Great Arley School
Autumn Newsletter December 2014
Welcome to our first Newsletter for the Year
2014-2015.
It provides you with information on the
curriculum and topics that has been studied
in school this term.
We hope you find the information
interesting and of help when talking to your
child about what they have been learning in
school.
We are looking forward to seeing you all at
the Christmas Show.
Great Arley School
Autumn Term - Primary One
During the first half-term Primary One completed two topics. The children had a great
time getting to know each other and telling us all about themselves in our ‘All About Me’
topic. The children talked about who was in their family, their friends, their
favourite food, their pets or a pet they would like, their favourite toys and what they
like doing at school. They had lots of fun painting portraits of themselves and making
their houses. We enjoyed welcoming Oliver, Dalton and Mark into our class.
The children have also learnt about Day and Night, focussing on
nocturnal animals. We have made animal masks, painted animals, read the
story ‘Owl babies’ and learnt lots of interesting facts about nocturnal
animals.
This half-term we have learnt all about
space. The children have helped to turn
the role-play area into a space station.
They have learnt about astronauts and
have been training to be an astronaut. They
have learnt about the moon, made the moon
surface out of papier mache and have made
moon buggies. We have learnt about the
planets and have
enjoyed learning some fun songs which help
us to remember their names. We have also
had fun making alien masks.
Later in this half-term we have focussed
on Christmas and reading the
Jolly Christmas Postman. We have had lots
of fun creating our Christmas hall display,
making things to sell at the fair and
turning our space station into the Jolly
Postman’s house.
We had fun celebrating Madison’s
and Mark’s birthdays in
November and more
recently Thomas’
birthday which was on
December 2nd.
Miss Parker,
Mrs Newsham and
Mrs Patrick would like
to wish you a
very Happy Christmas!
Great Arley School
Autumn Term - Primary Two
This half term Primary Two have learnt all
about Spain. We have looked at the
similarities and differences between Spain
and England and how they have changed. We
have also been learning how to speak Spanish!
Your child has had the exciting opportunity
to create and taste some Spanish foods and
study the work of Antonio Gaudi and Joan
Miro. Your child has also designed and
created their own 3D mosaic model just like
Gaudi did! Finally, as a class they have learnt
a Flamenco dance in PE!
For the last part of this half term we have
been comparing Christmas in England and
Christmas in Spain. Your child will have had
the opportunity to research the differences
between the two. We have also been
preparing for our Christmas Show, creating
During the first half-term Primary Two
completed two topics. The children had a great
time getting to know all about each other and
telling each other about themselves in our ‘All
About Me’ topic. The children had lots of fun
painting portraits of themselves, making their
own houses and exploring where they lived. We
enjoyed welcoming Joel, Nicola, Alex and
Kaman into our class.
The children also learnt about Remembrance
Day, focussing on why we remember, who we
remember and what takes place on that day.
We had fun celebrating Elliot’s, Louiza’s,
Kaman’s and Miss Middleton’s birthdays
in September, October and December.
We are looking forward to
celebrating Cain, Euan and
Emma-Jane’s Birthdays at
the end of this term.
lots of Christmas decorations and making
Christmas crafts to sell at the fair.
Miss Middleton, Mrs Hall and Mrs
Muir would like
to wish you a
very Happy Christmas!
We dressed up as Super Heros to help raise
money for Children in Need. Primary Two had a
fantastic day and even entered a fancy dress
parade!
Great Arley School
Autumn Term - English
Year 7:
For our first topic pupils have produced some
lovely writing based around the story ‘The Owl
who was afraid of the Dark’. They have written
character and setting descriptions . They have
also written instructions on how to make hot
chocolate.
For their second topic pupils have studied ‘The
Owl and the Pussy cat’ poem.
Year 8:
Topic - Fantastic Mr Fox.
This book has been studied in depth and
the text has been used for a play script
linked to our Creative Curriculum.
Year 9:
Year 9 have studied WW1 and WW2
Literature and used it as a
springboard to writing.
Studying ‘Private Peaceful’ resulted
in diary writing, letter writing and
acrostic poetry.
In Key Stage 4 the pupils have been working
on their Entry Level Drama unit. They have
studied ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and have explored
the text through role-play, discussion and
written work on plot and character. They have
also been working on developing independent
writing, focussing on use of language, imagery
and style.
