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  • Governance Support & Collaboration Agreements | The Westgate School

    Strengthen school governance with our support services and collaborative solutions. Go Governance Support & Collaboration Agreements Go Governance Support & Collaboration Agreements Lead Professional: Mrs. F Dean (Executive Headteacher) & Mrs. P Catchpole (Chair of Governors) and Mrs. Claire Woodcock Governance support helps school governing bodies fulfil their statutory responsibilities and support strategic improvement. This includes training, policy guidance, and advice on compliance, enabling governors to make informed decisions that positively impact pupil achievement and school performance. Collaboration agreements formalise partnerships between schools, promoting resource sharing, joint initiatives, and collective accountability. These agreements strengthen governance and through peer support, provide opportunities for governors to deepen their knowledge and understanding in supporting their schools. For more information, use the contact form: Contact and sele ct Collaborative Working & Partnerships citing Governance . Go Collaborative Working & partnerships Next page Home Our School Headteacher's Welcome Ofsted Safeguarding Statutory Information | SEND Policies Admissions Governance Pupil Premium | Catch-up Statement Exam Results Vacancies School News House System Calendar & Open Events Collaborative Working & Partnerships Contact

  • Subject Assessment Moderation (KS1-3) | The Westgate School

    Ensure consistency with subject assessment moderation services for schools. Go Subject Assessment Moderation (KS1-3) Go Subject Assessment Moderation (KS1-3) Lead Professional: Mr. J Green (Deputy Headteacher) Subject assessment moderation ensures consistency and accuracy in teacher judgments across Key Stages 1 to 3. By reviewing samples of pupil work against agreed standards, moderation validates assessment outcomes and supports reliable reporting. This process is essential for maintaining fairness and integrity in evaluating pupil progress. It also provides the opportunity for colleagues across all phases and subjects to co-construct assessment criteria to support teaching and learning. Moderation also serves as a professional development opportunity, enabling teachers to deepen their understanding of curriculum expectations and assessment criteria. Collaborative discussions during moderation sessions promote best practice, enhance subject knowledge, and strengthen confidence in delivering high-quality teaching and learning. If you would like to join our programme of curriculum development, please use the contact form: Contact and sele ct Collaborative Working & Partnerships citing Assessment. Go Collaborative Working & partnerships Next page Home Our School Headteacher's Welcome Ofsted Safeguarding Statutory Information | SEND Policies Admissions Governance Pupil Premium | Catch-up Statement Exam Results Vacancies School News House System Calendar & Open Events Collaborative Working & Partnerships Contact

  • String ensemble

    Join Westgate's String Ensemble to enhance musical skills, teamwork, and performance. Go String ensemble Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings String ensemble Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details The String Ensemble is open to players of Violins, Violas, Cellos and Double Bass. The ensemble will develop instrumental skills and encourage general musicianship skills through-out the year, as well as develop a good social network of like-minded musicians. Musicians will have the opportunity to participate in events such as school concerts, open mornings and evenings, celebrations, the annual school carol service in December, and ‘Go West’ Festival in July, and wider community events. Pupil music leaders will be supporting music teachers in running this club. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

  • Music Theory

    Understanding how it is written down will help you in all aspects of music making, from listening to performing, and improvising to composing. Go Music Theory Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Music Theory Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 9 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Learning about music theory is akin to learning another language, and understanding the written code that is called notation. Understanding how it is written down will help you in all aspects of music making, from listening to performing, and improvising to composing. This club will provide lots of ideas to help you link music theory with your wider musical experience. Pupil music leaders will be supporting music teacher running this club. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

  • USKO Karate South

    Join the karate club to learn self-defense, improve fitness, and build discipline! Open to all levels. Go USKO Karate South Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings USKO Karate South Internal / External External Age Range Year 1 - 6 Contact rach.hobday@hotmail.co.uk USKO Karate South have run a very successful, and often full with a waiting list, karate club at The Westgate Lower School for seven years now. We have a few spaces currently available from the autumn as the current year 6s move on to our senior classes. Due to the popularity, we have two mixed age classes for lower school children, on Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 8am. The classes are taught by Andy and Rachel Hobday. Andy has been teaching karate in Hampshire for the last 35 years and Rachel, a former Primary school teacher in Hampshire, has been teaching karate for the past 13 years. At our classes children learn karate line work skills, katas (sequences to learn off by heart), bag work techniques and basic sparring techniques. Children will have the opportunity to put their skills to the test when grading in order to earn new coloured belts, with the ultimate being black belt! If you would like to book a free taster session (subject to availability) please email rach.hobday@hotmail.co.uk as soon as possible. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

