Welcome to
Year 7

The 5-year curriculum plan provides a logical progression through the National Curriculum for KS3, following onto the Edexcel Foundation or Higher GCSE specification.

We provide an ambitious curriculum encompassing number, algebra, geometry, ratio, probability and data handling. Topics taught this year include:

• Analysing and displaying data
• Number skills (including negative numbers, order of operations, fractions, decimals and percentages)
• Ratio and probability
• Sequences
• An introduction to the use of algebra, manipulating algebraic expressions and solving simple equations
• Lines and angles
• An introduction to straight line graphs
• Transformations.

Writing

At Ipswich Academy, we place great importance on the ability of students to communicate their thoughts, feelings and experiences clearly in different forms and for different purposes. All of our units are underpinned by opportunities to write analytically, creatively and persuasively.

Reading

Reading is the master skill of learning and the English curriculum offers broad opportunities to read and develop confidence with challenging texts of varying type, age and purpose. Specific focus is given to creating a broad knowledge base and a specific skill set for academic reading.

In year 7, students will be introduced to the key skills of breaking down texts like a literary scholar. Using Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Shakespeare’s The Tempest and Evaristo’s Hello, Mum, and a range of linked secondary texts as vehicles, students will begin to explore the effects created by writers as they explore ideas around society.

Autumn Term

Students embark on a journey through space, learning about the solar system, stars, galaxies, and the fundamental concepts of astronomy. The study of particles introduces them to the basic building blocks of matter, exploring atoms, molecules, and states of matter. Additionally, lessons on energy cover its different forms, transformations, and the importance of energy in various physical processes.

The topic of cells looks into the structure and function of the basic units of life, including cell theory and the differences between plant and animal cells.

Spring Term

Students explore the topic of elements, where they learn about the periodic table, atomic structure, and the properties of different elements. The reproduction unit covers both human and plant reproduction, focusing on processes like fertilisation, growth, and development.

Additionally, the curriculum includes the study of sound, examining its production and characteristics. They also study mixtures and acids, where students investigate the properties of solutions, methods of separation, and the nature and reactions of acids and bases.

Summer Term

Students investigate the muscular system, examining how muscles function, their role in movement, and the importance of maintaining muscular health. The curriculum also includes the study of light, covering its properties, behaviour, and how it interacts with different materials.

Additionally, lessons on ecosystems explore the interactions between living organisms and their environments, while the study of rocks encompasses their types, formation processes, and the rock cycle, providing a comprehensive understanding of Earth’s geology.

The French curriculum is designed to introduce students to another language and culture.

We have three key aims to our language learning; developing cultural awareness and intercultural understanding; providing a firm basis for further study; providing students with the tools to understand and use French for travel or other purposes.

We develop skills in four key areas: listening, reading, writing and speaking. Key themes in Year 7 are:

• Introductions
• Numbers
• Family
• Hobbies
• School
• Town.

Students are introduced to present tense verbs, personal pronouns, adjectives, time phrases and expressing opinions.

Year 7 students study the following units, which develop their geographical knowledge, understanding and skills.

Each unit includes a range of interesting case studies on a local, regional, national and global scale.

• My Place in the World
• Natural Environments
• Europe – Italy and Norway
• Antarctica
• Food, Energy and Water
• Crime.

In Year 7 students’ studies focus on the Medieval Period.

They examine the level of change and continuity through key themes such as power, the Church, and feudalism.

Students will study topics such as the Norman Conquest, the evolution of the Church’s power, the Black Death, and power in Medieval Africa. Students will be introduced to and build on historical skills such as causal arguments, source inference, and beginning to wrestle with historical interpretations.

Autumn Term 1

Rhythm, Pulse, and Duration (Sub-Saharan African Drumming)

Autumn Term 2

Rhythm, Pulse, and Duration (Samba)

Spring Term 1

Basic Pitch and Melody (Folk Music of Europe and Ground Bass)

Spring Term 2

Basic Pitch and Melody (Folk Music of Europe and Ground Bass)

Summer Term 1

Further Melody (Minimalism and Riffs and Hooks)

Summer Term 2

Further Melody (Minimalism and Riffs and Hooks)

Our Physical Education curriculum for Year 7, 8, and 9 students aims to foster holistic development.

It encompasses physical, social, cognitive, and emotional growth. We are committed to inclusivity, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to participate and thrive in a supportive environment.

Each half term, students will engage in a variety of sports, including invasion games, net and wall games, and striking and fielding activities. This diverse curriculum is designed to enhance physical literacy and competence, ensuring that every student develops a broad range of skills and enjoys the benefits of an active lifestyle.

Through our program, we aim to provide ample opportunities for all students to achieve their full potential in physical education.

In Year 7 students will start with an introductory unit to Philosophy, Religion and Ethics

Following this they explore Human Rights and Christian teachings about our treatment of others in the second term. In the third term students will examine Jewish religious history and how it shapes the Jewish identity.

The PSHE curriculum for KS3 is two hours per fortnight for Year 7 and 8 and one hour per fortnight for Year 9.

It is developed from the Jigsaw programme with some bespoke lessons added to suit the needs of the students and current affairs happening in the world.

In Year 7 we cover:

• Celebrating differences
• Dealing with anxiety
• Careers
• Relationships
• Personal finance
• Health – choices

In Year 8 we look at:

• Celebrating differences
• Prevent
• Careers
• Mental Health
• Health – choices
• Relationships

In Year 9 the subjects are:

• Health – choices
• Mental Health
• Prevent
• Careers
• Personal Finance
• Consent

Careers focus: Illustration

The Lost Words – Technical drawing skills and colour are revisited and built upon repeatedly. We start to introduce the language of GCSE (assessment objectives) as it corresponds with national curriculum guidelines.

– Elements of art studied: colour (theory-wheel, watercolour techniques), line, value, form (clay). All relate to A02, 3 and 4. Develop visual language and analytical skills through artist research (A01).

Primary source material for drawing and pressing/embossed reliefs. Sensory connection with nature in order to record ideas and observations, This is collected outside on a nature walk (school grounds/Orwell Country Park).

Illustrator/ceramics- hinterland careers.

Year 7 students will learn the basic skills required for performance.

They will do this through the exploration of different theatre styles.

Students will study both Pantomime and Greek Theatre, developing their performance skills along with an enhanced knowledge on style and techniques.

In Year 7, students will:

• Look into the terms ‘input’ and ’output’.
• Learn how to identify the Macronutrients within the dish (healthier swaps).
• Learn how to increase the nutritional value of a dish.