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Year 8

(12-13 years old)

Year 8 is the second year of KS3. There are no formal exams for children in KS3, but they will be assessed on a regular basis through a range of different methods including quizzes, coursework and teacher observation.

When parents actively engage, examination results go up

Professor Charles Desforges (2003) carried out one of the most influential literature reviews. He concluded that parental engagement matters even more than schools in shaping the achievement of young people. He also determined that the more parents and children talk about meaningful subjects, the better students achieve.

 

 

At The British Online School, we follow the Cambridge International Curriculum for Lower Secondary. We know that teenagers will learn best when they are happy and when they are actively taking part, therefore, where possible, in our curriculum we ensure that learning is accessed through exciting experiences and opportunities. We encourage students to make decisions, take responsibility and collaborate in their learning.

 

The Cambridge International Curriculum is founded on the values of the University of Cambridge. The curriculum is dedicated to developing learners to become confident, responsible, innovative and engaged. Each curriculum for English, Mathematics and Science is designed to engage learners in an active and creative learning journey.

English

The Cambridge International English curriculum promotes an enquiry-based approach to learning to develop thinking skills and encourage intellectual engagement.

The curriculum is presented in five content areas:

  • Phonics, Spelling and Vocabulary
  • Grammar and Punctuation 
  • Reading
  • Writing 
  • Speaking and Listening

The learning objectives span knowledge and understanding as well as other qualities. This curriculum encourages learners to be confident, creative and intellectually engaged, capable of applying their skills to respond to a range of information, media and texts with enjoyment and understanding. Students will develop a first language competency in English based on a curriculum designed to be successful in any culture and to promote cross-cultural understanding.

Mathematics

The Cambridge Checkpoint Mathematics curriculum is presented in six content areas

 

  • Number
  • Algebra
  • Geometry
  • Measure
  • Handling data
  • Problem-solving

 

The first five content areas are all underpinned by problem-solving, which provides a structure for the application of mathematical skills. Mental strategies are also a key part of the Number content.

 

Together, these two areas form a progressive step preparing students for entry onto IGCSE level courses. This curriculum focuses on principles, patterns, systems, functions and relationships so that students can apply their mathematical knowledge and develop a holistic understanding of the subject. The Cambridge Checkpoint Mathematics curriculum continues the journey from the Cambridge Primary Mathematics curriculum and provides a solid foundation upon which the later stages of education can be built.

Science

The Cambridge Checkpoint Science curriculum is presented in four content areas:

 

  • Scientific enquiry
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics

 

Scientific enquiry is about considering ideas, evaluating evidence, planning investigative work and recording and analysing data.

The Scientific enquiry objectives underpin Biology, Chemistry and Physics, which are focused on developing confidence and interest in scientific knowledge.

 

Environmental awareness and some history of science are also incorporated. The Cambridge Checkpoint Science curriculum continues the journey from the Cambridge Primary Science curriculum and provides a solid foundation upon which the later stages of education can be built.

Grammar & Writing Skills

The Cambridge Grammar & Writing Skills book introduces students to creative writing and writing for a purpose.

They’ll write urban myths and reports of a school plays, helping build their extended writing skills as they progress through the units.

Each unit focuses on a different text type such as dialogue, reports or instructions. Model texts in each chapter show students good examples of each writing type and specific activities help them practise grammar typical of the genre. Students work individually and collaboratively, developing skills such as creative thinking, planning, drafting, peer evaluation and editing.

Geography

Motivating students to develop their geographical skills, knowledge and understanding as they become engaged and accomplished geographers!

Students will build and improve the geographical knowledge and skills that they need: every lesson is rich in geographical data and place contexts for students to interpret, analyse and evaluate

Firm foundations will be set – key vocabulary, command words and concepts are introduced gradually, preparing students for the content and question types they will encounter at GCSE and IGCSE, with a particular focus on analysis and evaluation questions.

Effectively assessing, measuring and demonstrating progress – formative assessments and quizzes throughout each lesson, and summative end-of-unit reviews include questions that show whether students are ‘working towards’, ‘meeting’ or ‘exceeding’ expectations.

Encouraging students to check and drive their own progress: learning objectives and end-of-unit learning outcomes help students reflect on their learning and make connections between key concepts and skills throughout the course. 

Students will also benefit from a virtual library. This is to ensure that they will use their potential to the best of their abilities, and excel 🙂

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