  • Food Preparation and Nutrition

    Image of hands making pastry. Go Food Preparation and Nutrition Nutrition for a healthy future Go Our Food Preparation and Nutrition curriculum intends to: Inspire pupils to gain knowledge and practical experience of preparing and making a wide range of creative, innovative and complex dishes that enable them to make informed and healthy choices about the foods they eat. Enable pupils to think critically about the best ethical and moral choices. Develop an understanding of the practical application of scientific principles of food preparation. Why Learn Food Preparation and Nutrition? Food Preparation and Nutrition equips pupils with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to prepare different foods and apply the principles of food science, nutrition and healthy eating. It encourages pupils to cook, enables them to make informed decisions about food and nutrition and allows them to acquire knowledge to feed themselves and others affordably and nutritiously, now and later in life. Course Skills: Designing and making high quality products using a wide range of skills in the safe and hygienic preparation of food. Learning about the science behind food and the way the physical and chemical properties of ingredients are essential to creating successful dishes. Developing organisational skills, including the management of time. Reading, understanding and following recipes, selecting suitable ingredients. Sensory analysis of own products as well as existing ones. Using and understanding technical vocabulary and applying it in context. EYFS | KS1 Content KS2 Content Year 7 & 8 Content Year 9 Content Year 10 & 11 Content Cooking and nutrition As part of their work with food, pupils are taught how to cook and apply the principles of nutrition and healthy eating. Instilling a love of cooking in pupils will also open a door to one of the great expressions of human creativity. Learning how to cook is a crucial life skill that enables pupils to feed themselves and others affordably and well, now and in later life. Key stage 1 course content Our pupils will be taught to: use the basic principles of a healthy and varied diet to prepare dishes; understand where food comes from. Cooking and nutrition As part of their work with food, pupils are taught how to cook and apply the principles of nutrition and healthy eating. Instilling a love of cooking in pupils will also open a door to one of the great expressions of human creativity. Learning how to cook is a crucial life skill that enables pupils to feed themselves and others affordably and well, now and in later life. Key stage 2 course content Understand and apply the principles of a healthy and varied diet. Prepare and cook a variety of predominantly savoury dishes using a range of cooking techniques. Understand seasonality, and know where and how a variety of ingredients are grown, reared, caught and processed. Year 7 and 8 Course Content: In Years 7 and 8, all pupils study Food Preparation and Nutrition for one lesson a week, this generally alternates between theory then practical lessons. Aims: The course content aims to deliver the theoretical knowledge needed by carrying out practical activities with the recipe linking to the topic being taught. These practical lessons will develop essential practical skills and understanding of ingredients and recipes. It is designed to provide all pupils with a range of cookery skills, knowledge of nutrition as well as an understanding of food science, food safety, food choice and food provenance. Course information: In Year 7 we consider: · Preparing for practical work. · Personal safety. · Weighing and measuring accurately. · Using an oven safely. · Using specialised cooking equipment. · Introduction to nutrition and healthy eating. · Allergens and intolerance. · Cuisine from different cultures. · Knife skills - Fruit and vegetables. · Preparation skills – Fruit and vegetables. · Making doughs and using raising agents – Scones. · How to make a range of sauces – Reduction (Bolognese/tomato/curry). · Food waste - Using leftovers. · Mini design and make project - Muffins. · Planning for practical assessment - Baked bean challenge. · Practical and written assessment. Practical lessons: Recipes may include: fruit salad, sweet potato brownies, pasta and tomato sauce, Hawaiian poke bowls, scones, goujons, spaghetti Bolognese, fridge-raid pasta bake, baked bean challenge, muffins, crumble, dips and dippers, stir fry, curry, apple cake. In Year 8 we consider: · Macro and micro-nutrients - Sources and functions · The science behind bread - Gluten formation · The science of pastries - Shortening · Food waste · Food seasonality · Knife skills – Fruit and vegetables · Preparation skills – Fruit and vegetables · Producing doughs – Lean and enriched breads, yeast · Pastry skills - Shortcrust and blind baking, puff and lamination · Producing sauces – Gelatinisation of roux-based sauce, reduction and emulsified sauces · Dietary requirements – Vegetarian and vegan · Aeration - Swiss roll/Yule log · Raising agents – Biological, chemical and mechanical · Food commodities – Potatoes, rice, pasta and bread · Sensory evaluations · Mini design and make project - Sponge tartlets and gourmet burgers · Tunnocks teacake challenge national competition · Planning for practical assessment · Practical and written assessment Practical lessons: Recipes may include: cooking eggs in different ways, jerk chicken/halloumi, meatballs and tomato sauce, apple pie, quiche, puff pastry, macaroni cheese, ice cream and fruit coulis, chicken/cheese and onion pie, fougasse, savoury swirls, iced buns, sponge tartlets, burgers with a side dish. Year 9 Course Content: In Year 9, all pupils study Food Preparation and Nutrition for two hours a week, this generally alternates between theory then practical lessons. Aims: The course content aims to deliver the theoretical knowledge needed by carrying out practical activities with the recipe linking to the topic being taught and to further enrich and deepen the pupils’ knowledge from KS3. Practical lessons will build upon skills already learned whilst also develop key practical and technical skills and understanding of ingredients and recipes. It is designed to provide all pupils with a range of cookery skills, knowledge of nutrition as well as an understanding of food science, food safety, food choice and food provenance. Course information In Year 9 we consider: · The importance of a healthy balanced diet · Nutritional analysis · Life stage requirements · Different cooking methods and how they affect the properties of different foods · Bacterial contamination and the role of micro-organisms and enzymes in food spoilage · The influence of food from different countries and religions · Food labelling and marketing · How to buy, store, prepare, serve, and cook food properly · Where food comes from and how can we make the most of our seasonal produce · Design and make Afternoon Tea project · Preparation skills – Jointing chicken, piping and shaping · Dough and Pastry skills – Pasta, puff and choux pastries · Cooking methods and methods of heat transfer · Pasta skills – Tagliatelle and ravioli · Biological aeration and fermentation · Gluten formation · Caramelisation of sugars · Dextrinisation of starches · Denaturation and coagulation of proteins · Planning for practical assessment · Practical and written assessment · Practical and written assessment Practical lessons: Recipes may include: KFC fakeaway, tagliatelle with homemade pesto, soup and scones, carrot cake, pannacotta, gnocchi and tomato sauce, samosas, crumble and crème anglaise, share and tear chocolate bread, tarte tatin, jam, chicken Kievs, cheesecake, tagliatelle/ravioli and sauce, puff pastry apple turnovers, eclairs, challah bread. Food Preparation and Nutrition GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition is an exciting and creative course which focuses on practical cooking skills to ensure students develop a thorough understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of food materials. At its heart, this qualification focuses on nurturing pupils’ practical cookery skills to give them a strong understanding of nutrition. We encourage pupils of all abilities to make full use of their skills and to exceed their potential by taking the AQA Food Preparation and Nutrition GCSE. Pupils are encouraged to enter external competitions such as the Future Chef Competition, the Tunnocks Teacake Challenge and complete the Junior Chef Programme run by Eastleigh College – we have already had several Y10 and Y11 pupils graduate with glowing reviews. Course information: There are 6 main topics in the GCSE Course: Food Preparation Skills - a range of food preparation and cooking skills needed throughout the GCSE Food, Nutrition and Health - Macronutrients, micronutrients and the nutritional needs and health Food Science - Cooking, heat transfer and the functional and chemical properties of food Food Safety - Food spoilage and contamination and principles of food safety Food Choice - Factors affecting food choice, British and International cuisine, sensory evaluation, food labelling and food marketing Food Provenance - Environmental impact of food and sustainability of food, food processing and food production Assessment: 15% – Food Science Practical Investigation – NEA 1 Pupils show their understanding of the working characteristics, and functional and chemical properties of ingredients. 35% – Food Practical Preparation – NEA 2 Pupils demonstrate their knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to the planning, preparation, cooking, presentation of food and application of nutrition related to a chosen task. Pupils do this by preparing, cooking and presenting a final menu of three dishes within three hours, planning in advance how this will be achieved. 50% – Written Exam Paper Pupils are assessed on their theoretical knowledge of food preparation and nutrition from the subject content. The exam is 1 hour 45 minutes and is out of 100 marks, with multiple choice questions (20 marks) and five longer questions each with a number of sub-questions (80 marks). Exam Board: AQA – 8585 Our Curriculum Curriculum Intent Options Careers Employers Curriculum Subjects Art | Fine Art Computing | Computer Science English Design Technology Drama Food Preparation & Nutrition French Geography German History Latin Maths Media Studies Music Personal Development Photography Physical Education Religious Education Science Sculpture Spanish The Wellbeing Curriculum