Our Transition Challenge pupils have been
working on a variety of non-fiction texts for
their coursework.
Great Arley School
Autumn Term - Mathematics
Each class in the Primary Department and the KS3 department work on a topic for two weeks.
Primary Department
During this term the topics have included:
Number and place value,
Fractions
Length, mass and weight
Money
Addition and subtraction
Time
Key Stage Three Department (Classes 7S, 8H and 9G)
Topics studied this term have included:
Number and place value
Addition and subtraction
2D and 3D shapes
Sorting and patterns
Time
Money
Key Stage Three Department (Class 9P)
During this term pupils have studied:
Place value
2D and 3D shapes
Addition and subtraction
Multiplication and Division
Position and direction
Time
Key Stage Three Department (Classes 7K and 8OH)
This term pupils have studied:
Number and place value
Length, mass and weight
Addition and subtraction
Fractions
Money
Time
Key Stage Four Department (At Entry Level 1,2,3 and Level 1-2)
Pupils in KS4 have studied the following topics this term: Number , Using and Application
of Number, Money, Fractions, Calendars and Time.
Functional Skills are also taught weekly as a separate lesson.
Great Arley School
Autumn Term - Science
Key Stage 3
Year 7 have learnt about heat transfer and how this links to cooking food. The
pupils have learnt how the particles are arranged in solids, liquids and gases.
They have looked at chemical and physical changes. The pupils are now
learning about the climate and why some species become extinct.
Year 8 have learnt about forces and how these apply to getting astronauts to
the moon. They have learnt about the Solar System. The pupils are now
finding out about Forensic Science.
Year 9 have learnt about collaboration and how scientists work together. They
have looked at Sedimentary, Igneous and Metamorphic rocks. They have learnt
about the ways that the different rocks are made and that fossils can be found
in some rocks. The pupils have made volcanoes and linked this to The Rock
Cycle. The pupils are now learning about chemical reactions.
Key Stage 4
The pupils have been studying Entry Level Certificate Unit 1: Keeping Healthy.
They have learned about reflexes and how the body protects itself from harm.
The pupils have found out about bacteria and viruses and how the body fights
infection. They have found out about a healthy diet and our nutritional
requirements. They have looked into the role of hormones and how we alter
these hormone levels to control fertility. The pupils have planned and will soon
carry out a practical investigation into the energy content in
different crisps.
Great Arley School
Autumn Term
Personal, Social and Health Education
During this term Years 7, 8 and 9 have learnt about British Democracy.
They have learnt new vocabulary and information linked to the
Houses of Parliament and the key politicians. Everyone particularly
enjoyed taking a virtual tour of the Houses of Parliament.
The topic was made meaningful to everyone as we enjoyed learning
about the Scottish Independence Referendum. We followed the media
coverage and the results of the vote in the news.
Everyone also enjoyed a special assembly led by a Member of the
Youth Parliament.
All pupils have taken part in a range of discussions and debates on
thought provoking topics such as: should pupils carry knives and should pupils
call staff by their Christian names? Some of the debates became quite
animated.
Pupils have had the chance to nominate themselves as well as vote for their
class school councillor for the year.
Great Arley School
Autumn Term - Computing
We have started the year implementing a new curriculum
for computing. The focus is more on the programming side
of computers and how things work. We are using new
terminology during the lessons like Algorithms and
Sprites!!!
ICT skills will continue to be taught through the rest of the
curriculum.
We have a new computer
room which was created over
the summer during the ‘Big
Move’. This is great for the
pupils as they are now working on brand new laptops. All
the pupil groups are smaller
than last year which gives
the pupils a more
personalised experience
during lessons.
This term pupils have learnt
about how to stay safe online.
We looked at several issues
including keeping personal
details safe and cyber bullying.
Please ask them about it and
support them in keeping
themselves safe when they are
‘surfing’ online.
Great Arley School
Autumn Term - Physical Education
Since September Mr Spence has been delivering all the PE and
Games to KS3 and KS4 pupils. He trained as a PE teacher at
Chichester Institute of Higher Education so it will be nice to use
those skills to inspire the pupils into leading a healthy and active
life, both in school and out of school. We have a varied curriculum
planned for the year ahead giving the pupils a chance learn skills
and then use them in modified game
Key Stage 3 started the year by learning
Gymnastics and Quicksticks.
