in literacy, numeracy, application and working scientifically for their GSCE’s in Science. This year will follow the AQA specification Combined Trilogy which requires them to study topics in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This will enable them to


gain a foundation for KS4 whereby they would obtain two GCSE qualifications in Science. Students will sit written examinations and must complete several required practical investigations throughout their studies.

Key Stage 3 Revision

To revise and for help at home try this website:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zng4d2p

Key Stage 4

Science is considered a Core subject, which incorporates the building of all the key transferrable skills required for success in both Further and Higher Education. All students are required to study and gain qualifications in science. At KS4 we offer two courses.

Year 10

Pathway 1 students will be given the opportunity to follow the AQA specification Separate Sciences. This enables pupils to gain three GSCE’s in total. The students will be entered under the qualification titles of Biology, Physics and Chemistry. The course consists of external written examinations in summer term of Year 11 and students must complete several required practical investigations throughout their studies. This pathway prepares the pupil for A-level Sciences, Further Education and scientific careers. In Year 10 students study towards paper 1 biology, paper 3 chemistry and paper 5 physics.

Pathway 2 students will follow the AQA specification Combined Trilogy which requires them to study topics in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This pathway will enable them to gain two GCSE qualifications in science. Students will sit written examinations and must complete several required practical investigations throughout their studies. This pathway also prepares the pupil for A-level, Further Education and some scientific careers. It is


important to note that in order for students with the double award to study any of the sciences at A-level they must achieve at least grade B. It is always advisable to check with colleges regarding their requirements. In Year 10 pupils work towards paper 1 biology, paper 3 chemistry and paper 5 physics.

Year 11

Science is considered a core subject, which incorporates the building of all the key transferrable skills required for success in both Further and Higher Education. All students are required to study and gain qualifications in science. At KS4, we offer two courses.

Pathway 1 students will be given the opportunity to follow the AQA specification Separate Sciences. This enables pupils to gain three GSCE’s in total. The students will be entered under the qualification titles of Biology, Physics and Chemistry. The course consists of external written examinations in summer term of Year 11 and students must complete several required practical investigations throughout their studies. This pathway prepares the pupil for A-level Sciences, Further Education and scientific careers. In Year 10 students study towards paper 2 biology, paper 4 chemistry and paper 6 physics.

Pathway 2 students will follow the AQA specification Combined Trilogy which requires them to study topics in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This pathway will enable them to gain two GCSE qualifications in Science. Students will sit written examinations and must complete several required practical investigations throughout their studies. This pathway also prepares the pupil for A-level, Further Education and some scientific careers. It is important to note that in order for students with the double award to study any of the Sciences at A-level they must achieve at least grade B. It is always advisable to check with colleges regarding their requirements. In Year 10 pupils work towards paper 2 biology, paper 4 chemistry and paper 6 physics.


KS4 to revise and for help at home try these websites:

Core Science: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/aqa/ Additional:http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/add_aqa/

Further Additional: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/triple_aqa/

For AQA exam information and past papers: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse

Teaching and Learning

In Science, we are building a range of different learning methods to engage and motivate our students to achieve in Science. We encourage independent and interdependent working to develop resilience, teamwork and communication skills. Pupils are then presented with learning tasks, problem solving and application, which deepens their level of thinking to enhance their learning experience.

Feedback

Feedback has been proven to accelerate pupil progression and so the feedback our students receive is our priority. We provide detailed and timely feedback that clearly explains for each student their successes along with specific ways to improve further. This takes the form of Exit Tickets, Meet the WILF and exams. All years will have exams in each half term to assess progress. These will also be a way to provide feedback to students. Time is built into lessons to ensure there is opportunity for student response, support and challenge. Our aim is to use learning tasks, problem solving and application questions provided in lessons along with exam practice questions to provide the basis for the teacher and student themselves to assess and identify areas to improve. This approach enables us to personalise the learning for each student.

Business Studies


Business Studies is designed for students in Years 10 and 11, who select it as a GCSE option. It teaches students how to understand the business world and demonstrates the skills needed to run a successful business. Understanding is enhanced through practical activities and discussion of real-life business scenarios. Students learn how to use relevant terms, concepts and methods effectively to describe business and economic behaviour. Students also consider business ethics and the impact of business on the environment. This course is designed to deepen candidates' understanding of the way in which businesses operate in a dynamic, changing and competitive environment and includes topics such as Marketing, Enterprise and Recruitment.

Class of 2018

The GCSE course is made up of three units: Unit 1, 2 and 3.

