www.mersthamparkschool.org 2024 - 2025 PROSPECTUS Merstham Park School 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 1.pdf 1 23/09/2022 16:27
Background.pdf 1 23/09/2022 16:36 Igniting a passion for learning 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 2.pdf 1 23/09/2022 19:21
Background.pdf 1 23/09/2022 16:36 Igniting a passion for learning 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 2.pdf 1 23/09/2022 19:21
89122 Merstham Park_Prospectus_230x160 5.pdf 1 22/09/2022 23:00 A journey beyond expectations CURRICULUM AT MERSTHAM PARK SCHOOL Andy Ward Head of School “At Merstham Park, our ethos is simple - igniting a passion for learning. We are proud to be a values driven school that works closely with our community. We broaden students’ aspirations by providing a culturally rich learning environment where all students are valued, safe and successful. to providing your child with the very best educational experience and they expect our students to model our school values in all that they do. We recognise the importance of academic success whilst embracing our wider role in preparing students for their adult life beyond the formal examined curriculum” 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 4.pdf 1 22/09/2022 22:03 Learning is central in our ability to succeed and prepare students effectively for tomorrow’s world. We encourage our students to strive to achieve beyond their potential, allowing their academic achievements to open doors for them, while gaining a secure understanding of the skills required to be responsible citizens in our modern world. Our new build is tailored to enable our students to develop unique skill sets in a truly first class educational setting through the creation of inviting and interactive learning environments. I look forward to taking the next step with you on your child’s educational journey as we ensure they are valued, safe and successful. If you would like to visit Merstham Park, then please make an appointment through the school office and we would be delighted to show you around. Equally, please do follow us on our official social media platforms to keep abreast of any school news. We offer a broad and balance curriculum that is tailored to meet the needs of our students. As a school we encourage each student’s particular abilities to ensure that no child slips through the net. We provide our students with first class resources and support in every aspect of school life from small class sizes, to well planned responsive lessons, to staffing and subject specific expertise. As a community school, we are committed to ensuring our brand new state of the art facilities benefit both our students and the community as a whole.
89122 Merstham Park_Prospectus_230x160 5.pdf 1 22/09/2022 23:00 A journey beyond expectations CURRICULUM AT MERSTHAM PARK SCHOOL Andy Ward Head of School “At Merstham Park, our ethos is simple - igniting a passion for learning. We are proud to be a values driven school that works closely with our community. We broaden students’ aspirations by providing a culturally rich learning environment where all students are valued, safe and successful. to providing your child with the very best educational experience and they expect our students to model our school values in all that they do. We recognise the importance of academic success whilst embracing our wider role in preparing students for their adult life beyond the formal examined curriculum” 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 4.pdf 1 22/09/2022 22:03 Our Mission Our Values It is our mission to ensure that everyone at Merstham Park makes a difference to the future life chances of the young people who join our family. We endeavour to: • ‘Ignite a passion for learning’ in all students through providing a safe, exciting and inspiring learning experience for all. • Build a school to serve our community based upon our core values. • Provide a varied programme of enrichment opportunities - allowing all students to develop talents and interests beyond the classroom. • Ensure everyone feels valued – celebrate the individual achievements of all. • Bring the real-world to life through practical exploration and project based learning. All of our values are powerful and have a place in helping us to develop our students into the responsible citizens we desire them to be in this modern world in which we live. As a community focused school, ‘Inclusion’ is the bedrock on which our other values sit. Our desire to educate students in more than simply an academic capacity is clear in our vision at Merstham Park and being a values driven school is a key part of us achieving this. We consider a values driven school to be one which fully embraces its values and expects all members of its school community to model these values in all that they do.
