Design Technology Creative solutions for a sustainable future Go Go Our Design and Technology curriculum intends to: Inspire and equip pupils with the skills to solve real world problems. Empower pupils to be creative, innovative, ready to make mistakes and to learn from practical experience. Provide opportunities for pupils to model proposals through testing and evaluation, with a high regard for resources and an understanding of their impact on the environment and the world around them. Why Learn Design and Technology? Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others' needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw in disciplines such as maths, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils learn how to take risks; becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and wellbeing of the nation. Design and Technology covers core technical and designing and making principles, including a broad range of design processes, techniques and equipment. Course skills: Developing knowledge and understanding of materials and processes to be able to make high quality products Developing drawing, modelling and CAD skills to communicate ideas Product analysis Using iterative design strategies to create prototypes Developing knowledge of a wide range of materials including textiles EYFS | KS1 Content KS2 Content Year 7 & 8 Content Year 9 Content Year 10 & 11 Content Design & Technology covers core technical and designing and making principles, including a broad range of design processes, techniques and equipment. Key stage 1 subject knowledge Through a variety of creative and practical activities, pupils will be taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making. Pupils work in a range of relevant contexts (e.g. the home and school, gardens and playgrounds, the local community, industry and the wider environment). When designing and making, our pupils are taught to: Design Design purposeful, functional, appealing products for themselves and other users based on design criteria Generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through talking, drawing, templates, mock-ups and, where appropriate, information and communication technology Make Select from and use a range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks [for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing] Select from and use a wide range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their characteristics Evaluate Explore and evaluate a range of existing products Evaluate their ideas and products against design criteria Technical knowledge Build structures, exploring how they can be made stronger, stiffer and more stable Explore and use mechanisms [for example, levers, sliders, wheels and axles] in their products Design & Technology covers core technical and designing and making principles, including a broad range of design processes, techniques and equipment. Key stage 2 subject knowledge Through a variety of creative and practical activities, pupils are taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making. They work in a range of relevant contexts (e.g. the home, school, leisure, culture, enterprise, industry and the wider environment). When designing and making, our pupils are taught to: Design Use research and develop design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that are fit for purpose, aimed at particular individuals or groups generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion, annotated sketches, cross-sectional and exploded diagrams, prototypes, pattern pieces and computer-aided design Make Select from and use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks (e.g cutting, shaping, joining and finishing), accurately Select from and use a wider range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their functional properties and aesthetic qualities Evaluate Investigate and analyse a range of existing products Evaluate their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work Understand how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped shape the world Technical knowledge Apply their understanding of how to strengthen, stiffen and reinforce more complex structures Understand and use mechanical systems in their products (e.g. gears, pulleys, cams, levers and linkages) Understand and use electrical systems in their products (e.g. series circuits incorporating switches, bulbs, buzzers and motors) Apply their understanding of computing to program, monitor and control their products Course content: From Year 7 pupils have the opportunity to explore different materials. We design and build items to a brief using an increasingly sophisticated range of techniques. In Year 9 pupils may opt to spend more time and opportunity to develop their understanding of how designers produce pieces to match a design brief, consider new materials and deepen their understanding of the design process. In Year 10 pupils begin the GCSE syllabus. The course is topic based, each section providing the underlying information needed to grasp the key concepts of the syllabus. Assessments: The course contains assessment during each topic. Practical and design skills will be assessed in a similar format to the GCSE non-exam assessment task. The opportunity to complete exam style questions. The final GCSE assessment: 2 hour written exam – 50% of GCSE and Non-exam assessment; 35- hour iterative design and make task 50% of GCSE. Home Learning: Set in a range of formats including research tasks, completing class work and preparatory work for subsequent lessons that may include the use of GCSE Pod. Pupils are expected to complete at least one hour of Home Learning per week. Exam Board: AQA - 8552 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

