English

The theme of this term will be ‘Heroes’ looking at various types of heroes, both fictional and real-life, and studying several text types related to this theme - including a comic-strip, fiction and non-fiction writing.

Main Assessments:

Group discussion and presentation on ‘Hero or Zero’.

Writing a biography of their chosen hero.

Response to texts via questioning.

Main Homework Task:

Create your own superhero and produce factsheet on them.

Skills:

Some of the main Year 9 Literacy Framework Skills we will be practising are:

reading with concentration texts, on-screen and on paper, that are new to them, and understanding the information in them;

defend a point of view with information and reasons; and

use the full range of punctuation to clarify meaning.

Topics we will develop this term are:

Writing task

Biography writing

Research skills

Collaborating information

Clear and engaging informative writing

Group Discussion

Hero or Zero?

Collaborative working

Decision making

Reading tasks

The study of several texts on the theme of ‘Heroes’

Identifying features

Understanding vocabulary

Inference and deduction

Author technique

Ordering events

Class reader:

‘Stone Cold’ by Robert Swindells - to be read throughout the year.

Character Themes

Language work

Using evidence

Maths

Pupils will be learning and developing skills from both the Mathematics Programme of Study and the National Numeracy Framework. Work will also begin in preparing pupils for the GCSE Maths course.

Emphasis is given this term into developing pupils knowledge and understanding of the number system. Topics include fractions, decimals and percentages as well as refining methods of calculation.. The skills used in this area include the ability to reason mathematically as well as being able to solve mathematical problems.

Pupils will begin preparation for the LNF tests this term. They will be using past test materials as part of ongoing classwork. A link to sample materials may be found below.

The main LNF skills being practised are: developing numerical reasoning which focuses on the ability to apply numerical facts and

procedures within a wide range of contexts.; It is about ‘making sense’. It requires active engagement from the learner to think

mathematically, choosing what to do and how to do it; and

using number skills which includes using number facts and relationships and being able to calculate using a variety of written and mental methods.

A copy of the National Numeracy Framework may be viewed using the following link:

http://learning.wales.gov.uk/resources/nlnf/framework?lang=en#/resources/nlnf/framework?lang=en&section=numeracy

Further support with number skills may be found at:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/topics/z7kw2hv

Sample Numeracy Test materials are available here: http://learning.wales.gov.uk/resources/browse-all/numeracy-sample-materials/?lang=en

Useful numeracy support, quizzes and information can be found here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/topics/z7kw2hv

Science

The focus of Science at KS3 is to enthuse pupils in scientific ideas and to develop their investigative skills through open ended investigations where possible. Assessments: Investigation work goes towards the pupil portfolios that form the end of Key Stage levels. There are end of half term tests on the topics covered and also core homework pieces for each topic. This helps us gain thorough understanding on the capabilities of pupils in terms of theoretical content of the Science. It is hoped that revising, completing tests and completing homework sets up healthy, positive learning habits in pupils - ready for GCSE work.

Spring Investigation:

Ethics in Science and Technologies of the future.

Pupils will embark on a long term project into the scientific and technological advances in terms of social, economical and medical areas.

Summer: All sets will start the GCSE (WJEC) courses. The courses are operated through booklets, which have topic trackers at the start to inform pupils of key assessments, learning objectives and self review opportunities.

Copies of the some of the booklets are available on the school website

- more added all the time to keep checking. http://www.ysgolmaesydderwen.co.uk/science.html

Help for homework and parts of the investigation work can be found at:

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

http://lgfl.skoool.co.uk/keystage3.aspx?id=80

The main LNF skills being practised are: writing a comprehensive account of a topic; using varied and appropriate vocabulary and subject specific terms; draw conclusions from data and recognise that some conclusions may be misleading or

uncertain; and

construct a wide range of graphs and diagrams to represent data.

Art

Design and Technology (DT)

The topic covered in Art in Year 9 is ‘Egyptians’. Pupils will develop their understanding, investigating and making skills throughout the year. Pupils studied and researched the style of the Egyptians Artwork in the Autumn Term and will now use that knowledge to design and make a prototype board game. Pupils will be working in groups to come up with and build their board game. By the Spring Term the design will have been made and the focus will shift to selling the design. Pupils will again work in groups to sell their design in a formal presentation to the rest of the class.

