Northgate High School Curriculum Guide Year 7 Summer Term This document gives an outline of the topics covered and learning taking place in each subject over the course of the term. If you would like more detailed information, please contact the relevant subject leader English Topic 1: Poetry (1 lesson a week) Key learning: 
Identifying and analysing the effect of poetic techniques 
Examining the way the structure of a poem alters meaning  Experimenting with language in order to write poetry Pupils will read a range of different poetry whilst developing their own poetry writing skills. Opportunity for competition. Topic 2: Persuasion (2 lessons a week) Key learning: 
Identifying persuasive language techniques 
Using persuasive language techniques in writing 
Utilising technology to aid presentations 
Considering what makes a good speech  Building confidence when speaking in front of others Working in teams, pupils will look at successful advertising and persuasive techniques used to sell a product. They will develop a product and take part in a presentation to their peers. Mathematics Topic 1: Statistical diagrams Key learning: 
Questionnaires and using tables 
Representing data 
Group data 
Topic 2: Scatter graphs Negative number Key learning: 
Ordering 
Topic 3: Operations Probability Key learning: 
Probability scale 
Vocabulary 
Theoretical probability 
Experimental probability 
Topic 4: Listing outcomes Perimeter, area and volume Key learning: 
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Topic 5: Finding perimeter and area of shapes Formulae for area and volume of shapes Algebra Key learning: 
‘N’th term formulae 
Generating sequences Science Topic 1: Energy and Space Key learning: 
Energy transfers 
Comparing energy values of different foods 
Comparing power ratings of appliances in watts 
Domestic fuel bills, fuel use and cost 
Stars, galaxies and how they make up part of the universe 
The seasons and the Earth’s tilt 
Topic 2: Day length at different times of year and in different hemispheres Plants and Ecosystems Key learning: 
Leaf adaptations and photosynthesis 
Reproduction in plants, including flower structure, wind and insect pollination and seed dispersal 
How organisms affect, and are affected by, their environment 
The interdependence of organisms in an ecosystem Art Topic: Teacher Strength (Post‐Impressionism) Key learning: 
Expression, feeling, mood, atmosphere, mark‐making, symbolism, colour 
Applying these to art and looking at art history examples Computer Science Pupils rotate through a range of topics over the course of Year 7. The following is the curriculum coverage for the year. Topic 1: Using Computers Safely, Effectively and Responsibly Key learning: •
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Topic 2: Introduction to Northgate High School network File management Social networking Keeping your data safe Using email Searching the web Digital artefact: Year 6 leaflet Graphics Key learning: Topic 3: 
Bitmap graphics 
Vector graphics 
Colour depth and resolution 
Conveying meaning 
Text, effects and enhancements 
Exporting and evaluation 
Digital artefact: poster advert Programming ‐ Currency converter Key learning: 
Problem decomposition 
Algorithm development 
Solution development 
Debugging and testing 
Publishing as .EXE 
Evaluation 
Digital artefact: currency convertor program Design Technology Pupils rotate through different areas of Design Technology over the course of Year 7. The following is the curriculum coverage for the year. Food Topics: • Healthy eating and the ‘eat well’ plate • Macro and micro nutrients • Sustainability and seasonality of foods, exploring the environmental impact of food • Factors that affect food choice and modifying recipes Key learning: •
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Use research and exploration, such as the study of different cultures, to identify user needs Identify and solve their own design problems and understand how to formulate problems given to them Analyse the work of past and present professionals and others to broaden their understanding Understand the source and seasonality of a wide range of ingredients Resistant Materials Topic 1: Desk tidy Key learning: •
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Topic 2: Safety in the workshop Basic understanding of plastics and wood Familiarisation with the workshop Writing a brief and specification Designing skills Knowledge of tools and equipment Correct and safe use of tools and equipment Collaborative learning Evaluating a project Gravity Racer Key learning: •
