Course overview

Pupils will use enquiry questions to explore the issues around, for example, what are plate tectonics and how do rivers erode? Students will also study skill based topics such as the geography of the local area and the UK as well as mapping and skills such as coordinates, heights and scale. These topics will enable pupils to develop skills such as explanation, evaluation and analysis as well as independent learning and investigative skills.

Useful information

In order to aid your child's progress in year seven, you could encourage them to regularly watch the news and find out about things that are happening both locally, such as the Nottingham tram and in different countries around the world. They could read the "Horrible Geography" series of books or look into the school library. Similarly wildlife programmes and documentaries often contain lots of geographical information even though the programme’s about wildlife etc.

Course overview

Pupils will study a variety of topics that will test an array of academic skills. Students will focus on the Roman and Norman conquests of Britain. They will look at how these invasions impacted upon everyday life. The chronological journey will then continue to look at the Reformation and the heroes and villains of the Stuart age. Change and continuity skills will be developed together with source evaluation and synthesis.

Useful information

Websites such as BBC Bitesize will contain useful information that will complement the topics. The Horrible Histories series also offer a wide variety of interesting and entertaining insights into many of the topics that will be studied throughout the year. Also visits to historical castles such as those at Newark and Lincoln provide a valuable and accessible experience.  

Course overview

Pupils will use enquiry questions to explore issues around philosophy and ethics, for example; What is religion? Why are festivals so important? Why believe in God? How do we function within a community? Finally, where can we find wisdom to live by? They will enable pupils to develop skills such as explanation, evaluation and analysis as well as independent learning and investigative skills.

Useful information

Websites such as BBC Bitesize will contain useful information that will complement the topics. However, one of the most useful activities for pupils is to discuss the various subjects with other people, especially older people, as this helps them to understand a broad range of opinions.

Course overview

The year eight course tries to achieve a balance between both physical and human geography. It looks at coasts and both physical processes and human management of them and how coastal management brings both problems and benefits. Two further units of study look at conflicts brought about by the need for resources. They include environments at risk (Amazon rainforest deforestation) and China and the environmental impacts of its rapid growth. Students also get opportunity to develop their geographical skills throughout the different units.

Useful information

In order to aid your child's progress in year eight, you could encourage them to regularly watch the news and find out about things that are happening both locally, such as the Nottingham tram development and in different countries around the world. They could read the Horrible Geography series of books or look at the humanities reading list. Similarly wildlife programmes and documentaries often contain lots of geographical information even though the programmes about wildlife etc.

Course overview

Pupils will study economic and social change during the Industrial Revolution. Furthermore, there is a unit dedicated to understanding the impact of the British Empire with specific foci on slavery .They will consider the role of the second world war in forming Europe, evaluate the generalisations of the Holocaust and consider the differences between a terrorist and a freedom fighter. Whilst studying these topics, students will be assessed upon key skills such as interpretation and analysis.

Useful information

Websites such as BBC Bitesize will contain useful information that will complement the topics. The Horrible Histories series also offer a wide variety of interesting and entertaining insights into many of the topics that will be studied throughout the year. Also visits to historical sites such as Southwell Workhouse or Quarry Bank Mill provide a valuable and accessible experience of History first hand to build upon their understanding of the Industrial Revolution. However, one of the most useful activities for pupils is to discuss the various subjects with other people, especially older people, as this helps them to understand a broad range of opinions.

Course overview

Year eight pupils develop an increased desire to explore the big questions of life.  Using a series of enquiry questions that are based upon life issues, they will have the opportunity to use and develop their ability to describe, explain, reason, evaluate and analyse.  Pupils will discuss questions such as;  "Should we care for the environment?", "What happens when we die?" and "Is science and religion compatible?"

Useful information

Websites such as BBC Bitesize will contain useful information that will complement the topics.  However, one of the most useful activities for pupils is to discuss the various subjects with other people, especially older people, as this helps them to understand a broad range of opinions.

Course Overview

The year nine course tries to achieve a balance between both physical and human geography. It looks at the rise of globalisation and its impacts on both rich and poor countries. There is a study of the threats to the world, both natural and human such as diseases and super volcanoes. A further unit of study looks at cities of contrasts from both the developed and developing world. Finally in the spring and summer terms year nine cover tectonics and weather hazards.

Useful information

In order to aid your child's progress in year nine and inform their options choices, you could encourage them to regularly watch the news and find out about things that are happening both locally. They could read the Horrible Geography series of books or look in the school library. Similarly wildlife programmes and documentaries often contain lots of geographical information relevant to the units covered. However, one of the most useful activities for pupils is to discuss the various subjects with other people, especially older people, as this helps them to understand a broad range of ideas, experiences and opinions.