Unit 1: Introduction to a Small Business (25%) (45 minute exam)

Unit 2: Controlled Assessment (25%)

Unit 3: Building a Business (50%) (90 minute exam)

Read the course specification here

Class of 2019 onwards

The new GCSE specification is made up of two units; Theme 1 and 2.

Theme 1: Investigating small business (50%) (1 hour 30-minute exam)

Theme 2: Building a business (50%) (1 hour 30-minute exam)

Read the course specification here

Computing

Computing at TOAN is an exciting and emerging subject within the academy. Students will cover the essential aspects, such as how to use the internet safely, computing hardware and software and even web design.


While also covering a range of other interesting areas such as security and the issues surrounding hacking, data representation with a specific focus of binary conversion (Binary to Denary, Hexadecimal and even to ASCII), networking and the advantages and disadvantages for each of the different types of networks and developing website skills (HTML & CSS) by effectively creating websites from scratch.

The curriculum helps develop their curiosity, their logical thinking skills and to encourage them to make their own programs instead of settling with what someone else has made. Finally, in Year 9, students will learn how to create their very own programs using Python on BBC Microbits. These Microbits are tiny computers, which students can program to show images, display messages and even respond to user buttons and movement!

We believe that this program of study at key stage 3 will allow the students to develop a solid foundation for the subject allowing the students to make an easy transition into GCSE Computing.

Key Stage 4


The Computing GCSE comprises of two terminal written exams (40% each) and one programming project(20%).

Paper one is based around ‘Computer Systems’ which focuses on the physical hardware of computers, networks, security & software as well as moral concerns surrounding the use of computers.

Paper two is based around ‘Computational thinking’ which focuses on creating algorithms, different programming techniques, computational logic as well as how data is represented within computers.

The programming project is 20 hours where students are given a program brief and they must analyse the proposed problem, design their program, show the development of the program before testing and evaluating their results. This builds on the skills learn by students at Year 9.

This GCSE has changed to become more engaging and contemporary, a greater focus on cyber security and computational thinking. This also allows students to develop greater resilience and encourages versatility.


Please click here to find more information on the Examination for computing

Product Design and Engineering

Key Stage 3

Year 7

The pupils use Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM) to produce a keyring. This project introduces pupils to plastics and CAD/CAM as well as developing their design skills. Pupils also complete 2 mini projects working with metal and wood.


Year 8

Pupils in Year 8 produce a bird box which can be used at home or donated to local wildlife sites. This project develops their skills with hand tools as well as looking at the theory behind their designs.


Year 9

In Year 9 pupils have the choice of two projects, a passive amplifier or a makeup stand. This project develops their design skills and looks at more areas of theory which links directly to Product Design at KS4.

Key Stage 4

AQA Product Design GCSE

Class of 2018

GCSE Design and Technology: Product Design enables students to design and make products with creativity and originality, using a range of materials and techniques.

Packaging, labelling and instructions are encouraged as part of the complete design proposal and advertising, points of sale can be used to supplement the making experience and help create products which can be evaluated for their commercial viability.

This course has 60 per cent controlled assessment in order to recognise the importance of practical work within this subject.

Unit 1: Written Paper (40%) (2 hours)

Unit 2: Design & Making Practice (60%) (45 hours)

http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/subjects/AQA-4555-W-SP-14.PDF

OCR Cambridge Nationals Engineering Manufacture

This qualification is part of the new Cambridge Nationals in Engineering suite. It is aimed at students who wish to study the processes involved in manufacturing new engineered products. It provides students with the knowledge and skills required to operate manufacturing tools and equipment used to make products in accordance with a design specification, and develops their understanding of the processes and systems required to transfer a design concept into a mass produced quality product.


R109: Engineering materials, processes and production (25%) (1 hour exam)

R110: Preparing and planning for manufacture (25%) (Assignment)

R111: Computer aided manufacturing (25%) (Assignment)

R112: Quality control of engineered products (25%) (Assignment)

http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/150707-specification.pdf


NCFE Level 2 Engineering

This qualification is designed for learners with an interest in engineering. It will provide learners with experience of using different tools and materials to enable them to use these within further education or apprenticeships. It will give them a basic understanding of what engineering may involve.