Photography Art is not what you see but what you make others see Go Go Our Photography curriculum intends to: Develop intuition, reasoning, imagination and dexterity into unique forms of expression and communication. Promote self-esteem, while teaching us to respect each other and show empathy for each other's individual identities. Give space to think openly and to have confidence in our own opinions on life and the world around us. Encourage a culture of questioners rather than a culture of responders. Course content: Photography sits within the Art Department and is a course we offer from Year 9 onwards. During the course of Year 9 pupils will explore this new subject area and build the foundation skills that are required for the GCSE course, which will begin in Year 10. When going into Year 10 we do not recommend that pupils take 2 or more of the Arts as the demands on your time will be substantial. Pupils often spend many additional hours at our after school club or at home working on their Arts projects and it is hard to give enough time if you are trying to build two portfolios. Photography looks to explore: The ability to explore formal elements of visual language; line, form, colour, tone, pattern, texture, in the context of lens-based and light-based media. Investigating different ways of working as appropriate to their chosen area (s) of learning. Responding to an issue, theme, concept or idea, or working to a design brief. Showing in their work the use of viewpoint, composition, focus control, movement and narrative. Using appropriate techniques, technologies and equipment for recording images and lighting subjects. Showing an understanding of the manipulation and production qualities of still and moving images. Knowledge and Understanding: Pupils will gain knowledge and understanding of: How ideas, feelings and meanings are conveyed and interpreted in images, artefacts and products. Historical and contemporary developments and different styles and genres. How images, artefacts and products relate to social, historical, vocational and cultural contexts. A variety of approaches, methods and intentions of contemporary and historical artists, craftspeople and designers from different cultures and their contribution to continuity and change in society. A working vocabulary and knowledge of specialist terms relevant to their chosen area(s) of learning. Still Life photography, (working from natural or manufactured objects). Documentary photography, photo journalism, narrative photography, reportage. Photography involving a moving image, (television, film and animation). New media practice such as computer manipulated photography and photographic projections. EYFS | KS1 Content KS2 Content Year 7 & 8 Content Year 9 Content Year 10 & 11 Content Photography is not a stand-alone subject at EYFS, KS1 or KS2 but we introduce elements of the discipline within our Arts curriculum. Photography is not a stand-alone subject at EYFS, KS1 or KS2 but we introduce elements of the discipline within our Arts curriculum. Photography is not a stand-alone subject at KS3 but we introduce elements of the discipline within our Arts curriculum. Course content: During the course of Year 9 pupils will develop a working understanding of the form of photography, developing their grasp of how it has evolved over time as well as beginning to structure and edit photos to maximise their impact. We will cover aspects of: Still Life photography (working from natural or manufactured objects). Documentary photography, photo-journalism, narrative photography, reportage. Fine Art photography, photographic installation. Photography involving a moving image (television, film and animation). New media practice such as computer manipulated photography and photographic projections. Photography will enable pupils to consider how ideas, feelings and meanings are conveyed and interpreted in images. Pupils will develop a knowledge and understanding of photography and cameras. Course skills: Pupils will be expected to demonstrate skills and techniques in the context of their chosen area(s) of learning within Photography: The ability to explore formal elements of visual language; line, form, colour, tone, pattern, texture, in the context of lens-based and light-based media. Investigating different ways of working as appropriate to their chosen area (s) of learning. Responding to an issue, theme, concept or idea, or working to a design brief. Showing in their work the use of viewpoint, composition, focus control, depth of field, movement and narrative. Using appropriate techniques, technologies and equipment for recording images and lighting subjects within their chosen area. Showing an understanding of the developing, printing, manipulation and production qualities of still and moving images where appropriate. Understanding the value of working individually and as a member of a team within their chosen area. Knowledge and Understanding: Pupils will gain knowledge and understanding of: How ideas, feelings and meanings are conveyed and interpreted in images, artefacts and products in their chosen area(s) of Photography: lens-based and light-based media. Historical and contemporary developments and different styles and genres in relation to Photography. How images, artefacts and products relate to social, historical, vocational and cultural contexts. A variety of approaches, methods and intentions of contemporary and historical artists, craftspeople and designers from different cultures and their contribution to continuity and change in society within their chosen area(s) of learning in Photography. A working vocabulary and knowledge of specialist terms relevant to their chosen area(s) of learning within Photography. Home Learning: Pupils will be set 1 hour of Home Learning per week. Exam Board: AQA - 8206 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