Quicksticks is a modified game of hockey which is
played with normal hockey sticks but a larger ball.
In gymnastics pupils learnt the basic skills of
rolling, travelling, balancing and jumping. We have
put these skills into a gymnastics routine which the
pupils perform very well.
Key Stage 4 have played a variety of sports including Short Tennis, Quicksticks and Boccia.
We have been playing the short tennis in the
school hall and are now able to play small
games which demonstrate how their skills have
improved.
Quicksticks has been developed on a Thursday
morning and we have now moved into playing
small sided games in the hall.
Boccia is a game which is a mixture of Bowls
and Boules. We entered a local tournament earlier this month and had a great time. Alex and
Tom, KS4 pupils, officiated at this tournament
after recently completing a Young Official’s
Great Arley School
Autumn Term - Art
During the Autumn term KS4 have been working on completing
AQA-ELC Art and Design coursework.
Currently, they are working on Unit 3 - Graphic Communication
and the chosen theme is Toys and Games.
Pupils have conducted research into their chosen toy or game
and then have produced graphic artwork for their toy including
branding, packaging and advertising.
Great Arley School
Autumn Term - Design Technology
Year 7
Design and make a plywood clock.
Pupils have designed ideas for a clock after thinking about who would use it.
They have used tools and equipment, such as the Pillar Drill and Coping Saw
safely and correctly to make their clock. The clock face has been painted and a
mechanism fitted to make the clock useable. Many of our older pupils have
commented that they still have a clock designed and made by themselves whilst
in Year 7.
Year 8
Design and make an acrylic photograph frame.
Pupils chose one of their design ideas to make into a model of their frame
before making it. They selected and used tools and equipment to cut out and
shape the acrylic into the desired shape for a frame. These pupils were able to
use a piece of equipment called the Strip Heater.
Year 9
Design and make the mould for a chocolate bar
Pupils have completed a product analysis task as research for ideas for
their own chocolate bar. They have made their own decisions on which
tools and processes to use in order to manufacture the pattern for the
mould and the final mould itself. The moulds were tested by using them to
make a chocolate bar! Always a keenly awaited task!
Key Stage 4
Pupils in KS4 are working hard to complete individual units of work for the Entry Level
Certificate in Design Technology. So far they have completed a unit on Evaluating Existing
Products– a product analysis task on torches. A few pupils have also started
the next unit which is to Design and Make a Wooden Product.
Great Arley School
Autumn Term
Food and Textile Technology
Year
Autumn term in Food Technology
Year 7
During this term Year 7 learnt why we need food and how to
have a healthy balanced diet. They have cooked a variety of
predominantly savoury dishes, following health and safety rules.
Year 8
Year 8 looked at the ‘eat well plate’ and the government’s 8 tips
for healthy living guidelines. They have learnt to be more aware
of consumers different dietary needs by cooking savoury dishes
that fit different specified diets.
Year 9
This term Year 9 explored different food and functions. They
have learnt about what we get from our food and how it helps us
to be healthy. They have prepared and cooked a variety of
predominantly savoury dishes using a range of cooking
techniques.
Years 10/11
Years 10 and 11 have been working on their AQA ELC
Food Handling, Preparation and Storage Unit coursework. They
have looked at how we can store food safely and hygienically as
well as learned to cook, cool, freeze, defrost and reheat a pizza
safely.
Great Arley School
Autumn Term - History
Year 11 Topics
The British People in War:
The Home Front in the Second
World War.
This term Year 11 have been
working hard on their AQA Entry
Level Certificate qualification.
They have been studying Unit 20,
The Effects of the Blitz and the
impact it had on ordinary people.
They have also looked at rationing,
watched video clips and discussed
the reasons for rationing. Currently,
they are investigating the role
women played, both at home and at
work, during the Second World War.
Great Arley School
Autumn Term - Religious Education
Diwali Celebrations
Last half term Years 7, 8 and 9 learned about the Hindu
festival of Diwali, which was on October 24th
(their New Year).
Pupils studied the Ramayana, the story of Rama and Sita.