  • Art Club

    Join the art club where everyone is passionate about art. Create and discuss all things art and make new friends along the way. Go Art Club Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Art Club Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 8 Contact See EduLink for further details Unleash your creativity and explore the vibrant world of art with The Westgate School secondary phase art clubs! Whether you’re a budding artist or an experienced creator, our clubs offer a welcoming space for all skill levels. Here’s why you should join: Diverse Artistic Opportunities : From painting and drawing to sculpture and digital art, our clubs cover a wide range of artistic disciplines. There’s something for everyone! Expert Guidance : Learn from experienced instructors and guest artists who provide valuable insights and techniques to help you grow as an artist. Collaborative Environment : Connect with fellow art enthusiasts, share ideas, and collaborate on exciting projects. Our clubs foster a supportive and inspiring community. Exhibitions and Events : Showcase your work in our regular exhibitions and participate in art events that celebrate creativity and talent. Creative Freedom : Express yourself freely and explore new styles and mediums in a judgement-free zone. Our clubs encourage experimentation and innovation. Join the School Art Clubs today and embark on a creative journey that will enrich your artistic skills and connect you with a passionate community of artists. Let’s create something amazing together! Book here Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

  • Executive and NPQ Coaching (including linked to LLSE) | The Westgate School

    Enhance leadership with expert Executive and NPQ coaching tailored for school leaders. Go Executive and NPQ Coaching (including linked to LLSE) Go Executive and NPQ Coaching (including linked to LLSE) Lead Professional: Mrs. F Dean (Executive Headteacher) NPQ coaching, aligned with the LLSE & EMCC framework, supports senior leaders/participants undertaking National Professional Qualifications and those working in schools throughout their learning journey. As experienced leaders, coaches help individuals apply theoretical concepts to practical scenarios, ensuring that leadership principles translate into measurable impact within their schools. This personalised approach enhances confidence and competence in implementing change. Contact-confidentiality is maintained at all times when working with other schools in this co-active approach For more information, use the contact form: Contact and sele ct Collaborative Working & Partnerships citing Executive Coaching . Go Collaborative Working & partnerships Next page Home Our School Headteacher's Welcome Ofsted Safeguarding Statutory Information | SEND Policies Admissions Governance Pupil Premium | Catch-up Statement Exam Results Vacancies School News House System Calendar & Open Events Collaborative Working & Partnerships Contact

