Curriculum Notes Year 8

Head of Department: Mr Marcus Chapman

In Year 8, we broaden the range of study and activity in English as we recommence the journey towards GCSE. The teaching groups will be setted.

We will continue to explore the concept of identify through a mixture of classic and contemporary texts.

Our programme of study includes:

• Exploration of the Gothic Genre – Frankenstein (the play), classic Gothic short stories or The Hound of the Baskervilles
• Classic dystopian fiction (Lord of the Flies)
• A Shakespearean Comedy (Much Ado About Nothing)

Language study will be interwoven during each unit and will emphasise clear planning; accuracy of spelling and punctuation; proofreading; developing vocabulary and improving style. A range of writing purposes will be explored, including persuasive, descriptive, explanatory and review. Pupils will write for different forms, varying register and voice as appropriate.

Analytical and evaluative writing becomes a more central part of learning this year and pupils will be expected to respond analytically to unseen extracts, textual passages and also write whole texts essays about characters or themes.

Speaking and listening skills will be developed through class discussion; hot-seating; book presentations; debating and drama performance.

There continues to be an expectation that all pupils will read widely throughout the course and will stretch themselves to tackle texts they find more challenging. They should talk about their reading with an adult at least once each week in order to discuss and extend their comprehension.

Pupils will be assessed formatively in class via questioning, teaching marking, self and peer assessment. There will be a further assessment at a slightly higher level in the week before the May half term.

Each week there will be two homeworks which should take approximately 25-30 minutes each. Pupils will have a weekly 30-minute library lesson where they can select books, discuss their reading, complete research tasks and survey the reading list.

Head of Department: Mr Christopher Savvides

Mathematics is fundamental to many areas of our lives, and it is therefore crucial that we equip our children with the necessary skills to become confident, logical and resilient problem solvers as they embark on their journey to adulthood.

We believe that Mathematics should be engaging, challenging, practical and interactive. We make the most of Mathematics challenges and team competitions to encourage participation and ensure our children are enthusiastic and motivated mathematicians. We endeavour to utilise various methods and techniques across the curriculum and instil a love for mathematics into each pupil.

In Year 8, all students follow the same scheme of work for Mathematics, which is based on an enhanced National Curriculum, with a focus on problem solving, mastery and fluency.

Year 8: Programme of Study

Number: Using a calculator and rounding, indices, properties of number, all operations involving fractions decimals percentages and ratios.

Algebra: Sequences, expanding and factorising expressions, rearranging formulae, linear and simultaneous equations, straight line graphs, curved graphs and conversion graphs.

Shape, space and measure: Pythagoras’ theorem, Reviewing angle rules, construction of triangles, angles in polygons, bearings, map scales, 3d shapes, area of shapes including circles, volumes of prisms and cylinders, transformations.

Data Handling: Averages and range including frequency tables, scatter graphs, stem and leaf diagrams.

Resources

Pupils use the Essential Maths series of textbooks published by Elmwood Press. We have carefully mapped our curriculum on https://www.drfrost.org so that pupils have access to a vast library of appropriate problems for consolidation. Pupils and teachers also use https://www.mathspad.co.uk/ as an excellent resource to further develop understanding of topics. Our VLE pages contain lots of information, links and resources to support your son with their learning and progress.

There are a wide range of hugely impactful interactive resources available to us online and the quality of these resources have increased hugely over recent years. As a department we are constantly sharing what works best and we keep on top of innovative resources and approaches to teaching Mathematics.

In addition to our classroom provision, pupils also have access to our drop-in support session, MathsLink, which takes place on a Friday lunchtime, and our Maths Challenge club, which takes place on a Thursday after school.

Head of Department: Mr Stuart Minikin

At Cranmore our aim is to develop scientists with a rigorous understanding of the subject, an enthusiasm for learning and the confidence to question, evaluate and articulate their ideas. We encourage all students to develop a love for science by balancing theory with practical work and place a high value on developing the technical and analytical skills needed to investigate experimentally. We create a safe environment in which the students feel comfortable exploring their understanding and where we can add to both their knowledge and skills. We focus on developing a meticulous approach to practical investigations which are used as often as possible, to support the learning of theory. Our students enjoy science and develop techniques that will be useful to them for the rest of their lives.