Unit 01 Introduction to engineering (25%) Internally assessed portfolio of evidence

Unit 02 Introduction to engineering drawing (25%) 45 minute exam

Unit 03 Tools and equipment for engineering (25%) Internally assessed portfolio of evidence

Unit 04 Engineering materials and their properties

https://www.ncfe.org.uk/media/829487/l2-engineering-qualification-specification-issue-6.pdf

Learning Links

KS3

www.technologystudent.com


http://www.bbc.co.uk/education

KS4

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/design-and-technology/gcse/design-and-technology-product-design-4555

http://www.edexcel.com/quals/firsts2012/engineering/Pages/default.aspx

www.technologystudent.com

www.123dapp.com/howto/design

www.123dapp.com/design-alt

http://home.btconnect.com/bordereta/ED8E_11/

http://www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk/Engineering_presentation/

http://www.raeng.org.uk/

http://www.mmsonline.com/videos/browse/all

http://www.bbc.co.uk/education

http://www.templatemaker.nl/

Textiles

Key Stage 3

Year 7

In Year 7 students will design and make a cushion cover inspired by the work of artist Jaime Rovenstine and including decorative techniques such as salt resist dye, topstitching and raw edge applique. The project will include Research, Design, Development & Evaluation skills. Students will complete homework in Fibres & Fabrics to cover Textiles theory content and support their class work.


Year 8

In Year 8 students will design and make a Day of the Dead sugar skull and include decorative techniques such as transfer printing, hand embroidery and reverse and padded applique. The project will include Research, Design, Development & Evaluation skills. Students will complete homework in Decorative & Construction Techniques to cover Textiles theory content and support their class work.

Year 9

In Year 9 students will design and make a lantern using new fabric Tyvek and include techniques such as hot textiles, free hand embroidery and e-textiles. The project will include Research, Design, Development & Evaluation skills. Students will complete homework in Sustainability to cover Textiles theory content and support their class work.

Key Stage 4

AQA Technical Award in Fashion & Textiles

Fashion and Textiles is designed to equip learners with the practical skills in Fashion & Textiles they need to progress to further general or vocational study. They’ll develop a broad understanding of the sector so they can make informed decisions about their career opportunities.

Learners will also develop valuable transferable skills including communication and collaboration.

Unit 1: Skills demonstration (internally assessed)

Unit 2: Extended making project (internally assessed)

Unit 3: Fundamentals of fashion and textiles (externally assessed)

For more information from the examination board click here


Facilities

• Sewing machines • CAD/CAM facilities; including a state of the art Computerised Sewing

Machine, Adobe • Photoshop & Illustrator • Vast range of textiles materials and components. • Laser Cutter

Extra Curricular trips and experiences

• Clothes Show Live • Photoshop & Print Design Workshops • Guest speakers from the Fashion and Textile Industry

Food Technology

Key Stage 3

Year 7

Pupils become competent in a range of cooking techniques for example, selecting and preparing ingredients, using utensils and electrical equipment, using awareness of taste, texture and smell to decide how to season dishes and combine ingredients.

Year 8

In year 8 pupils understand and apply the principles of nutrition and health. They cook a repertoire of dishes so that they are able to feed themselves and others to have a healthy and varied diet.

Year 9

Pupils prepare a range of meals and become more confident cooks. They learn how to make a range of sauces/bases and demonstrate their safe use of a knife and other small tools and equipment. They also learn about the 4C’s and how to handle high risk foods safely.


Key Stage 4

NCFE Food & Cookery

This qualification is designed for learners who have an interest in food and cookery. It will provide learners with experience of using different cooking techniques and methods to enable them to use these within further education or apprenticeships. It will give them a basic understanding of the skills required for a career in food.

Unit 01 Preparing to cook (25%) Internally assessed portfolio of evidence

Unit 02 Understanding food (25%) Internally assessed portfolio of evidence

Unit 03 Exploring balanced diets (25%) 2 hour exam

Unit 04 Plan and produce dishes in response to a brief (25%) Internally assessed portfolio of evidence

For more information from the examining board please click here

Music

At the academy we are proud of the numerous musical experiences that we offer our students. We recognise the importance of music as an enjoyable, enriching and educational activity that benefits our students culturally, socially and academically.

Year 7 & 8 Singing Sessions

We fully support the idea that students should have the opportunity to make music together. In Year 7 and 8, all students receive morning singing sessions ran by our voice teacher from Oldham Music Service. Sessions are designed to be fun, engaging and accessible to all abilities (e.g. rapping and beatboxing). During sessions, students learn the structure and different parts of music and rehearse group parts of a song. Every student then


performs their group piece in an assembly. Students who demonstrate a talent or interest in singing are identified and can join the school choir or receive vocal tuition lessons.

School Choir

The school choir welcomes students from all year groups and is an opportunity to learn a variety of different styles of songs and prepare them for performance. Our school choir has performed in local competitions and is always a fundamental part of performances planned (and unplanned) at the academy. See the video below to watch our choir in a recent ('unplanned') flash mob.