  • English

    Go English Read like a writer; write like a reader; question like a critic; think like an individual Go Our English Curriculum intends to: Instil in pupils a passion for literature and a life-long love of reading. Teach pupils to become critical, analytical and evaluative readers of fiction and non-fiction. Enable pupils to craft language so that they become convincing writers, able to adapt their writing for different audiences and purposes. Ensure that pupils are effective communicators in spoken English. Why learn English? English has a pre-eminent place in education and in society. Our English course will teach pupils to speak and write fluently so they can communicate their ideas and emotions to others, and, through their listening and reading, others can communicate with them. With reading in particular, pupils have a chance to develop culturally, intellectually, emotionally, socially and spiritually. Literature plays a key role in such development. Reading also enables pupils both to acquire knowledge and to build on what they already know. All the skills of language are essential to participating fully as a member of society: pupils who do not learn to speak, read and write fluently and confidently are effectively disenfranchised. The curriculum is taught as an integrated course combining the study of language and literature, which continues in Years 9 -11. Our vision is that from Reception Year onwards, all pupils develop a passion and enthusiasm for English through exploring and appreciating a range of texts, both literary and non-fiction, and learn how to craft language to suit a range of audiences and purposes. The English curriculum is taught as an integrated course. However, pupils will be entered for GCSE English Language and Literature as two discrete qualifications. EYFS | KS1 Content KS2 Content Year 7 & 8 Content Year 9 Content Year 10 & 11 Content Writing For EYFS/Key Stage 1 ‘Read like a writer; write like a reader; question like a critic; think like an individual’ begins with our youngest children, joining us in Reception. Writing begins with meaningful mark making, such as first attempts to write a shopping list, to writing their name. As they settle into Reception, children learn correct letter formation following 'Letter Join' handwriting sequence resources and are encouraged to write purposefully and clearly to express their thoughts, ideas and feelings. Following a rich and diverse text driven curriculum, children are inspired to write and enjoy opportunities for planning, drafting and reviewing. Oracy is a vital part of our Early Years Curriculum, and our children develop confident skills to become assured and articulate speakers. Through circle times and sharing their interests in key person groupings all children are supported to practise and develop formal and informal speaking skills. Children are also taught to understand the benefits of being sensitive, observant and attentive listeners. During Year 1 our carefully planned foundations of learning from EYFS are strengthened and refined. Handwriting skills develop and children are taught to progress letter formation into the beginnings of a cursive script. Children are taught a wide variety of writing skills such as: the art of letter writing, recount and instructional writing. ‘Talk for writing’ creates exciting narratives and figurative poetry. During Year 2 children begin to write more cohesively using a wider range of conjunctions and are expected to write with a greater stamina. Our text driven curriculum is thoughtfully planned to ensure children continue to develop a rich and varied vocabulary and understand that texts are set out in different ways for different purposes. Oracy skills are built upon, and children feel confident challenging each other and putting forward their point of view whilst accepting that others may think differently. Throughout KS1 and in reception, learning is assessed formatively using ‘pink for praise’ and ‘green for growth’ highlighters. Children are clear and confident to articulate what they have done well and what they need to do to improve their writing. Children are also taught how to begin to edit their own writing. Phonics and Reading Schemes For Key Stage 1 Little Wandle Letters and Sounds - Phonics. We use Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised as our phonics and early reading programme. Little Wandle is a complete, systematic synthetic phonics programme and has been designed to ensure that all children become confident, fluent readers who develop a lifelong love of reading. What is phonics? Phonics is the method we use to teach children how to read and write. Children learn that letters represent sounds and are taught how to blend these sounds together to read words and segment them to spell words. Through Little Wandle, children are taught phonics every day in a session lasting 20-30 minutes. Children are taught the five phases of Little Wandle phonics during Reception and Year 1. They are fully supported to learn: new sounds and letter patterns in a clear sequence. how to blend sounds to read words accurately. how to read and spell words with increasing confidence. strategies to develop fluency, comprehension and enjoyment of reading. Reading Books In KS1 your child will bring home three Reading books and three bookmarks: I Read - A fully decodable book to read over the weekend with you. This book matches the phonics they have been taught, has been read by your child 3 times during the week with an adult and is carefully matched to their current reading ability in order to experience success and build confidence. We Read - A sharing book for you to enjoy together at home. This book may be more challenging and is intended to be read and discussed with the support of another person at home. Family Read - A library book, your child has selected with teacher guidance, to share at home with you. In our 3 read approach, children will read the same reading practise book in small groups three times a week in school before bringing it home. Re-reading helps children develop accuracy, fluency and expression, all of which are essential for becoming confident readers. How can you help at