In the last week of half term all pupils participated in a
Diwali Celebration and sampled real Indian food and coconut
juice. The majority enjoyed the sweets called Barfi, but not
as many liked the spicy Gujarati mix.
Year 8’s artwork is displayed in the corridor by
Mrs Marshfield's room.
Years 10 and 11 are working towards ASDAN
silver or bronze, or Units of Work for Beliefs
and Values. The topics include ‘The British
Red Cross’, ‘Human Rights’ and ‘Life for People who Believe in God.’ We have enjoyed
welcoming a visitor into school who has been
able to share his experiences and knowledge of
Judaism.
This Half Term Years 7 and 8
have studied Christianity.
Year 7’s theme was Celebrations
and Year 8’s theme was Giving
& Receiving at Christmas
concentrating on the 3 Kings.
Year 9 Pupils are continuing with
their ASDAN bronze award and they
are studying Hinduism.
Great Arley School
Autumn Term - Creative Curriculum
Key Stage Three
In KS3 all pupils participate in lessons as part of the Creative
Curriculum. The Creative Curriculum includes the subjects
Geography, History and Art.
Each half term a new topic is taught which is either
History or Geography based.
This term Year 7 pupils have studied
Ancient Greece and the Weather
( Hot and Cold comparisons).
Pupils in Year 8 have studied the ‘Fantastic Mr Fox’ play script
and Indian Art.
Year 9 pupils have looked at ‘Private Peaceful’ a book by
Michael Morpugo and the Environment, including the polar
regions.
Great Arley School
Autumn Term - Spanish
Year 7
This term pupils have studied the following topics in their
Spanish lessons: greetings, introductions, meeting people.
numbers 1-20, ages, birthdays, dates and colours.
Year 8
Pupils have studied the following topics this term: telling the
time, times of the day, money and currency.
Year 9
Year 9 pupils have learnt about how to describe clothing,
sports and hobbies using adjectives.
Year 10
Year 10 pupils have been working on their Entry Level
Certificate coursework.
Unit 1- Self, Family and Friends.
Unit 6- Ordering Food and Drink.
Great Arley School
Autumn Term - Music
We are very excited to once again be part of
the Young Voices Concert at the Manchester
Arena . Thousands of pupils from all over the
Country come together and perform in this
fantastic event and Years 8 & 9 are working
really hard to learn their songs and their dance
moves ready for their performance. Please
return your reply slips and T-Shirt orders
A.S.A.P.
More information can be found on the Young
Voices website at youngvoices.co.uk.
THE GAS BAND—Key Stage 4 are busy
rehearsing for their first performance of the year at the Christmas
Show in
December—watch out for the debut airing of our new official School
Song entitled “ RISE UP!”
If anyone has any guitars,
acoustic or electric that they no
longer use would you please
consider recycling them and
donating them to school? We are in
need of more guitars so that we can
extend our instrumental sessions to
other classes. This would be hugely
appreciated, thank you.
Key Stage 4 have
also been composing
and notating their
own music using
Carmina Burana by
Carl Orff and Danse
Macarbe by
Saint-Saens as a
starting point—
beware this Music is
SCARY !!!
Year 7 have been exploring
Hip Hop Music and have
learned to play
melodies on tuned
percussion instruments.
They have also been learning
the difference between
rhythm and beat and performing rhythmic patterns
with percussion instruments.
We are all busy
rehearsing for our
Christmas production
“The Magical Christmas
Jigsaw”
Tuesday 16th December
10.00am in school followed by the
Great Arley School
Autumn Term - Careers
Year 11 have completed 2 weeks Work Experience. Work Experience is
an important part of their education preparing them for the world of
work. Year 10 have been inspired by what Year 11 have achieved and
are looking forward to choosing the right placement for their Work
Experience.
Ryan, Michael, Robert,
Brandon, Robert and
James had a fantastic 2
weeks at Blackpool Zoo.
Liam went to Barnados
charity shop.
Matthew worked
hard at Marks Pet
Shop.
Connor enjoyed his time at
Brooks Cycles.
Kane thoroughly
enjoyed his time at
Great Eccleston Pre
School
Theo helped Mr
Duckworth
around school
doing odd jobs.
Charlotte
visited
Mayfield
Pre School.
Brandon did his Work
Experience at BACTIVE
Lightning Club.
Connor went to the local
Library.