YEAR 8: Programme of Study

Biology

• Photosynthesis and the Carbon Cycle
• Ecosystems and Classification
• Leaf Adaptation and Plant Transport Systems
• The Musculo Skeletal System

Chemistry

• Physical and Chemical Changes
• The Reactivity Series and Metal Extraction
• Acids, Bases and Neutralisation
• Climate and the Atmosphere

Physics

• Forces, Balanced and Unbalanced
• Motion, Speed, Distance and Time
• Density of Matter, Regular and Irregular
• Pressure from Perpendicular Forces

Resources & Information

Science is taught by specialist teachers and pupils will be assessed regularly, usually at the end of each topic, to support their progress. The Science Department enjoys the use of large laboratories and two prep rooms which are well provisioned for the learning of the science curriculum. Our Science Technician ensures the preparation of the equipment for practical activities and supports the teaching staff on a daily basis. Additional resources, together with details of homework, can be found on the VLE.

Languages

Head of Department: Mr Theo Jones

Our philosophy as a department is to inspire and motivate the pupils by giving them a positive, lively and enjoyable experience of foreign language learning. We especially strive to acknowledge the individuality of every pupil with his unique talents. We aim to help every child to being confident on their journey of linguistic discovery, improving their own skills and developing them steadily to their full potential. For this to be achieved, our pupils must naturally have a positive attitude to the subject, and we see it as part of our task to foster such an attitude.

Resources & Information

For all 3 language subjects, the pupils will have weekly vocabulary tests and end of topic assessments throughout the year and an end of year exam in May, assessing productive skills.

The pupils will have access to a variety of resources and material such as: https://activehub.pearson.com/#/login, www.languagesonline.com, and www.conjuguemos.com. Homework is once a week for each language and consists of vocabulary learning and interactive tasks to reinforce what has been taught in the lessons. From time to time, they will also complete writing tasks and fun cultural activities.

In French, pupils will study Dynamo 2 Rouge modules 3-5. They will learn the perfect tense and revise the immediate future and present regular and irregular tenses across a variety of topics. Pupils will continue to develop their reading, listening, speaking, phonics, writing and translation skills.

Year 8: Programme of Study

In Spanish, the pupils will learn the following topics and grammar points accompanied by Viva! 2 Segunda textbook. Spanish will be learnt using a range of materials, interactive games, songs, online activities, as well as reading comprehension, listening, speaking and writing activities. We encourage the use of these resources at home and in school. They will have access to https://activehub.pearson.com/, www.linguascope.com, www.conjuguemos.com and www.languagesonline.org.

Year 8: Programme of Study

Module 1

Topics & Vocabulary

• A past holiday
• Saying what you did on holiday
• Describing the last day on holiday
• Saying what your holiday was like

Grammar:

• Preterite of ir (to go)
• Preterite of regular -ar verbs
• Preterite of -er and -ir verbs
• Preterite of ser

Module 2

Topics & Vocabulary

• What you use your phone for
• What type of music you like
• Giving a range of opinions
• Talking about TV
• What you did yesterday
• Understanding a TV guide

Grammar:

• Revising the present tense
• Comparatives
• Present and preterite together

Module 3

Topics & Vocabulary

• Saying what food you like
• Using a wider range of opinions
• Describing mealtimes
• Ordering a meal
• Discussing what to buy for a party
• Giving an account of a party

Grammar:

• Negatives
• Usted / ustedes
• The near future
• Using three tenses together

Latin will be learnt using De Romanis Book 1 Chapter 2 and 3 with online activities, as well as reading comprehension, and translation activities.

Year 8: Programme of Study

Grammar:

• Nouns: nominative and accusative
• Nouns: case endings and declensions
• Nouns: three genders
• Adjectives: nominative and accusative
• Adjectives: singular and plural endings
• Prepositions
• The ablative case
• Infinitives and conjugations
• Irregular verbs
• Imperfect tense
• Derivations and parts of speech

Vocabulary:

• Around 15-20 words per Stage which are also on the GCSE vocabulary list.

• Derivation work to make connections between Latin vocabulary and English, French and Spanish vocabulary.

Culture:

• Simple translations based on roman culture and history.

