Snapshots of teaching and learning in Secondary

English

Drama

Art

Computing

Science

Art

In year 7 art students first look at a range of basic drawing skills and different art movements. They then go on to develop their drawing skills with a range of different media exploring things like tone, texture, colour and form. Finally they do a project exploring Impressionism where they learn about the movement and paint in the style of an artist of their choice.

Music

In year 7, students learn the basics of musical elements such as tempo, dynamics, texture, music notation, etc. They also do basic keyboard skills, they learn about instruments of the orchestra, how to compose a pop song, singing skills and understanding of the voices, percussion and a lot of group work with concerts and rehearsals. They develop valuable skills not only for their further music lessons, but also transferable skills they can use in other lessons.

 Drama

Developing basic drama skills. Introducing scripted work as a stimulus Students will explore dramatic conventions whilst developing focus and control in performance and learning evaluative language and skills. This includes: creating atmosphere, still images, thought tracking, narration, effective use of space, levels, story telling, facial expression, body language, gesture, and characterisation. There will be several informal assessments throughout the terms culminating in a formal assessed piece at the end of each unit.

Math

Maths is an exciting subject to learn in secondary school. We will start revising things that you already know, like place value, or how to add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers. However, we will look at everything in more detail and focus on developing your mathematical language and precision. In any case, it will be fun and you will have a great time over in the secondary side of BCB!

Science

In year 7, students are introduced to the three main areas of science: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. They will learn concepts of speed, movement, friction and air resistance. Next, our students are invited to investigate the biological world of cells (the building blocks of life), muscles, skeletal systems by using microscopes. Pupils will look at the microscopic aspects of particle behaviour and chemical and physical properties of atoms, performing a good range of experiments. students will take a closer look at the relationships between particles and types of energy, how to use and save energy resources and heat transfers.They will investigate human and plant reproduction, by looking at the main features that aid for life. students will learn about the chemical world of acids and alkalis, being able to comprehend the importance of these substances in their everyday life through many different types of lab practicals.

English

English in secondary school follows naturally on from primary, with a focus on developing analytical and grammatical skills in order to become a more rounded reader, writer, speaker and listener. We will explore some of the classic texts, such as Charles Dickens' 'Oliver Twist' and William Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. We'll also look at the modern novel in 'Danny the Champion of the World'.

Foreign Language Acquisition

In Y7 language B lessons, our curriculum provides opportunities for developing the four language skills. Students will have contact with the basic structures, vocabulary and idioms of both Portuguese and Spanish and will be able to communicate in everyday situations. In Y7 language A lessons, for both Portuguese and Spanish, students are not only expected to deppen grammatical knowledge and to improve reading and writing skills, but also to analyse basic language features and the main characteristics of some text genres (audience, purpose, structure, formality and informality and social relevance) in different contexts.

Geography

Students begin Key Stage 3 by learning how to locate themselves in the world through map skills. They will then explore the use of resources (renewable and non-renewable energy sources) in Term 2. Year 7 will then complete the academic year studying tectonic hazards.

History

Students begin Key Stage 3 by exploring ancient civilizations. They will then explore how belief affects peoples' lives. Next 'Life in the Middle Ages' is examined in Term 3, followed by an investigation on global interactions.

Brazilian Social Studies(BSS)

 Students begin Key Stage 3 by discovering what Brazil is through concepts such as: nation, country, culture and land. They will then explore what Brazil looks like in terms of natural and cultural landscapes in Term 2. Year 7 will then complete the academic year studying the wider view of South America such as climate, vegetation, and people.

Physical Education(PE)

Football: controlling the ball, passing, outwitting an opponent, shooting and to be able to understand the basic rules of the game.

Swimming: Basic swimming skills - to be able to swim at least 50 meters in 2 strokes without stopping.

Rugby: Sending and receiving, ball handling, outwitting the opponent, tackling and to be able to apply the basic rules when playing a game.

Concepts: Creativity, communication, systems, aesthetics & time, place, space.

MFL