Here is a recent from the Oldham Academy North Choir for you to check out.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw0b2bGgku4#action=share[/embed]

Personal Tuition

At TOAN we want to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn a musical instrument and can make progress in music. Personal tuition is available to all students and is heavily subsidised by the academy. Interested students can receive string, brass, woodwind, keyboard and vocal lessons. Lessons take place in school, and are led by qualified, specialist teachers from Oldham Music Service. Once signed up, students receive an instrument, which they can take home to practice. They attend weekly lessons, which are rotated around their timetable. By receiving tuition, they will also be encouraged to take part in other Oldham Music Service events.

These experiences are helping to generate a love of and a confidence in music, and along with other performing arts areas, is growing in the academy. We actively look for other musical opportunities for our students to participate in and look forward to seeing our young vocalists and instrumentalists make progress.

Modern Foreign Languages


We believe that learning and practising a foreign language is not only very satisfying in itself, but once you have it; linguistic power opens up a whole world of opportunities and experiences for you in the future; further education and employment. Travelling will expand your mind and if you can visit the country and communicate with people in their own native language, you'll not only encounter more friendliness and courtesy, but you also end up with a far greater understanding of other countries and cultures. Ultimately, we aim for you not only to become functional, successful linguists, but to relish a real interest and enthusiasm for other countries and cultures.

We are living in a world which is increasingly playing a significant international role, which makes it critical to gain a foreign language that may not only improve enjoyment of your holiday, but may also enhance your career opportunities in the future. We want no TOAN student to discover that their world is limited by their language.

KS3 Overview

The curriculum in KS3 for Languages (French and Spanish) is proud to deliver a comprehensive and inclusive programme covering a wide range of topics about daily life and cultural differences.

Students in Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9) follow the National Curriculum.

KS3 - FRENCH

Year 7

The Year 7 programme of study offers an exciting and practical range of topics. The courses are divided into four main parts:

• Introducing Myself; • School life; • My Family; • My home.

The topics studied include:


Greetings, name, how are you?, school equipment, the alphabet and how to spell your name, numbers to 31 and age.

Days of the week, months of the year, birthdays, classroom equipment, colours, classroom instructions, Christmas vocabulary and traditions.

Brothers and sisters, pets, family members, personality adjectives and physical description (height, size, hair and eyes).

Where you live (town, country, type of house), rooms in the house and floors, adjectives to describe rooms, furniture and evening activities.

Year 8

The Year 8 programme of study aims to cover a complex range of topics which enhance knowledge acquired in Year 7. The main themes are:

• Where I live; • My town and area: • My daily life; • School and opinions; • My free time.

Year 9

The Year 9 programme of study offers a specialised selection of topics which enable the students to express themselves confidently in French and which builds their knowledge in preparation for the new GCSE specification. The course is divided into the same themes as GCSE in order to prepare the students for further MFL study.

The topics studied include:

Consolidation of the present and future tenses, introduction of past tenses, numbers to 100, consolidation the time, places in town, asking and giving directions, say where you are going, drinks and snacks and ordering food.

Morning routine, school subjects, opinions and justifications about school, discuss timetable, cultural awareness, evening routine, sports and games, cinema, music instruments and time indicators.


Leisure activities, inviting friends out and giving excuses, visiting the sports centre and holiday activities.

KS4 – FRENCH

Year 10

For French GCSE in year 10, we follow the AQA specification.

http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/french/specifications/AQA-8658-SP-2016.PDF

The year 10 programme of study explores and investigates key aspects of languages studied through 3 specific themes.

These themes include:

• 1) Identity and Culture • 2) Local, national, international and global areas of interest. • 3) Current and Future study and employment.

Each theme is broken down in to sub topics which allow the students to deepen their knowledge and build on their linguistic skill set. This new French GCSE course encourages natural use of the language and builds the students’ confidence when adapting the language in new scenarios.

Year 11

For French GCSE, we follow the AQA specification.

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/gcse/french-8658

The year 11 programme of study explores and investigates key aspects of languages studied enabling students to broaden their prospects in further and higher education. The students will use and develop a wide range of linguistic skills and expertise, which will support them through education, employment and life.


The Year11 programme of study covers a wide range of possible topics which help students to build their knowledge and develop a complex linguistic skill set. The topics include:

Relationship and choices

Introducing yourself, describing yourself and others, personality, talking about family, family situations, family relationships and future plans.

Leisure

Sports, hobbies, opinions, last and next weekend, shops and shopping, pocket money, clothes, fashion and new technologies.

Health

General vocabulary about health, body parts, health problems, food and drink, eating habits, healthy and unhealthy diets, activities to keep fit, drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

Education and future plans

School subjects, timetable, descriptions of schools, problems at school, work experience, job adverts and interviews.