• Roman heroes

• Roman gods

Head of Department: Mr Rhys Cross

In Year 8 we continue with the Tudors and assess Elizabeth’s methods in maintaining religious tolerance. We move swiftly to analyse the English Civil War and how its consequences underpinned the trajectory of the future relationship between the monarchy and parliament. The remainder of the year is dedicated to Britain in the age of empire and exploration, with a particular focus on the slave trade. To conclude, the students will assess the origins and impact of the industrial and French revolution on the modern world.

Year 8: Programme of Study

• Elizabethan England in the age of religious struggle
• The Stuarts and the English Civil War
• Early Exploration and Empire
• The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade
• The Industrial Revolution
• The French Revolution

Resources and Information

The emphasis will be very much on the dual disciplines of essay writing and source analysis skills, as these are the skills required to succeed at GCSE History.

The students will study the same period of History covered for a portion of their GCSE course; however, Year 8 gives a detailed introduction to a broad range of topics such and therefore provides the student will a foundational understanding of potential GCSE topics. Whereas at GCSE level the student must undertake a ‘British Depth Study’, for example, ‘Early Elizabethan England 1558-1588′, and investigate the topic in far greater depth. Therefore, this academic year enables them to begin their GCSE course (in 2026) with a sound grasp of the topic and concepts involved. The same analytical skills learnt at Key Stage 3 History apply to the historical sources tackled at GCSE level, but the calibre of response will be expected to be higher.

The History Department is fortunate to be well provisioned. Relevant digital clips, up to date textbooks, bespoke PowerPoints and various worksheets will all be utilised in the learning process, as well as personal devices. Information pertaining to many of the topics covered can be found on the VLE.

Head of Department: Mr Mark Spalton

In Year 8 the aim is to encourage pupils to develop their knowledge and understanding of both physical process and human activities by using a range of geographical skills through which to develop their geographical understanding of the planet. The geographical themes for the year focus on the global scale. International human activity and the natural landscapes of the world will be analysed whilst further developing decision making skills and data analysis. The areas of study this year are as follows:

•  Tectonic Hazards
  — Tectonic plate movement
  — Earthquakes, Volcanoes and Tsunamis
  — Managing Hazards

• Global Development
  — Plastic pollution and ocean life
  — Climate change
  — Mass tourism, Ecotourism and wilderness areas
  — Conflict zones

• The Living World
  — Local Ecosystems
  — Global Biomes
  — Rainforests vs Hot Deserts

• World Cities
  — Urbanisation
  — Jakarta – the sinking megacity
• Middle East Research Project
  — Physical Geography of the Middle East
  — Climate
  — Importance of Oil
  — Contrasting development in UAE and Yemen
  — Conflict

Resources and Information

Pupils will be expected to apply the knowledge and understanding of the topics studied to different contexts and resources. The key skills required to succeed in Geography include explaining answers in a logical order, with developed explanations, using key terms and extracting evidence from figures. The best geographers will also be able to present both sides of the argument and arrive at a justified opinion. Students are assessed at the end of each topic with a larger end of year assessment in the summer term.

The VLE, along with their associated textbooks, provide a range of resources from which to develop their understanding. It is important to stay up to date with current events in the media to give real world examples of topics learnt throughout the year.

Head of Department: Mr Ahmed Afana

At Cranmore, we aim to provide a high-quality digital education that equips pupils to understand and change the world through computational thinking, while building a sense of empowerment and excitement in developing and using digital technology. With a 1:1 device program in place, we will also enable creativity and research opportunities in other subjects, always with a focus on using technology wisely and safely.

ICT and Computing includes these interrelated elements:

•  Computer Science (CS) is the discipline that explains how digital systems work, how they are designed and programmed, and the fundamental principles of information and computation.
• Information Technology (IT) covers the purposeful creation and application of digital systems to communicate, transfer data and process information collaboratively with others.
• Digital Literacy (DL) is the ability to access, use, and express oneself using digital technology responsibly and safely, including a critical understanding of technology’s impact on the individual and society.

Year 8 will cover the following topics this year

• Mobile App Design
• Introduction to Python programming
• Machine learning using BBC Micro: bit

Resources and information:

Pupils will use various platforms throughout the year. As part of a physical computing approach, pupils will also be using mini controllers called BBC micro: bit and the BBC micro: bit website. They will also be using MS 365 Teams to complete classwork and revise for assessments.

Pupils will be recording their learning on OneNote and will be provided with a knowledge organiser for each unit, containing all main facts, keywords, and a guide on how to use learning platforms.