home? You can support your child by: Listening to them read regularly. Encouraging them to sound out and blend words using the phonics they have learned. Praising their efforts and celebrating their progress. Reading stories together every day and talking about books. Ensuring reading books and reading records are returned to school as requested. Supporting Parents We recognise that phonics may be taught differently from when many parents and carers were at school. To help you support your child at home, please have a look at the Little Wandle website which gives lots of information and guidance about Little Wandle, including helpful resources and videos demonstrating the correct pronunciation of sounds. www.littlewandle.org.uk/resources/for-parents/ In June of Year 1 children will take part in the National phonics screening check and the application of phonics to reading. Children progress through the five Little Wandle phonics phases into the Year 2 Little Wandle spelling programme. Writing in Key Stage 2 Children continue to follow the ‘Letter join’ handwriting from year 2 programme and handwriting is expected to develop during this Key Stage to form a neat cursive script. Children progress from KS1 phonics into KS2 Spelling Shed resources. Consistent and accurate teaching ensures children’s writing develops with an authorial voice and a mature understanding of sentence structure and its effect on the reader. Stamina increases throughout KS2 and children create cohesive paragraphs in narratives and non-narrative material, whilst maintaining quality. Children are encouraged to read and check their writing for sense, editing for improvement is taught alongside audience awareness. There is a greater level of independence to select and propose changes for appropriate grammar and vocabulary and children are taught to use effective organisational and presentational devices. Challenging texts continue to be chosen carefully to ensure rich vocabulary development and an understanding of how authors write for effect. Writing outcomes are planned carefully using high quality texts to ensure that writing is effective and emotive and covering a range of genres. Older children often support younger children and listen carefully to each other’s ‘masterpieces’. Throughout KS2 writing continues to be assessed formatively using ‘pink for praise’ and ‘green for growth’. Children are clear, confident creative writers and can articulate what they have done well and what they need to do to improve their writing. Year 6 is the final Year of KS2 and we ensure a smooth and supportive transition from KS2 into the beginning of KS3. As part of our middle school model, colleagues from both phases, Primary and Secondary, deliver teaching and learning in our ‘all through’ school. Upper KS2 texts are chosen carefully in consideration of the KS3 English Curriculum and children are well prepared for this next stage of their educational journey. Reading in Key Stage 2 At The Westgate School, we recognise reading as a fundamental skill that opens the door to learning across the curriculum. From Reception through to Year 6, children’s reading is regularly recorded in their reading record by teaching colleagues, parents and children, with pupils in Year 6 using their planner to document their reading. In Key Stage 2, five guided reading sessions are timetabled each week. The first session focuses on the explicit teaching of reading skills as a whole class. During the remaining sessions, children work in smaller groups to read a range of carefully selected texts, developing their understanding through discussion, debate and purposeful questioning. Each group has the opportunity to work directly with their teacher during the week. Alongside guided reading, children complete ‘Skill Builder’ activities, which enable them to consolidate and apply their reading knowledge and skills. Children are also encouraged to be creative in how they present and publish this work, helping to foster independence and enjoyment in their learning. Our Key Stage 2 pupils visit the school library at least once a week, where they can choose from a wide variety of high-quality books. We aim to encourage children to explore different authors, genres and texts and, most importantly, to develop a genuine love of reading. Pupils in Years 5 and 6 also have the opportunity to apply to become Reading Ambassadors, giving them an active role in promoting and celebrating reading across the school. We celebrate reading in a variety of ways throughout the year. World Book Day provides an opportunity to celebrate poetry, while our Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh pupils support younger readers each week by sharing poetry, plays, fiction and non-fiction with children across the school. Reading for pleasure is an important part of our school week for every child. Carefully chosen class texts expose pupils to rich and varied language, helping to broaden their vocabulary, deepen their understanding and nurture their confidence and enthusiasm as readers. Overview of the Course: From the start of Year 7, all pupils are introduced to our core skills – the golden threads - so they are fully embedded by the time the pupils reach KS4. These key skills are taught through a study of novels, plays, poetry and non-fiction or media-based texts. Course Content: Year 7 Year 7 pupils begin the year with the ‘Heroes’ unit which is designed to develop a range of pupils’ inference as well as introduce the skills of analysis and comparison. Writing will involve crafting a persuasive speech to be delivered to the class. Subsequent units include the study of a modern novel; poetry of peace and protest; a creative travel writing unit; a media unit on representation and stereotypes and a Shakespeare play. Year 8 Year 8 has been designed to build on the skills that have been introduced in Year 7. The year begins with a unit on Gothic Literature where pupils analyse 19th century fiction and write an opening to their own Gothic novel. By the end of the year, all pupils will have also studied a dystopian novel to develop creative writing skills; a media-based unit on advertising; a Shakespeare play; poems from other cultures