Holidays

Countries and holiday preferences, holiday activities, weather, describing a past trip, opinions about a past holiday and hotel (facilities, booking and complaints).

Home and the environment

Describe where you live, your local area, your house (rooms, floors and furniture), daily routine, chores, special occasions and the environment (pollution, problems and solutions).

Geography

Our aim and mission is to provide a first class experience and academic education to our students. We have a highly ambitious culture and ethos


which encourages students to think, work hard and refine their character in order to achieve their potential in every aspect of life.

Year 7

The Year 7 programme of study offers an exciting range to explore geographical content worldwide. The course is divided into four main parts:

• Where in the world • Ecosystems (hot deserts and tundra) • Weather and climate • Map skills

Year 8

The Year 8 programme of study comprises of an exciting range geographical areas covering physical, human and environmental geography. The course is divided into five main parts:

• Rivers and flooding • Development • Earthquakes and tsunamis • Coasts • Glaciation

Year 9

The Year 9 programme of study offers an exciting range to explore geographical content worldwide. The course is divided into five main parts:

• Population and Migration • Japan, China and India • Volcanoes • Tourism and Middle East • Impacts of Tourism in the City of Dubai.


KS4 GCSE

The Year 10 and 11 programme of study explores and investigates key aspects of subjects studied enabling students to broaden their prospects in further and higher education. The students will use and develop a wide range of skills and encourage their own initiatives, which will support them through employment and life.

AQA Geography A; The Year 10 and 11 programme of study offers a broad range of geographical concepts with cross curricular link with mathematics, science, history and religious studies. The course is divided into two units:

Human Geography:

• Population Change; • Changing Urban Environments; • Tourism.

Physical Geography:

• Restless Earth; • Water on the Land; • Coastal Zone.

For more information form the examining board please click here

History

Our aim and mission is to provide a first class experience and academic education to our students. We have a highly ambitious culture and ethos, which encourages students to think and work independently and achieve their potential in every aspect of life.

Key Stage 3 Overview

The Key Stage 3 curriculum has been designed to reflect the school demographic; progressively covers and links to the skills and knowledge required for Key Stage 4 and provide pupils with an understanding of British and world history.


Year 7

The Key Stage 3 curriculum reflects the content of the Edexcel GCSE History course as far as possible. Where topics deviate from the Key Stage 4 syllabus, pupils are taught the skills needed for GCSE.

In Year 7 pupils study the growth and life in the Ancient Islamic Empires including the Crusades. This is followed by the Norman Conquest of 1066 and the Middle Ages (the Battle of Hastings, castles, medieval life in towns). In term 3, pupils study Tudor England (the reigns of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I).

Year 8

In Year 8 pupils begin with the topic of Medicine Through Time, which looks at how people’s medical beliefs have developed, in particular change and continuity of ideas such as public health, dealing with illness and surgery. In term 2 and 3 pupils look at two periods in American history: Black Peoples of the Americas and the American West.

Year 9

In Year 9 pupils begin the GCSE course and study World War One, Weimar Germany and the rise of Nazi Germany.


At Key Stage 4, pupils follow the Edexcel GCSE History course:

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/history-2016.html

The course develops and extends their knowledge and understanding of key events, periods and societies in local, British, and wider world history. They engage in historical enquiry to develop as independent learners and as critical thinkers so as to develop an awareness of why people, events and developments have been accorded historical significance and how and why different interpretations have been constructed about them.

Year 10


In Year 10 pupils complete their study of Nazi Germany by focussing on Hitler’s dictatorship, life for ordinary citizens and the Holocaust. This is then followed by Medicine Through Time (including WW1 and medicine on the Western Front), Henry VIII and his ministers.

Year 11

Pupils complete the final unit of study and the American West before starting their revision for the GCSE examination.

Religious Studies

Year 7

The Year 7 programme of study considers and explores the six major world religions, beliefs and founders. The schemes of work outlined below are aimed to provide pupils with a broad understanding of Religious Studies and to encourage both independent and philosophical thinking, which will be embedded throughout their learning. The course is divided into four main parts:

• Believing in God • In-depth Study of Christianity • Places of Worship • In-depth Study of Hinduism

Year 8

The Year 8 programme of study investigates and reflects on current issues prevalent in a multi-cultural and multi-faith society. The six major world religions are studied thoroughly in a thematic fashion, covering the need for our diverse community. Students are also being prepared through these schemes of work for their GCSE content with prior learning of both the content and skills required. The course is divided into four main parts:

• In-depth Study of Islam • Prejudice & Discrimination • In-depth Study of Judaism • Marriage & Family Life