Our whole school curriculum intent is linked to our school values and sets out the core principles of our curriculum. Our intent is that the MPS curriculum: INCLUSION COLLABORATION RESILIENCE RESPECT SUCCESS provides a broad and balanced curriculum that is truly comprehensive, accessible to all students and promotes opportunities to develop cultural capital and student kindness. grows confident lifelong learners through the skills identified in our MPS learner profile; enquiring, reasoning, questioning and creating. provides experiences for all students to overcome challenges, realise future aspirations, and support their personal development, including how to stay safe and healthy. has clear links to the wider community to help students see their role in society developing them as well rounded responsible citizens in our modern world. provides opportunities for all students to develop a high level of literacy, numeracy and oracy, igniting a passion for learning in all. CURRICULUM INTENT C M Y CM MY CY CMY K Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT.pdf 5 16/09/2021 12:15:31 CONTENTS 7 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 6.pdf 1 23/09/2022 17:54
Our whole school curriculum intent is linked to our school values and sets out the core principles of our curriculum. Our intent is that the MPS curriculum: INCLUSION COLLABORATION RESILIENCE RESPECT SUCCESS provides a broad and balanced curriculum that is truly comprehensive, accessible to all students and promotes opportunities to develop cultural capital and student kindness. grows confident lifelong learners through the skills identified in our MPS learner profile; enquiring, reasoning, questioning and creating. provides experiences for all students to overcome challenges, realise future aspirations, and support their personal development, including how to stay safe and healthy. has clear links to the wider community to help students see their role in society developing them as well rounded responsible citizens in our modern world. provides opportunities for all students to develop a high level of literacy, numeracy and oracy, igniting a passion for learning in all. CURRICULUM INTENT C M Y CM MY CY CMY K Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT.pdf 5 16/09/2021 12:15:31 CONTENTS 7 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 6.pdf 1 23/09/2022 17:54 ART 8 DRAMA 9 ENGLISH 10 MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES 11 TECHNOLOGY 12 COMPUTING 13 GEOGRAPHY 14 HISTORY 15 MATHMATICS 16 MUSIC 17 PHYSICAL EDUCATION 18 RS 19 SCIENCE 20 CAREERS 21 PSHE 21 HOMEWORK 22 STUDENT LEADERSHIP 23
AIMS OF THE COURSE HOW CAN PARENTS HELP? Performance Skills Pantomime Evaluation Performing Shakespeare Scripted Performance Advanced Evaluative Skills CONTENT/SKILLS KNOWLEDGE YEAR 7 AUTUMN TERM YEAR 7 SPRING TERM YEAR 7 SUMMER TERM Encourage your child to talk about their lessons. Visits to any National or local theatre performances will also develop students' experiences of Drama outside of the classroom. Home Learning tasks can take a variety of forms including reading, research, observation, and evaluation. NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: 2 DRAMA 9 Characterisation Still Image Thought Tracking Drama plays a central role in the development of every student both academically and holistically. Students develop a range of personal life skills including problem-solving, self-expression, confidence, and succinct communication of ideas. It is a subject that allows students to work in a sensitive and supportive manner to build confidence at the same time as promoting group work and developing students oracy. In Year 7, students are taught how to build confidence and perform in lessons. They learn how to devise small performances using body language and facial expressions. Group work improves confidence and team building, and teaches students how to respond to feedback to develop and implement changes. If students are unable to visit the theatre, it is beneficial for them to watch recorded performances online as it can help inspire devised work within lessons. 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 8.pdf 1 23/09/2022 16:52 NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: 2 ART 8 AIMS OF THE COURSE HOW CAN PARENTS HELP? The Formal Elements Movements World Culture Landscape Texture CONTENT/SKILLS KNOWLEDGE YEAR 7 AUTUMN TERM YEAR 7 SPRING TERM YEAR 7 SUMMER TERM Art allows students to develop creative skills and imaginative thinking that are transferable to numerous subjects and careers. Art allows students to develop key skills and build confidence at the same time as promoting group work and instilling students with the importance of personal study and practice. Work is often showcased around the school, online and through exhibitions. Students in Year 7 participate in a trip to The National Gallery in London and complete a workshop with the gallery curators around Still Life and looking at key paintings in the gallery that play an important part in Art History. Through this broad range of media and disciplines we aim to give our students a solid foundation in Arts. Encourage your child to talk about Art and what they are learning in school. Visits to any national or local art galleries and exhibitions will also produce a wealth of inspiration for students. Students should work on their observational drawing skills as much as possible. Home learning tasks will be set regularly to practise and develop skills learnt in school. In Year 7, students explore a wide variety of artists and Art movements to enable them to recognise key characteristics of the main Art movements throughout the history of Art. Students will learn about a different culture and focus on how to explore it with authenticity to recreate their own personal response in a variety of media including printing and claywork. Students will benefit from experimenting with a variety of materials and to explore and practise with them. At home this positive attitude can be mirrored by encouraging them to practise working with varied materials, designing and drawing. Online art tutorials on YouTube offer a variety of videos that support a wide range of styles and interests. This can be a good place to observe different materials being demonstrated. 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 7.pdf 1 23/09/2022 16:51