and developed reading skills to explore what life was like in the nineteenth century. The course is planned to provide a range of cultural experiences to widen pupils’ horizons and develop a passion for reading and the study of literature which we hope will stay with them throughout their life. Pupils are encouraged to transfer the reading and writing skills to other curriculum areas and these links are often made explicit in lessons. Course Skills: Reading: skimming, scanning and decoding skills, comprehension and inference, analysis of language and the structure of a text, and evaluation skills are introduced and consolidated over the two years. Writing: both creative and analytical writing skills are taught together with a focus on structure of the text, use of language devices, improving vocabulary and technical accuracy. Spoken language skills are practised through speeches and drama-based activities and debating and other structured talk. Assessment: Pupils will be assessed in every unit and each assessment will focus on a different skill for either reading or writing. All pupils will be fully prepared for the assessments and will practise the skills needed during lessons. The assessments will focus on key skills to provide a strong foundation for all pupils in improving their literacy, analysis or communication skills. To support your child’s learning in English and Media Studies clips will be shown from films such as: 'War Horse' and 'Romeo and Juliet' (Year 7); 'Macbeth' (Year 9); These clips and/or films will be shown in lessons according to our curriculum plans. In alignment with British Board of Film Classification regulations, pupils may be shown clips from films that are slightly above their chronological age (e.g., a film classified as a 12 for pupils in Year 7) where a teacher deems it appropriate for educational reasons. In doing so, adults will ensure that it is appropriate for the learning task and for the children in the class and if there are any scenes that could be upsetting, will advise pupils in advance. If you have any concerns and would like to discuss this in more detail, please do contact Mrs. Griffiths, Faculty Leader for English and MFL, as soon as possible such that we can adjust our plans, and we will be happy to work in partnership with you. English Language and Literature in Year 9 Overview of the Course: Pupils will develop their skills as critical readers of fiction and non-fiction texts and also become writers, adept at crafting language to suit a range of audiences and purposes. They will also become confident speakers able to express their opinion on a range of challenging ideas. Course Content: English language skills are taught in an integrated way, complementing and supporting the English Literature course. Pupils will read a choice of modern fiction, a Shakespeare text, poetry, a range of non-fiction texts including speeches, adverts and autobiographical journals. More confident learners will study Latin as part of their English Curriculum. The addition of Latin provides further enrichment and enhances learners’ understanding of language development, with a view to taking the language onto GCSE if they choose to. Other curriculum opportunities such as participating in a Shakespeare workshop, viewing a production or analysing speeches by famous historical figures and politicians broadens pupils’ cultural experiences further. Course Skills: Reading skills of inference, analysis and evaluation. Writing to persuade and argue and develop a distinctive voice. Writing creative texts including stories and descriptions. Spoken language presentation skills. English Language GCSE and English Literature GCSE The English curriculum is taught as an integrated course. However, pupils will be entered for GCSE English Language and Literature as two discrete qualifications and pupils will be entered for both GCSEs. English Language GCSE: Pupils follow the AQA course for GCSE English Language. Pupils will build on the skills of reading and writing they have been developing throughout their time at The Westgate School, but now it will be much more tailored to the demands of the exam. Pupils will continue to develop as critical readers with a focus on the skills of inference, analysis and evaluation and comparison. They will read a range of fiction and non-fiction texts, both contemporary and from the nineteenth century. Assessment: The English Language GCSE is assessed through two linear exams, both worth 50% of the course: Paper 1 Explorations in creative reading and writing Paper 2 Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives Pupils are given practice GCSE assessments at the end of each unit. English Literature GCSE: Pupils follow the AQA course for GCSE English Literature. They will read a nineteenth century novel, either: ‘The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’ by Robert L Stevenson, ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens, or ‘Frankenstein’ by Mary Shelley. They will also study a modern text: either ‘Lord of the Flies’ or ‘An Inspector Calls’ and a range of pre and post 1914 poetry on the theme of Power and Conflict, and ‘Macbeth’. Please note: texts are subject to change according to exam board review. Assessment: The English Literature GCSE is assessed through two linear exams: ‘Shakespeare and the Nineteenth Century text’ worth 40%. ‘Poetry and Modern Texts’ worth 60% of the course. Pupils are given practice GCSE assessments at the end of each unit. Home Learning: Pupils are expected to complete Home Learning every week. Usually this should take one hour. Home Learning will be set as a variety of tasks including reading tasks in preparation for the lesson, language analysis, and the completion of written tasks. Exam Board AQA 8700 - English Language Exam Board AQA 8702 - English Literature Our Curriculum Curriculum Intent Options Careers Employers Curriculum Subjects Art | Fine Art Computing | Computer Science English Design Technology Drama Food Preparation & Nutrition French Geography German History Latin Maths Media Studies Music Personal Development Photography Physical Education Religious Education Science Sculpture Spanish The Wellbeing Curriculum