Pupils will be assessed throughout and at the end of each unit.

Head of Department: Mr Chris McGhee

Overview

In Design and Technology, pupils will develop their design and making skills by undertaking practical and theoretical assignments through classwork tasks. Pupils will learn about the design process, properties of a variety of materials and will develop skills using computer aided design software to manufacture several functional prototypes.

Through the Year 8 Design and Technology programme of study, pupils are encouraged to be more independent with design ideas and push the boundaries of creativity with innovative solutions.

Year 8: Programme of Study

• Health and Safety.
• Teamwork.
• Technical sketching and rendering techniques.
• Modelling.
• CAD/CAM.
• Graphical design.
• Introduction to key design movements, linking to the GCSE qualification.

Head of Department: Mr Thomas Penfold

To continue to develop our students’ understanding of Drama and performance, year 8 is full of exciting and challenging topics. The focus this year is to expose our young people to a variety of performance styles, studying their importance as societal tools as well as their role in the development of theatre throughout the ages. Drama this year will open students’ experiences to alternate methods of creating meaning for an audience, and how, through specific performance techniques, we can create meaningful and poignant Drama in unconventional ways.

The curriculum this year is tailored to the understanding at GCSE level and beyond, looking at important Drama practitioners Bertolt Brecht and Augusto Boal, exploring their styles practically as well as theoretically.

Year 8 Programme of Study

• Melodrama – An exploration of the skills of melodrama. Focusing on the skills of exaggeration, stock characters, monologue and dramatic tension, students will explore the true story of Maria Marten and the red barn.
• Story Telling: Narration, Narrative Structure and Building Engaging Story – Starting to explore the key components of storytelling through the way a story is structured and how narration can be used effectively.
• Augusto Boal: Theatre in Education – An exploration of theatre as a tool to teach. Students will use the techniques of Boal to create performances designed to inform and guide others.
• Verbatim Theatre: World War Two – A study of the events if World War Two through the use of Verbatim Theatre, the study and research of first-hand accounts, documents and diaries to create poignant performance.
• Practitioner Study: Bertolt Brecht’s Epic Theatre – A study of non-naturalistic Drama and the importance of this in theatre history. Students will learn about how non-naturalistic Drama came to be as well as practice several of Brecht’s Verfremdungseffekt techniques.
• Devising Drama – Pupils work in groups to create a piece of theatre using the skills acquired throughout the year. This performance is generated from a visual stimulus, requiring pupils to research, refine and collaborate on an effective plot.

Further Information

Private lessons with the opportunity to take LAMDA exams are available and all pupils are invited to participate in the Senior production. Theatre visits will be arranged when appropriate performances are available.

Head of Department: Mr Richard Harris

General Overview

We aim to develop a ‘love of music’ at Cranmore. With your support, we will inspire the pupils to greater musical heights and encourage them to participate in one or more of the many instrumental and choral groups available to them.

Curriculum Overview

Pupils in this year group will enjoy a one-hour lesson each week taught by Mr Harris.

Topics include:

• Multitrack recording at the keyboard, creating original arrangements based on traditional
  Christmas melodies and Carol Service preparation
• Composition – ‘Fanfare’ using MuseScore and ‘Haunted House’ using a keyboard
• Original Song v Cover Version comparisons
• Popular Music Styles – Gospel, Swing, Jazz, Country, Rock and Glam Rock

Lessons will begin with either vocabulary, rhythm or chord learning exercises.

Performing opportunities for Year 8 musicians are plentiful here at Cranmore: Wednesday assembly, Carol Service, Pupil Concerts, Young Musician of the Year Competition, and Spring Soiree.

More capable musicians will often perform during Mass.

Pupils in this year group are encouraged to take part in at least one extracurricular musical activity.

Resources & Information

During these practical lessons, pupils will often use the extensive range of classroom instruments and new Yamaha keyboards.

Pupils are encouraged to download the latest version of the free software Musescore 4 to complete their composition work.

Assessment in this subject is based on GCSE grading, is ongoing throughout the year, and is based on their success in practical lessons. A pupil’s instrumental and / or vocal ability / contribution will also be taken into account.