The main Year 9 Literacy and Numeracy framework (LNF) skills we will be practising are:

consider the relevance and significance of information and ideas presented to them;

recognise a range of options for action and reach agreement to achieve the aims of the

group; and

use and interpret different representations of fractions.

Main Assessments

Continual assessment of individual key class based tasks which relate to the level descriptors; and

An end of year Art exam.

To look at further information on the Ancient Egyptians go to: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/egyptians/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/32691155

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/interactive/games/mummy_maker/index_embed.shtml To look at examples of GCSE and A-level Art work along with a wide range of contemporary artists work; visit: http://test.lightboxresource.co.uk/home/

The focus in DT KS3 is to design and make a final product from each of the focus areas which are Resistant Materials, Graphics and Food and to improve on their skills in preparation for the GCSE Product Design course. Year 9 study the following projects :-

RM - Phone charger stand

GR - Light up sign

Food - Novelty cakes

The main Year 9 Literacy and Numeracy Framework (LNF) Skills we will be practising are:

use a range of technical terms, language and expression consistent with the subject

content; make imaginative choices about content and presentation of writing;

using ICT with discrimination; explain results and procedures precisely using appropriate mathematical language; and

measure and draw angles.

Main Assessments: Food-Design and make activity theme is Novelty cakes. Pupils will gain an end of project level.

Pupils will sit a test after the first unit on skills. Resistant Materials & Graphics -Pupils will gain a level for each part of their folder work eg - Re-search, Specification, Designing, Planning, Making, Evaluating.

Pupils will then gain an overall level for the folio and practical task.

Pupils will also sit an -

End of term test. End of year exam. Help can be found on : www.technologystudent.com

www.techitoutuk.com

www.dtonline.org

Find us on Facebook @ Ysgol Maesydderwen Art, Design & Technology Department.

French

Cymraeg—Welsh

In Year 9, the pupils will continue to develop their Listening and Speaking, Reading and Writing skills in French. They will study various topics designed to give them the range of tools needed to be successful

in their study of the French language and they will continue to build up their bank of vocabulary.

In the Spring Term, the pupils will study the following topics: Jobs and My Home Life and Healthy Living. These will allow the pupils to learn several names of jobs and workplaces and to start discussing the pros and cons of various careers while still using a wide range of grammar techniques. They will also learn to discuss what makes a healthy lifestyle in the target language by learning about food, sports, health issues and how to give advice.

In the Spring Term, the main Year 9 Literacy and Numeracy framework skills we will be

practising are: use a range of strategies, e.g speed reading, close reading, annotation, prediction, to skim

texts for gist, key ideas and themes and scan for detailed information;

use criteria to identify ways to improve and then redraft; read with concentration texts, on screen and on paper, that are new to them and

understand the information in them; and

use a variety of strategies and resources to spell familiar and unfamiliar vocabulary and

subject-specific words correctly. Main assessments: Various short spelling tests

End of Unit Listening and Reading tests

Websites to aid with the course: www.languagesonline.org.uk www.duolingo.com

In Year 9, the pupils will consolidate their Listening and Speaking, Reading and Writing skills in Welsh. They will study various topics designed to give them the range of opportunities and tools needed to be successful in their study and application of the language in communicating effectively. They will extend their knowledge of vocabulary, tenses and sentence patterns. They will be given opportunities to communicate for a variety of purposes including in individual and group situations. They will read in a variety of situations and be given opportunities to write in a wide variety of form. The KS3 Programme of Study provides pupils with a comprehensive range of knowledge and skills to prepare them for further progress in the language at GCSE level.

Topics covered in Year 9 include TV, Cinema, Music, Sport , Technology, Heroes of Today and Yester-day, Wales and the World. In KS3, we lay the foundations for continued study of the language at GCSE and A Level. In the Autumn Term, the main Year 9 Literacy and Numeracy Framework skills we will be practising are :

improve writing through independent review and redrafting; plan appropriately to develop writing for different purposes and audiences;

use their knowledge of grammar, sentence and whole text structure, content and context, to

make sense of words, sentences and whole texts;

gain a full understanding of texts using inference, deduction and analysis;

present ideas (orally) and opinions clearly and accurately using a range of techniques for

impact; and

interpret graphs that describe real life situations, including those used in the media.

Assessment

Regular mini vocabulary/ grammar tests on key vocabulary or aspects of language.