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Designing a product 3D drawings skills Making skills and applying finishes Aero dynamics and friction Speed calculations Collaborative learning Textiles Topics and Key learning: •
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Mood boards for expressing their deeper likes and desires which link to their final design Expression of creativity taken from lesson criteria and mood board Willingness to reflect on the success of their projects through self and teacher evaluation Health and Safety in the workshop Creating projects that are influenced by current events local and global artistic influences and by seasonal and cultural calendars Drama Topic: Introduction to script exploration Key learning: 
Exploring Grimm Tales by Carol Ann Duffy French Topic 1: At School Key learning: 
Talking about morning routines 
Talking about school subjects 
Opinions and reasons 
Discussing timetable 
Talking about after‐school routines 
Topic 2: Grammar: ‐er verbs je/tu/il/elle/on/nous/vous/ils/elles; connectives; faire; reflexive verbs to be learnt as phrases My Hobbies Key learning: 
Sports 
Musical Instruments 
What you like to do 
At the leisure centre 
Going on holiday grammar: jouer (jouer à/jouer de); vouloir/pouvoir/devoir + verb; jouer/faire + sport; aller + infinitive; aimer + infinitive; on peut + infinitive Geography Topic: Africa ‐ The Most Interesting and Diverse Continent on Earth Key learning: 
Environments 
Climate and cultures 
Population characteristics 
The challenges created by rapid urbanisation 
Poverty 
Health challenges German Topic: My House and Where I Live Key learning: 
Describing where you live/types of houses 
Telephone numbers and addresses 
Rooms of a house 
Activities at home 
Furniture 
Prepositions 
German‐speaking countries – revision of ‚wohnen’ 
Places in a town 
Transport 
Directions 
Grammar: regular/irregular verbs (1st and 3rd person); adjectival agreements; German cases: Es gibt + accusative/in + dative; prepositions; verbs: sein/nehmen/gehen; Sie and du forms of verbs; man kann + infinitive History Topic 1: The Crusades Key learning: 
What was it like to be a Knight? 
Overview of the Crusades 
Christians and Saracens 
Persuasive speeches/ Newspaper articles 
Topic 2: Were the Crusades entirely negative? The Wars of the Roses Key learning: 
What were the Wars of the Roses? 
What happened to the Princes in the Tower? 
Weapons game 
Was Richard III betrayed at the Battle of Bosworth? Music Topic 1: Improvisation Key learning: 
Identifying different genres of music 
Music from other cultures such as Calypso and Reggae 
Developing keyboard technique 
Solo performance skills 
Improvisation skills 
Reading staff notation Topic 2: Variations Key learning: 
Listening skills – the comparison question 
Musical elements 
Composing using variation techniques 
Instruments of the orchestra Physical Education Lesson A Topic: Net and Wall, Striking and Fielding (Rounders, Cricket and Softball) Key learning: 
Passing, dribbling and controlling the ball 
Dispossessing and tackling safely and effectively 
Generating and exploiting space 
Basic batting and bowling techniques 
Basic fielding techniques 
Adopting correct body position whilst batting, bowling and fielding 
Basics of team batting and fielding tactics Lesson B Topic: Athletics Key learning: 
Runs: basics of starts 
Adopting correct body position 
Developing changeovers 
Jumps: basics of run‐up, take‐off and landing 
Throws: adopting and utilising correct grip, stance, push, pull actions Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education Topic 1: Healthy Lifestyles Key learning: 
Health and body image 
Diet 
Exercise 
Personal Hygiene 
Bad habits 
Topic 2: Healthy lifestyles leaflet Environmental Issues Key learning: 
Recycling 
Personal wellbeing 
Economic wellbeing 
Environmental Issues Project 
Review of the year Religious Education Topic 1: Judaism Key learning: 
Introduction to Judaism 
Why is Moses important? Could the Exodus have happened? 
Celebrating Pesach 
How to read and write Hebrew 
What was the Holocaust? 
Exploring Israel Spanish Topic: My Hobbies Key learning: 
Talking about activities 
Telling the time 
Different sports 
Giving opinions and reasons 
Plans for the weekend Tutorial (during registration periods) Topic 1: The Northgate Knockout (form competition activities) Key learning: 
Number knowledge 
Quotations – who am I? 
Artistic challenge 
Pop quiz 
Topic 2: General knowledge Sports Focus ‐ focus on sportsmanship Key learning: 
Sportsmanship and sports icons 
Sports Day organisation 
Sports quiz 
Sport competition 
Sports Day