Head of Department: Mr Graham West

Religious Education at Cranmore is a subject that enriches all pupils. It helps pupils to develop their understanding of religion and to reflect on their own identity and the world in which they live. In Year 8, pupils develop a deeper understanding of Christian belief by exploring key ideas such as sin, prophecy, the life and teachings of Jesus, suffering, salvation and life after death, while also engaging with issues of justice and other religious traditions. All topics covered in RE follow the Religious Education Curriculum Directory for Catholic Schools.

Year 8 will cover the following topics this year:

Creation & Covenant
Pupils explore the origins of sin, the meaning of covenant, and how beliefs about conscience, law and Baptism shape moral decision-making

Prophecy & Promise
Pupils study the role of prophets, examining themes of repentance, justice and God’s judgement, and how prophetic messages reveal God’s expectations.

Galilee to Jerusalem
Pupils investigate the ministry of Jesus, including his teachings, parables and miracles, and what these reveal about the Kingdom of God.

Desert to Garden
Pupils explore the meaning of suffering, reconciliation and the events of Lent and Easter, considering how these beliefs shape Christian understanding of salvation.

To the Ends of the Earth
Pupils examine beliefs about the Resurrection, the soul and life after death, including how these are expressed in practices such as funerals and sacraments.

Dialogue & Encounter
Pupils develop understanding of the Church in the modern world, including diversity within Christianity and an introduction to Hindu beliefs and practices.

Resources & Information

In Religious Education pupils will develop a good understanding of the key components of Catholic Christianity and be exposed to various religious questions. Through a variety of activities, pupils are asked to consider different perspectives and consider their own personal responses to theological and ethical challenges. We use the Source to Summit textbooks and the VLE is used for extension and revision material.

Head of Department: Mrs Felicity Sanders

Overview

Year 8 students will have the opportunity to develop independence, taking steps to make creative decisions of their own on the theme of ‘Food’. Through more robust research into relevant artists, undertaking critical reference work, discussion of themes and observational recording inspired by their findings, students will build greater contextual knowledge. By allowing more time for media experimentation and refinement of prior skill in the fundamental elements of Art and Design, students will begin to appreciate the complexity of the assessment criteria relevant to GCSE Art and Design.

Artists’ works studied:

Pupils will develop classwork inspired by both the paintings of the Dutch Masters golden age and contemporary painters Lucy Crick and Joel Penkman lead the majority of the artwork through a variety of creative techniques and processes (listed below). Giles Ward and Yusei Nagashima’s fish paintings provide a reference for watercolour technique in the Summer term.

Key media processes and techniques explored:

• Photography
• Digital illustration using Photopea
• Watercolour and acrylic painting
• Observational drawing
• Graphic design
• Sewing
• Batik
• Linoleum printmaking

Resources and Information:

The Art department is well stocked with a creative library of books. Pupils are invited to use free online software such as Photopea to work digitally and record their creative processes in a sketchbook throughout the year.

Pupils can track the development of their skills through their class sketchbook supported by success criteria linked to the GCSE assessment matrix Homework is undertaken each week to extend their learning and will be posted when necessary on the VLE. Sketchbooks will travel between home and school to allow for pupils’ artwork to develop within.

Pupils can attend a Senior Art Club after school on a Monday as well as a drop-in opportunity for homework support or make their own artwork one lunchtime a week. Pupils are strongly encouraged to visit Art Galleries to experience real Art up-close, talk about artforms and movements beyond those provided, and contribute personal artwork to the Student Gallery. The opportunity to enter external art competitions is encouraged.

Head of Department: Mr Paul Hodgson

Overview

Within the core PE programme, we continue the ethos of the subject, which is a wide and varied programme to benefit the pastoral well-being, physical health and sporting enjoyment of all pupils. We aim to reinforce prior learning in various activities, by building on techniques and skills already developed and harnessed. There is an emphasis placed on technical and tactical awareness during lessons. Pupils will have the opportunity to learn to interpret the laws of games and officiate in matches. Pupils will learn the value of quality practice, training for specific sporting activities and how to follow a process to achieve long-term goals. With Year 8 Games being combined with Year 7, the culture and environment allow for leadership skills to be developed.

Pupils take part in the following activities:

• Football (option)
• Multi-Sports (option)
• Rowing (option)
• Rugby (option)
• Cricket (option)
• Tennis
• Athletics
• Squash
• Hockey
• Golf
• Swimming
• Water Polo
• Table Tennis
• Badminton

Games: Wednesday and Friday
PE: Monday
After-school training: Monday