Year 9

The Year 9 programme of study explores and examines the fine details of the connection between religion and life issues wide spread in a diverse society. The six major world religions are studied thoroughly in a thematic approach covering the broad spectrum of life and religion. Pupils will continue to explore content that is required in their new GCSE in Religious Studies. The course is divided into four main parts:

• Peace & Conflict • Sanctity of Life • Evil & Suffering • Religion & the Media

KS4 Overview

Edexcel Religious Studies (full course): The Year 10 and 11 programme of study is an exciting and interesting time where students embark on a journey in exploring life, social and world issues. The two main religions studied are Christianity and Islam in a robust approach catering the needs for all our students. The course is divided into two units and students will sit two exam papers at the end of Year 11. One paper has a focus on Christianity, with the second paper focusing on Islam.

Year 10

• Crime & Punishment – Islam • Christian Beliefs • Peace & Conflict – Islam • Muslim Beliefs • Living the Muslim Life

Year 11

• Living the Christian Life • Matters of Life and Death • Marriage & Family Life


Child Development

WJEC CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Class of 2018

The specification is designed to give candidates an opportunity to extend and apply their skills, knowledge and understanding of the development and care of children from conception to the age of five years within a variety of contexts while maintaining the coherence inherent in this subject area. It will enable candidates to extend their design and technological capability, and their interdisciplinary skills including all six key skills. Their capacity for imaginative, innovative thinking, creativity and independence relating to their personal interest will also be developed.

Unit 1: Principles of Child Development (40%) Written Paper: 1½ hours

Unit 2: Child Study (30%) Controlled Assessment

Unit 3: Child Focused Task (30%) Controlled Assessment

http://www.wjec.co.uk/uploads/publications/16016.pdf?language_id=1

NCFE Child Development & Care


This course enables pupils to gain knowledge and understanding of child development and well-being necessary for working with children in a variety of settings. It is aimed at a range of learners who wish to be introduced to childcare and development for children aged 0-5 years. It also gives learners an insight into their preferred learning styles and assists in developing their ability to study.

This course is assessed via two internally assessed graded Assessment Tasks and an externally assessed Synoptic Assessment unit, which is assessed via a Multiple Choice Paper.

Unit 1: An introduction to working with children aged 0-5 years - Assessment task


Unit 2: Development and well-being 0-5 years - Assessment task

Unit 3: Child care and development 0-5 years - Multiple choice question paper

https://www.cache.org.uk/media/1255/l2-a-child-development-and-care-qual-spec-v80.pdf

Visual and Creative Arts


KS3 Art teaches students a developing range of skills and ideas that will help produce pieces of work they can be proud of and at the same time prepare them for GCSE level. Students will work in four specialist Art areas during the year - Graphics, Fine Art, 3D and Decorative Studies and Photography.

Year 7

Students will be taught drawing and other foundation skills that will aid their artistic development throughout KS3 and KS4.

Year 8

Students will use the skills learnt in year 7 and build on these to produce a larger outcome in all four areas of Art.

Year 9

Students will work in our four specialist areas throughout the year. Using the skills and thought processes developed during Year 7 and 8 they will produce work that will challenge them to produce GCSE style work. This pre GCSE year will help students make valuable decisions about their artistic abilities for KS4 progression.



Art is a very popular and highly successful choice for students at GCSE level. Students can choose either:-

• Art & Design GCSE - this will allow them to work in a variety of art specialisms.

• Fine Art - painting and drawing • Graphic Design - ICT, Photoshop, Electronic presentation skills. • Lens & Light Based Media - Photography

Year 10

Having chosen their Art options students will start to produce and develop a portfolio of coursework that will be continued into year 11.

They will produce a collection of work that includes studies using a variety of art equipment, experiments on paper and the computer, the study of artists and designers work and produce a final piece or pieces based on their preparation work.

Year 11

Students will complete their coursework started in year 10 – this is worth 60% of their final GCSE mark. From January in the final year students will prepare for and produce their timed exam piece – this is worth 40% of their final GCSE mark.

All coursework and exam work should be completed by mid May and then submitted for marking.

Specialist Areas

Our curriculum is wide and varied, granting our students access to media, film, photography, animation and textile design resources, as well as opportunities for community engagement. We have established close links with regional, national and international centres of art to raise student aspirations and provide an expansive curriculum.

Photography

Photography at TOAN represents a vibrant and exciting curriculum subject with a strong focus on creativity. Students work in a variety of areas of lens-


based and light-based media, including landscape photography, still life photography and photography involving moving images.

Alongside practical work, students will also incorporate appreciation of artists into their course. In Year 7,8 and 9, students will study for a 10 week period and then rotate to the next specialist area.