Common Assessments

1 Oracy (Group/ Pair)

1 Writing piece. 1 Reading exercise

Useful website: https://hwb.wales.gov.uk

http://www.ciwb.org

http://www.cymraegailiaith.com

Preparation for GCSE course: www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/gcse/welshsecondlanguage

Collins GCSE Revision Guide available to purchase in school. (Price £2.50)

Geography

History

The Year 9 Spring Term has a focus on globalisation; this brings global aspects to our lives. Pu-pils will be researching where our technology, clothes and other possessions come from. The main assessment is a written report on a global topic of their choice, stating Positive Minus and Interesting points.

There will be an examination in the Summer which will cover aspects of the topics carried out over the academic year.

Ecosystems

Changing Populations

Globalisation

The main Literacy Numeracy Framework skills we will practise are: descriptive writing; comparative writing; data presentation; and

analysis and the use of ratios when using maps at different scales.

Main Assessments:

Positive Minus Interesting of globalisation

All assessments are kept in individual assessment files until the end of KS3

Useful websites: http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zrw76sg

http://www.geogonline.org.uk/ Pupils can access any OS map for the UK on the digimaps

website: http://digimapforschools.edina.ac.uk/cosmo/home pupils have all been given the username and password to access the site.

In Year 9, the main focus of study is Wales and Britain in the Industrial age. Pupils will study changes and increases in population and they will analyse and present data in appropriate formats. The pupils will study the development of Merthyr Tydfil as an industrial town during the Nineteenth Century. This will involve looking at a variety of sources of evidence and field work. The study culminates in their final assessment task on how and why Merthyr Tydfil changed during the Nineteenth Century. Pupils will complete the term by starting the GCSE course if they have opted to take History at this level. Throughout, pupils will be using the Literacy skills of: Oracy: Developing and presenting information and ideas. Reading: Locating, selecting and using information and responding to what has been

read. Writing: Organising information and writing accurately.

They will also use Numeracy skills to choose appropriate ways to present data and

draw conclusions from data and recognise that some conclusions may be misleading.

Useful website: http://history.powys.org.uk/

Information Communication Technology (ICT)

Physical Education

During Year 9, we continue with practising ICT skills to include:

Data handling

Create own database.

Search and sort on more than one field to follow particular lines of enquiry.

Draw conclusions from their enquiries.

Use the data to mail merge.

The main Y9 Literacy and Numeracy Framework (LNF) Skills we will be practising this term are:

use the tools and conventions of ICT to present information and data;

identify, measure or obtain required information;

draw conclusions from data and recognise that some conclusions may be misleading;

draw conclusions from data;

use number, facts and relationships; and

use time zones.

Main assessment:

Create a database that can be used to create a mailmerge document and undertake

enquiries using the data.

Wider Skills Focus:

Literacy, Numeracy Peer/Self Assessment

Help may be found at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/z8mtsbk (BBC Bitesize)

At the end of Key stage 3, pupils are assessed over their practical areas. The judgement is based on their knowledge and performance across a range of activities. Taking into account different strengths and weaknesses of pupils.

Pupils will undertake fitness testing (Bleep Test) and further assessments in:

Athletics;

Fitness;

Cricket; and

Rounders.

The main Literacy and Numeracy Framework skills we will be practising are:

planning, evaluating and analysing performance;

expanding vocabulary and use of keywords for each activity;

developing knowledge of elements required for each activity;

performing different roles in each activity using keywords and phrases;

working individually and in groups collaborating with others to develop and improve performance; and

demonstrating transferable mathematical skills with scoring and estimating.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGUXLyYXvzU&list=PLB_wzFdmPd7R9o_YsjLSk6CF2ruXdWyaF https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R69_rrXHwz8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sw5YuV0sVrw http://www.teachpe.com/rugby/index.php http://www.nhs.uk/change4life/Pages/swim-for-life.aspx

Music

Religious Studies

Pupils continue to develop their key Music skills of:

Performing - vocal and instrumental

Composing

Appraising and Listening The topic studied this unit is Popular styles of Music. Pupils will learn how to relate Popular Music to its social, historical and cultural background. Pupils will develop listening skills through understanding and identifying typical traits of Popular Music. Pupils will extend their musical appreciation through consideration of a variety of styles of Popular Music. Pupils will develop their performing skills through learning to play the drum kit with 2 or 3 parts together.