  • Latin

    Go Latin Opening a dozen different doors to understanding the language of academic and the influence of the Roman Empire on modern European society Go At The Westgate School, our Latin Curriculum intends to: Enable pupils to understand the significant influence Roman culture had on European society and languages and especially English. Enable pupils to explore the etymology of the English language and its significant links to Latin. Broaden pupils' use of English academic vocabulary. Enable pupils to gain knowledge and understanding of the Roman world through reading and responding to its literature. Why learn Latin? Latin (within the English curriculum) provides a foundation in linguistic and cultural competence, enabling pupils to gain knowledge and understanding of the Roman world through reading and responding to its language and literature. In studying Latin we discover the roots of culture and language which shape Europe today. We analyse texts and stories in Latin to build knowledge and understanding of Latin vocabulary and grammar and we use sources in order to consider aspects of the fascinating and enthralling civilisation of the Roman world and culture. EYFS | KS1 Content KS2 Content Year 7 & 8 Content Year 9 Content Year 10 & 11 Content Latin is not taught within our school in the Primary phase. It is taught from KS3 onwards. Latin is not taught within our school in the Primary phase. It is taught from KS3 onwards. Latin does not exist as a discrete course in Key Stage 3. However, we are increasingly introducing aspects of Latin into our English structures. What and how will I learn? In Year 9 pupils will be introduced to the Latin language and learn key words and be able to link the etymology of the language to English and also other modern languages. This new vocabulary is taught in a range of engaging and exciting ways and pupils thoroughly enjoy making links between Latin and other languages they are studying. For example, pupils will be challenged through the translation work, while learning the structures of the language. Alongside learning the Latin language, we will also study key facets of the Roman Civilisation. This will include: Roman family life including the Paterfamilias; the role of women and children in ancient Rome; discussing the morality of slavery and arranged marriages. When discussing these aspects of Roman life, we will link the experiences of the past to our modern lives and reflect on their impact. How will this be assessed in GCSE? The GCSE examination in Year 11 will consist of 1 Language paper (50%), 1 Literature paper (30%) and 1 Roman Civilisation paper (20%). Exam Board: (Eduqas) – C990PB Our Curriculum Curriculum Intent Options Careers Employers Curriculum Subjects Art | Fine Art Computing | Computer Science English Design Technology Drama Food Preparation & Nutrition French Geography German History Latin Maths Media Studies Music Personal Development Photography Physical Education Religious Education Science Sculpture Spanish The Wellbeing Curriculum