Supply Teachers Supply Teachers Supply Teachers Supply Teachers Supply Teachers Supply Teachers Supply Teachers Supply Teachers Supply Teachers Supply Teachers Supply Teachers Supply Teachers Date Posted 10-11-2025 Supply Teachers To cover Key Stages 1 - 4 All Subjects Primary or Secondary Phase Casual Contracts Main Pay Range Guaranteed at least one day per half term and CPD The Westgate School is looking for another exceptional qualified person to join our team at Hampshire’s first all-through school which has been rated as “outstanding” (Ofsted, November 2023). The Westgate has a strong tradition where pupils excel because of the exceptional partnership that exists between adults and young people: “pupils’ behaviour is exemplary” (Ofsted, 2023). Call us on 01962 854757 to arrange a visit to our special setting. The successful applicant will be required to work as a cover teacher across all age groups and should have relevant experience. The successful applicant will be an enthusiastic person who is dedicated to teaching with a passion for inclusive practice, partnership with parents and carers, professional development, and making a difference to children’s outcomes. We are looking for someone who: • Has a real interest in and knowledge of how children learn • Is passionate about outstanding teaching and learning • Has excellent communication skills and a calm positive approach • Is an enthusiastic and committed team player • Is cheerful, enthusiastic, flexible and approachable. • Is a hard-working team player in order to support the growth and development of the children in our care. • Has the patience and imagination to encourage children to build on their skills. • Is committed to the highest possible levels of achievement for every child. • Will be able to demonstrate practice to reflect pedagogical knowledge. Application Form Teaching-application-form .docx Download DOCX • 91KB Job Description Teachers' Standards job description .pdf Download PDF • 257KB Please email completed application forms to recruitment@westgate.hants.sch.uk If you require further assistance, please email recruitment@westgate.hants.sch.uk or telephone 01962 854757 Safeguarding statement: The Westgate School and Hampshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. Pre-employment checks: All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks, which will include an online search, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education recommendations. Equal opportunities: No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies. Use of AI: We understand that you might use AI and other resources for your application, however, please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, and original and doesn’t include ideas or work that isn’t your own. This is so that your application is authentically and credibly your own. Home Our School Headteacher's Welcome Ofsted Safeguarding Statutory Information | SEND Policies Admissions Governance Pupil Premium | Catch-up Statement Vacancies School News Calendar & Open Events Contact

Join The Westgate School Badminton club! All skill levels welcome for fun, fitness, and friendly competition. Serve, rally, and smash your way to new skills! Badminton Club Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Badminton Club Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Serve up some fun by joining The Westgate School Badminton Club! It's a smashing opportunity to learn the game, improve your skills, and enjoy friendly competition. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, our club welcomes all levels. Come rally with us and be part of a team that values sportsmanship and camaraderie. Let's hit the court together! Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Curriculum Group looks at the most important part of our school - what we are learning and how we learn. Curriculum Group Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Curriculum Group Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Curriculum Group looks at the most important part of our school - what we are learning and how we learn. We speak teachers and provide feedback on our core purpose. Please come and join us. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Join The Westgate School Basket Ball and Netball club ! All skill levels welcome for fun, fitness, and friendly competition. Basketball & Netball Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Basketball & Netball Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 3 - 6 Contact Primary Reception Get ready to elevate your game and have a blast with our school basketball and netball clubs! Whether you’re aiming to improve your skills or just looking for some fun and fitness, our clubs offer something for everyone. Here’s why you should join: Skill Development Team Spirit Fitness and Fun Both clubs provide a supportive and encouraging environment where you can grow as an athlete and make lasting friendships. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of these exciting sports communities! Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

The Flute and Clarinet ensemble is open to all players of Flute and Clarinet. Flute and Clarinet Ensemble Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Flute and Clarinet Ensemble Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details The Flute and Clarinet ensemble is open to all players of Flute and Clarinet.   The ensemble aims to develop confidence in the player whilst playing with others. A variety of music will be played in rehearsals from simple tunes to four part pieces. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Discover The Westgate School Gymnastics Club! A fun, safe space for students to learn balance, coordination, and flexibility. Join us and soar to new heights! Gymnastics Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Gymnastics Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Flip into fun with our School Gymnastics Club! It's the perfect place for pupils to learn balance, coordination, and flexibility. Our club offers a safe and supportive environment where you can practice tumbling, trampoline, and more. Whether you're a beginner or an aspiring Olympian, join us to develop your skills and have a great time. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, make new friends, or develop important life skills, joining a football club is a fantastic choice. Football Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Football Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact Use the EduLink App to join Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, make new friends, or develop important life skills, joining a football club is a fantastic choice. It’s a sport that brings people together and creates a positive, supportive environment for all involved. Our secondary football clubs are organised into different age groups for both girls and boys. Please see EduLink for specfic football clubs. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