Graphics

Graphics is an exciting and challenging curriculum area, with a number of practical applications in the real world. Students will explore a range of areas, including illustration, advertising, packaging design and digital media.


Fine Art

Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 will be required to study one or more areas of Fine Arts. This encompasses a variety of activities, including painting, drawing, and a variety of wet and dry coloured and tonal media.


Ceramics and 3D Studies

Ceramics represents a key component of our Visual Arts offering at TOAN, and provides a great deal of scope for creativity. Students will cover a wide range of topics and curriculum areas, including jewellery, interior design and architectural design.


For further information on the new Art and Design syllabus that we have started teaching from September 2016, please click on this link


Drama

Key Stage 3

Year 8 and 9 follow a skills based curriculum, incorporating social themes which are aimed at developing skills, whilst encouraging ideas and expression about issues. Students cover six projects a year which emphasise making, performing and responding to material. At KS3 there are ample opportunities for students to participate in performance and the projects are designed to highlight popular and performance orientated drama, making it interesting, fun and accessible for all students.

Students develop dramatic skills and techniques, including freeze frame, hot-seating, sound collage, thoughts aloud, thought tunnel, mime and many more to explore themes such as bullying, peer pressure, pop culture and circus.

AQA Performing Arts GCSE

Students studying Performing Arts at GCSE experience a course which is varied and stimulating as well as challenging. Because the course is so varied, no two lessons are the same. This GCSE provides the opportunity to experience the performing arts through active participation in performance work. We study a wide range of performance, design, technical and management skills relating to the performing arts industry and students realise them in production.

Performing Arts students are expected to perform to others in the group, other Academy students, parents, teachers and the community, with opportunities to work on the Agora stage with professional sound and lighting equipment and to see live professional theatre.

The Performing Arts GCSE provides a worthwhile and rewarding introduction to a wide range of personal and organisational skills, and students gain much in terms of self-confidence and teamwork skills, which are very valuable in the workplace.

Please click here for more info about the GCSE Performing Art exam

To watch the 2016 GCSE Performance Click Here


Dance

GCSE Dance is ideal for students that wish to perform and express themes and emotions through a range of dance styles. Students will develop their knowledge of choreography and performance and have appreciation of professional works. GCSE Dance is a combination of practical with elements of written work included. The outline of the course is highlighted below:

Unit 1: Critical appreciation of dance

• Written paper • 20% of total mark • 1 hour • 50 marks

Students answer questions on two professional works, chosen by teacher and studied throughout the two year course.

Unit 2: Set dance

• Practical exam • 20% of the total marks • 30 marks

Students perform one solo dance of approximately 1-1 ½ minutes from a choice of two set by AQA. The work is assessed on film.

Unit 3: Performance in a duo/group dance (related to a set professional work)

• Controlled assessment • 20% of the total marks • 30 marks

Students perform in a duo/group dance, lasting 3-3 ½ minutes. Assessment includes marks for demonstration of knowledge of safe practice.

Unit 4: Choreography

• Controlled assessment • 40% of total marks


• Solo composition task • 15% of total marks • 20 marks

Each student selects tree motifs from a professional work and develops them into a dance of 1-1 ½ minutes.

• Choreography • 25% of the total marks • 40 marks

Each student choreographs either a solo dance lasting 1 ½ - 2 minutes OR a group dance for 2, 3, 4 or 5 dancers, lasting 2 ½ -3 minutes.

All GCSE dancers will be expected to participate in shows and small performances that may be held at the Academy and represent the Academy at possible Dance event in the borough.

Dance kit consists of TOAN PE t-shirt and either TOAN PE black tracksuit bottoms or plain black leggings. Dancers perform every lesson in bare feet to allow foot techniques and exercises to be clearly demonstrated.

Please click here for more information about the GCSE Dance exam

PE and Performance

Key Stage 3 PE

Physical Education in KS3 is built around key learning physical education themes preparing students holistically for KS4,GCSE PE and also promoting lifelong participation in PE & Sport.

The curriculum for physical education aims to ensure that all pupils:

• Develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities • Are physically active for sustained periods of time • Engage in competitive sports and activities


• Lead healthy, active lives.

PE Curriculum learning themes in year 7 include:

• Warm up and muscles • Sports Leadership • Mental & physical capacity


• Healthy Lifestyle • Bones and Muscle Movement • Aerobic and Anaerobic Energy Systems • The Heart • Health Related Exercise and Skill Related Fitness


• Problem Solving and Creativity • Methods of Training • Respiratory System • Joints • Physical and Mental Capacity

The PE & Performance faculty firmly believe that all students have a right to be exposed to the above learning content as this will provide a strong learning platform for the next level of learning in KS4 and PE & Sport (Pearson/Edexcel GCSE PE).