  • Science

    Go Science Through discovery and collaboration, we flourish Go Our Science curriculum intends to: Make critical thinking and independence the foundation of learning and inspire a love of learning, self- discovery, and collaboration in all our pupils. Develop pupils’ deep understanding of the world around them and their role in creating an environmentally sustainable future for our planet. Enable pupils to make safe and healthy choices. Why Learn Science? Science provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. All pupils are taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of Science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils are encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They develop an understanding of how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes. There is a significant overlap with other subjects, such as Design & Technology, Mathematics, Geography, Physical Education and Food, Preparation & Nutrition and so cross-curricular links are regularly explored within lessons. EYFS | KS1 Content KS2 Content Year 7 & 8 Content Year 9 Content Year 10 & 11 Content Science is planned around half-termly topics, the curriculum provides pupils with the opportunity to learn subject-specific knowledge and understanding, explore links across subject areas and practise their writing. As pupils progress through the Lower School they will receive a breadth of subject specialist teaching using specialist facilities in Science - including use of our designated KS2 Science laboratory. Science is planned around half-termly topics, the curriculum provides pupils with the opportunity to learn subject-specific knowledge and understanding, explore links across subject areas and practise their writing. As pupils progress through the Lower School they will receive a breadth of subject specialist teaching using specialist facilities in Science - including use of our designated KS2 Science laboratory. Key Stage 3 Science meets the expectations of the National Curriculum and beyond, both with respect to knowledge and skill development, providing a varied and balanced curriculum. Pupils study aspects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics by rotating through a variety of different topic which support pupils in understanding how Science is integral to all aspects of life and the world around us. Assessment: Pupils will be assessed on the development of their scientific skills and knowledge through in class checks for learning at the end of each topic. In addition to this, pupils will complete larger assessments towards the end of each term, at the end of a rotation of topics. Checks for learning and assessments will be teacher-marked and followed up with a feedback lesson in which pupil misconceptions and misunderstandings are addressed, and every pupil is set individualised targets to support their progress. Pupils will start the GCSE course at the beginning of the year. Throughout the year, classes will rotate through a series of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics topics. Each topic will focus on developing the knowledge and skills required to meet the three assessment objectives mentioned above. The topics are not equal in length, but the rotation of topics has been split into two halves. Year 9 pupils will cover the following topics over the year: Biology Cell structure and transport Cell division Organisation and the digestive system. Organisation in animals and plants Communicable diseases Chemistry Atomic structure The periodic table Structure and bonding Chemical changes Physics Conservation and dissipation of energy Energy transfer by heating Energy resources Year 10 pupils will cover the following topics from the beginning of the year to end of spring term: Biology Communicable diseases Preventing and treating disease Non-communicable diseases Photosynthesis Respiration The human nervous system Organising an ecosystem Chemistry Chemical calculations Electrolysis Energy changes in reactions Crude oil and fuels Physics Electric circuits Electricity in the home Molecules and matter Radioactivity Forces in balance Motion After Easter holidays, Year 10 pupils will either follow the Combined Science course (double ) or the separate Sciences (triple). All pupils will still cover topics in Biology, Chemistry, & Physics on a rotational basis, however separate Science pupils will accelerate through the curriculum to cover the extra content required. Year 10 curriculum will cover the following topics in the summer term: Combined Science (Double) Biology Hormonal coordination Reproduction Variation and evolution Chemistry Chemical analysis Physics Force and motion Separate Science Biology Hormonal coordination Homeostasis in action Chemistry Rates and equilibrium Organic Reactions Physics Force and motion Year 11 curriculum will cover the following topics in the autumn term: Combined Science (Double) Biology Variation, natural selection and evolution Biodiversity and ecosystems Organisms in their environment Competition Pollution Chemistry Rates of reaction The Earth’s atmosphere The Earth’s resources Physics Wave Properties Electromagnetic spectrum Magnetic fields & electromagnetism Separate Science Biology Reproduction Variation, Natural selection and evolution Theories of evolution and speciation Chemistry Titrations Gas laws Chemical analysis The Earth’s atmosphere Physics Forces and motion Pressure Wave properties Electromagnetic spectrum During the Spring and Summer term of Year 11, pupils will either continue studying for the separate Sciences or begin consolidating prior learning in preparation for the Combined Science trilogy course. Separate Science Pupils who continue with the separate Sciences route will study the following topics in the Spring term. Biology Biodiversity and ecosystems Organisms in their environment Competition Pollution Chemistry Properties of materials Physics Properties of light Magnetic fields & electromagnetism Space Home Learning: 1 or 2 pieces per week, lasting between 45 minutes to 1 hour in total. Assessment: Throughout each year pupils will be assessed through a mixture of end of topic tests and in class assessments. In Year 10, pupils will undertake an internal exam in the Spring term in Biology, Chemistry, & Physics. In Year 11, pupils will undertake internal exams in Biology, Chemistry, & Physics, in both the Autumn term and Spring term, before undertaking their final exams in the Summer term. Irrespective of whether they study the combined Science trilogy or separate Sciences routes, they will sit six exams; two exams each in Biology, Chemistry, & Physics. Combined Science trilogy exams have a duration of 1 hour 15 minutes each, and the separate Science exams each last 1 hour and 45 minutes. Exam Board: AQA Combined Science trilogy 8464 Biology 8461 Chemistry 8462 Physics 8463 Our Curriculum Curriculum Intent Options Careers Employers Curriculum Subjects Art | Fine Art Computing | Computer Science English Design Technology Drama Food Preparation & Nutrition French Geography German History Latin Maths Media Studies Music Personal Development Photography Physical Education Religious Education Science Sculpture Spanish The Wellbeing Curriculum

  • Barracudas

    Sign up to barracudas for holiday childcare at The Wesgtate School, Winchester Go Barracudas Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Barracudas Internal / External External Age Range 4½ to 14 Contact Kids Activity Camp In Winchester | Holiday Club In Winchester | Barracudas Barracudas camps provide exceptional school holiday childcare for 4½ to 14 year olds. With unrivalled activities and fantastic facilities, we offer great value for money at our activity day camps. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

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