English Read like a writer; write like a reader; question like a critic; think like an individual Go 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’ sequenced 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 Children learn phonics through the carefully structured systematic synthetic Bug Club programme, then learn to transcribe phonic sounds into the early writing process of graphemes, words and sentences. Vocabulary development is a vital part of the curriculum, and we use the ‘Drawing Club’ model, in which children ‘share a treasure trove of vocabulary’ enriching language skills and encourage creativity and imagination. ‘Westgate Word Walls’ support children in every classroom from Reception to Year 6. Phonics is an important part of the curriculum and in the June of Year 1, children will take part in the National phonics screening check and the application of phonics to reading. Children progress through phase 5 and phase 6 phonics into Year 1 Bug Club Spelling and Grammar. Writing is centred around a diverse and exciting text-based curriculum. Fiction and non-fiction texts are chosen carefully to ensure enjoyment, humour, literary challenge and vocabulary development. Books are beautiful and we ensure all texts chosen are full of inspiring illustrations and captivating content! The end of this Key stage enables children to write more independently. Children re-visit phase 5 and 6 phonics and then progress onto Year 2 Bug Club Spelling and Grammar. The spelling and grammar curriculum during this year is challenging and children are supported to understand and apply a wide variety of spelling rules and grammar that will enhance their writing. Children will become more confident with new terminology and are able to develop their writing for a wider range of purposes and audiences. Writing in Key Stage 2 Children continue to follow the ‘Letter join’ handwriting programme and handwriting is expected to develop during this Key Stage to form a neat cursive script. Children progress from KS1 spelling and grammar skills following Bug Club spelling and grammar into KS2 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. Phonics and Reading in Key Stage 2 Phonics is taught systematically, beginning in reception, using ‘Bug Club’ resources and planning. Whole-class teaching of phonics is supported by additional group and individual provision where required. Daily assessments ensure that children have understood, can remember and can apply their phonics. Teachers are highly skilled confident practitioners: misconceptions are picked up immediately and children make outstanding progress. Common exception words (CEWs) are introduced from the start of Reception. There are a set list of words for each Year group. (please see attachments below) These ‘tricky’ words although taught at school will need to be reinforced at home and children will need to be able to read and spell these words set words correctly, by the end of each Year. Reading Fluency Children follow the Bug Club Reading scheme and after the first half term they are matched to decodable books in order to develop reading fluency. From reception through KS1 children enjoy progressing through these books alongside the phonic sounds taught. In addition to the decodable books, children are allocated a ‘banded book’ that is not fully decodable but is at the correct level for your child. Parents and children are able to access the allocated decodable books on via the ‘e book’ platform on Bug Club. We use a combination of precisely targeted ‘ebooks’ to develop reading fluency and physical books to support all children on their reading for pleasure journey. Children read 1:1 with the class teacher and the Learning Support Assistant in reception. All reading (from Reception to year 6) at home and at school is recorded into a ‘reading record’. Vocabulary development is supported by ‘Drawing Club’ in reception based on a wide variety of rich texts children explore and develop vocabulary through the medium of illustration. Vocabulary is then used in context during the week and children are encouraged to use their vocabulary at home. Children begin guided reading in Year 1 and as confidence in reading fluency improves, children are introduced to reading comprehension skills. Exposure to stories, animated tales and traditional tales is valued highly. Every class will share a story after lunch through our “Westgate Story time” and through Drawing Club. Comprehension Reading and writing are intrinsically linked and from Reception through KS1 children are taught to discuss and sequence a narrative text. This is vital as it supports the ability to recall, retrieve and sequence reading. During KS1 children enjoy ‘book talk’ sessions where carefully chosen texts are used to stimulate rich class discussions, answer age appropriate comprehension questions and discover new vocabulary. Additionally, Guided Reading in small groups ensures children have the opportunity to read and discuss responses orally and in writing to comprehension questions based on: vocabulary, inference, predication, explanation, retrieval and summary. As children move into KS2, children complete ‘reading skill builders’ into reading journals alongside whole class reading. Children are encouraged to be creative and add illustrations and to take pride in their individual Reading Builders. Small group guided reading sessions continue through KS2 with the class teacher, where carefully selected questions for each age group are discussed and debated and cover each reading skill. Primary phase children enjoy support from Secondary Phase pupils and Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh pupils read and discuss: poetry, plays, fiction, and non-fiction with all year groups once a week. Children leave KS2 continuing confidently into their journey of ‘Read like a writer; write like a reader; question like a critic; think like an individual’ 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. Co urse 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

Creative Writing Club where all are welcome. There will be fun activities every week. Creative Writing Club Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Creative Writing Club Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Creative Writing Club - all welcome. There will be fun activities every week. And biscuits! Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

An opportunity to speak and explore the field of Computing. Computing Club Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Computing Club Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details An opportunity to explore the field of Computing. - Develop your programming skills - Work with Robots - learn about 3d modelling and animation - Explore the world of AI & machine learning - Develop your Digital leadership skills (would you like to become a school Digital Leader?) Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go