Literacy and Numeracy Framework. Pupils will develop oracy skills through their work on Popular Music and through commenting on pupils’ performances. Pupils will build their numeracy skills by working out rhythm patterns for drum kit work.

Assessment

Pupils will be assessed on their performance skills on the drum kit and on the keyboard. Pupils’ appraising and listening skills will be assessed through focused listening work on Popular Music of the 60s to the present day.

Pupils consider the implications of belief about humans being unique on human behaviour, values and responsibility.

They explore questions about why religion may provide insight into questions of truth about how we should live in the world and with each other.

Through discussion and film, they investigate: ‘How religions demonstrate rules for living, recom-mended ways to develop and retain relationships and provide reasons why these are important’.

The main Literacy and Numeracy Framework skills we will practise are:

compare and contrast themes and issues across a range of texts;

research a wide range of sources to develop full understanding of a topic or issue; and synthesise and analyse information to gain an in-depth understanding e.g. of causes,

consequences, patterns, how treat those we consider to be different from ourselves.

Helpful website: search - http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/

Specialist Learning Centres

Moderate Learning Difficulties/Severe Learning Difficulties

The following are some of the interventions that can be implemented and be effective for pupils who have access to the MLD/SLD Centre, to improve literacy and numeracy skills. Not all pupils will follow the same interventions which are needs driven as outlined on the Individual Education Plan. Rapid Plus - a dyslexia friendly reading programme designed to improve reading fluency, spelling, word knowledge and comprehension skills.

www.rapid-plus.co.uk Nessy Learning Programme - a computer based dyslexia friendly spelling programme designed to teach the principles of phonics and spelling strategies for dyslexic pupils, and pupils with general spelling difficul-ties.

www.nessy.com Toe by Toe Phonics Programme - a daily reading programme which promotes the teaching of phonics, spelling and reading fluency.

www.toe-by-toe.co.uk Jungle Memory - a daily eight week online brain training programme to improve working memory.

www.junglememory.com Mathletics - an online Maths programme that can be accessed in school or at home to improve numeracy skills. Pupils can play games with other pupils worldwide.

www.mathletics.co.uk Dynamo Maths Online - a dyscalculic friendly Maths programme that can be accessed in school or from home to improve basic numeracy skills.

www.dynamomathsonline.co.uk

The ASD Specialist Teaching Centre

We provide individualised and flexible programmes for pupils with Autism and Social, Emotional and Communication Difficulties. Interventions in the Centre focus on improving a young person's’ wellbeing whilst also supporting and improving academic progress and social integration into mainstream school.

The Life Skills Programme is aimed at supporting young people build the life skills they need to achieve independence and succeed in everyday life. The programme focuses on basic life skills such as handling money, succeeding at school, using the Internet safely, getting and keeping a job, and much more. The Life Skills sessions are not only important to promote self-care and sufficiency but also to allow young people to feel empowered, improve socialisation, reasoning, and help develop healthy self-esteem.

The Social Skills Programme is a flexible program to help young people build the social skills they need to interact effectively with others and learn how to apply these skills to various real–life settings, situations, and problems. The programme focuses on topics such as being a good listener, "reading" other people, accepting rules and authority, relating to peers, and developing positive social skills. Each lesson places a specific skill within the context of real–life situations and enables the young person to complete activities, think about, discuss, and practice the taught social skill in and outside of the classroom.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) sessions introduces techniques in order to help young people understand and improve their wellbeing. The CBT programme helps pupils discuss self-perception as well as understand how thoughts and feelings affect the ability to achieve and interact with others. The programme teaches young peoples to; spot negative thinking, chart emotions, set wellbeing goals, combat anxiety and stress, remove roadblocks to progress and establish new core beliefs.

Academic Support Sessions build on supporting any difficulties that a young person may be experiencing

in mainstream school. These sessions are individualised and specific and taught to enable pupils to

complete topics and tasks which have caused difficulties during mainstream lessons. These academic

support and catch up sessions also implement interventions such as Nessy, Rapid Plus, Dynamo Maths,

Multi-Sensory sessions, and Functional Maths and English.

The Specialist Teaching Centre also benefits from a wide range of multi-sensory resources, games, books

and ICT equipment that are used to aid the learning and teaching of literacy, numeracy and personal and

social skills.