Key Stage 4 PE

Physical Education at Key Stage 4 develops pupils’ competence and confidence to take part in a range of physical activities that become a central part of their lives, both in and out of the academy.

Our high-quality and exciting key stage 4 PE curriculum enables all students to enjoy and succeed in many kinds of physical activity. They develop a wide range of skills and the ability to use tactics, strategies and compositional ideas to perform successfully. When they are performing, they think about what they are doing, analyse the situation and make decisions. They also


reflect on their own and others’ performances and find ways to improve them.


• Reversibility The Importance of training over summer


• Sport for Release Stress (Link with Exams) • School Sport Club Links and Further Pathways for Sport

Typical Activities students can expect to learn the PE Curriculum Learning themes through are:

Football, Netball, Dance, Gymnastics, Basketball, Badminton, Kabaddi, Fencing, Rugby, Hockey, Athletics, Archery, Fitness, Dodgeball, swimming and boxing.

Pearson-Edexcel GCSE Physical Education

Course Content The course is ideal for those students who enjoy taking part in sport and want to build upon knowledge gained from KS3. It is also an exciting opportunity for those who wish to combine practical knowledge and skill, with the theoretical aspects listed below:

A: Healthy, active lifestyle

• Benefits of physical activity • Factors affecting participation and performance • Health Related Exercise and Skill Related Fitness Components • Principles and Methods of Training • Diet

B: Your healthy, active body

• Drugs in Sport • Cardiovascular System (the heart) • Respiratory System • Muscles • Bones and Joints


• There are three lessons per week designated to the course involving both theory and practical work.

Examination Details

Practical Examination (60%)

Participation in every practical lesson is vital. For this course students are required to offer four performances, in practical contexts, in the role of either player/performer, official or leader. At least two of these performances must be in the role of player/performer.

Practical assessment takes place in two ways:

1. Practical performance, which could be either as a player/performer, official or leader. (48%)

2. Analysis of Performance, which includes creating your own Personal Exercise Programme. (12%)

Written Examination (40%)

The theoretical aspect of the course is assessed by a 1 hour 30 minute exam.

The paper is in three parts:

Part 1 Multiple Choice Questions

Part 2 Short Answer Questions

Part 3 Long Answer Questions

Controlled Assessments

The controlled assessment for the Practical element of the course takes place during the summer of Year 11 however; the candidates are monitored continuously to ensure they are always supported in the best possible.

Coursework

Analysis of Performance, which includes creating your own Personal Exercise Programme. (12%) This is completed during the summer term of Year 10 and takes place under exam conditions. Teacher support is allowed


and therefore the PE team will work very hard in supporting each pupil in ensuring they achieve their full potential.

Independent Study/Work

Each student will receive two pieces of homework per week. One piece for the practical element of the course and also one piece for the theory element. It is very important that homework is completed in order to underpin classroom learning.

Team/Group Work

Embedded within our exciting scheme of work there are many fantastic opportunities for pupils to work with other students, these include making and delivering presentations, researching media sources etc.

Future Progression

The PE & Performance are continually working closely with all local colleges and further education providers so that we constantly have always up to date progression pathways for all students.

A good grade at GCSE will help you move on to any AS or A Level course. If you enjoyed your Physical Education GCSE, you might want to continue with the subject onto AS and A level Physical Education or a BTEC Sports course. Employment opportunities where your skills will be particularly valued include the sport and leisure industry, travel and tourism and teaching.

Equality of Opportunity

The PE & Performance Faculty are very fortunate have staff with a variety of experiences and an extremely wide range of expertise. GCSE PE is a course that can be studied by all pupils and our team of PE teachers are committed to supporting all candidates. A genuine interest in the subject and willingness to work hard is just as important as talent.

Amount of practical/ICT work in the course

The GCSE PE course is 60% practical and therefore all students have a double teaching period a week allocated to the practical element of the course each week, this is in addition to the other double period allocated for core Physical Education and the one period for theory GCSE PE.


Any extra-curricular opportunities and expectations

All students are encouraged to take part in a wide range of sports and activities both in school and outside of school, this includes being a participant or even as a coach/leader or an official.

Students who opt for GCSE PE will have first option on any extra accreditation opportunities that arise, these currently include:

Football Level 1 Basketball Referee Award Rounders Young Leaders Award Badminton Leaders Award Home Support

All pupils will require full TOAN PE kit.

Click here for GCSE exam information

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