AIMS OF THE COURSE HOW CAN PARENTS HELP? Performance Skills Pantomime Evaluation Performing Shakespeare Scripted Performance Advanced Evaluative Skills CONTENT/SKILLS KNOWLEDGE YEAR 7 AUTUMN TERM YEAR 7 SPRING TERM YEAR 7 SUMMER TERM Encourage your child to talk about their lessons. Visits to any National or local theatre performances will also develop students' experiences of Drama outside of the classroom. Home Learning tasks can take a variety of forms including reading, research, observation, and evaluation. NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: 2 DRAMA 9 Characterisation Still Image Thought Tracking Drama plays a central role in the development of every student both academically and holistically. Students develop a range of personal life skills including problem-solving, self-expression, confidence, and succinct communication of ideas. It is a subject that allows students to work in a sensitive and supportive manner to build confidence at the same time as promoting group work and developing students oracy. In Year 7, students are taught how to build confidence and perform in lessons. They learn how to devise small performances using body language and facial expressions. Group work improves confidence and team building, and teaches students how to respond to feedback to develop and implement changes. If students are unable to visit the theatre, it is beneficial for them to watch recorded performances online as it can help inspire devised work within lessons. 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 8.pdf 1 23/09/2022 16:52 NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: 2 ART 8 AIMS OF THE COURSE HOW CAN PARENTS HELP? The Formal Elements Movements World Culture Landscape Texture CONTENT/SKILLS KNOWLEDGE YEAR 7 AUTUMN TERM YEAR 7 SPRING TERM YEAR 7 SUMMER TERM Art allows students to develop creative skills and imaginative thinking that are transferable to numerous subjects and careers. Art allows students to develop key skills and build confidence at the same time as promoting group work and instilling students with the importance of personal study and practice. Work is often showcased around the school, online and through exhibitions. Students in Year 7 participate in a trip to The National Gallery in London and complete a workshop with the gallery curators around Still Life and looking at key paintings in the gallery that play an important part in Art History. Through this broad range of media and disciplines we aim to give our students a solid foundation in Arts. Encourage your child to talk about Art and what they are learning in school. Visits to any national or local art galleries and exhibitions will also produce a wealth of inspiration for students. Students should work on their observational drawing skills as much as possible. Home learning tasks will be set regularly to practise and develop skills learnt in school. In Year 7, students explore a wide variety of artists and Art movements to enable them to recognise key characteristics of the main Art movements throughout the history of Art. Students will learn about a different culture and focus on how to explore it with authenticity to recreate their own personal response in a variety of media including printing and claywork. Students will benefit from experimenting with a variety of materials and to explore and practise with them. At home this positive attitude can be mirrored by encouraging them to practise working with varied materials, designing and drawing. Online art tutorials on YouTube offer a variety of videos that support a wide range of styles and interests. This can be a good place to observe different materials being demonstrated. 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 7.pdf 1 23/09/2022 16:51
NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: 7 10 ENGLISH Writing and Response Heritage Literature - A Christmas Carol Stories you should know Poetry ‘Experiences and Situations’ Shakespeare ‘Introducing the Bard’ Novel ‘The Crossing’ CONTENT/SKILLS KNOWLEDGE YEAR 7 AUTUMN TERM YEAR 7 SPRING TERM YEAR 7 SUMMER TERM 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 9.pdf 1 23/09/2022 17:13 NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: 4 AIMS OF THE COURSE MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES 11 At Merstham Park all students study French in Year 7. Throughout all lessons, students are given a wide range of opportunities to learn about the cultures and customs of France. Students develop their language skills via listening,speaking, reading and writing tasks and learn to be proficient communicators in a second. As students move through the school, they will have further opportunities to learn other modern foreign languages. HOW CAN PARENTS HELP? Reminder of the reasons why learning a language is a brilliant thing to do: • To increase global understanding; • To improve employment potential; • To increase native language ability; • To sharpen cognitive and life skills; • Creating a brighter future for you and your loved ones; • To appreciate international literature, music, art and film; • To make travel more feasible and enjoyable; • To expand study, live and work abroad options; • To increase understanding of oneself and one’s own culture; • To make lifelong friends through travel and enhanced communication. CONTENT/SKILLS KNOWLEDGE YEAR 7 AUTUMN TERM YEAR 7 SPRING TERM YEAR 7 SUMMER TERM The Modern Languages curriculum covers a broad range of topics, grammatical structures and key language skills, allowing students to develop their confidence and independence in their use of the target language Classroom language All about me Likes and dislikes Sport and free-time activities Weather School subjects and opinions Time Life at school ‘Le Petit Nicolas’ cultural unit My family Pets Descriptions Where I live 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 10.pdf 1 23/09/2022 16:54 AIMS OF THE COURSE We strive for excellence to ensure that learning activities in English contribute to the achievement and overall development of all young people. We want our students to become successful, independent learners who experience all this subject has to offer. English at Merstham Park School presents all students with a broad range of engaging materials. It empowers them to access materials with a tailored approach to learning, and the development and consolidation of a full complement of English based skills and tools. Students use poetry to focus on language, developing their own knowledge and analysing vocabulary, and will study a work of famous literary ancestry in an annual Heritage unit. Students study a modern novel each year in Key Stage 3, which allows students to explore the characteristic features of a novel, how political and social messages are conveyed, and to distinguish features between settings and the world of the character. Shakespeare is taught every year at MPS. The constant exposure allows students the opportunity to build confidence and gives them an understanding and familiarity with Shakespearean language and ideas. Students see re-emerging themes which will naturally lend themselves to the texts they will study for their English GSCE. Students also study a play each year. These enable students to become accustomed and familiar with dramatic devices and enable them to construct their own piece of staged work. Students from Years 7- 9 will use Accelerated Reader. It is a comprehensive reading program to track and inform students’ progress in reading. We monitor student performance, set reading goals, and provide targeted feedback to improve reading comprehension. The program helps students develop essential reading skills, such as fluency and vocabulary, while also fostering a love for reading. HOW CAN PARENTS HELP? To develop your child’s literacy skills, please encourage them to read for at least half an hour every day (or more if possible). Fiction is the best type of book to choose, as these books have the greatest variety of vocabulary and writing styles. Fiction books are also easier to obtain at the right level for your child. Encourage your child to discuss what they are reading with you. Not only does this consolidate what has been learnt but encourages clear articulation of ideas and discussion. If you require any help with this, ask your child’s English teacher, the school or staff at your local public library.
NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: 7 10 ENGLISH Writing and Response Heritage Literature - A Christmas Carol Stories you should know Poetry ‘Experiences and Situations’ Shakespeare ‘Introducing the Bard’ Novel ‘The Crossing’ CONTENT/SKILLS KNOWLEDGE YEAR 7 AUTUMN TERM YEAR 7 SPRING TERM YEAR 7 SUMMER TERM 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 9.pdf 1 23/09/2022 17:13 NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: 4 AIMS OF THE COURSE MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES 11 At Merstham Park all students study French in Year 7. Throughout all lessons, students are given a wide range of opportunities to learn about the cultures and customs of France. Students develop their language skills via listening,speaking, reading and writing tasks and learn to be proficient communicators in a second. As students move through the school, they will have further opportunities to learn other modern foreign languages. HOW CAN PARENTS HELP? Reminder of the reasons why learning a language is a brilliant thing to do: • To increase global understanding; • To improve employment potential; • To increase native language ability; • To sharpen cognitive and life skills; • Creating a brighter future for you and your loved ones; • To appreciate international literature, music, art and film; • To make travel more feasible and enjoyable; • To expand study, live and work abroad options; • To increase understanding of oneself and one’s own culture; • To make lifelong friends through travel and enhanced communication. CONTENT/SKILLS KNOWLEDGE YEAR 7 AUTUMN TERM YEAR 7 SPRING TERM YEAR 7 SUMMER TERM The Modern Languages curriculum covers a broad range of topics, grammatical structures and key language skills, allowing students to develop their confidence and independence in their use of the target language Classroom language All about me Likes and dislikes Sport and free-time activities Weather School subjects and opinions Time Life at school ‘Le Petit Nicolas’ cultural unit My family Pets Descriptions Where I live 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 10.pdf 1 23/09/2022 16:54
NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: 3 TECHNOLOGY 12 CONTENT/SKILLS KNOWLEDGE Students will complete four 9 week projects across year 7. PROJECT ONE AIMS OF THE COURSE HOW CAN PARENTS HELP? Parents can help to foster an interest and enjoyment in the understanding and use of Design & Technology in everyday life. They can stimulate their child’s curiosity about the world around them and about everyday objects, such as how they are made and function. In food technology students are taught skills in preparation and cooking. At home they should be encouraged to practice these skills, whether helping prepare meals, clearing and washing up or cooking dishes independently. By the end of Year 7, students should have the skills to prepare and cook a family meal using difierent ingredients. Resistant Materials. Design & make a block figure from timber PROJECT TWO Graphic Projects Chocolate bar branding project PROJECT THREE Introduction to the kitchen Guidelines for healthy eating PROJECT FOUR Food Technology Nutrition and the Eatwell Guide 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 11.pdf 1 23/09/2022 17:15 NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: 1 AIMS OF THE COURSE COMPUTING Wherever possible and appropriate, allow your child to complete work on a computer. • Look at the work they are completing and act as reviewers, highlighting the good features of any work produced and suggesting ways the work could be improved. • Talk about how technology has changed life during your life time. HOW CAN PARENTS HELP? The use of ICT at Merstham Park School is underpinned by the desire to equip our students with the skills, knowledge and understanding for a future in which ICT is already playing a vital role in teaching, learning, leisure and the workplace. More specifically our vision is to raise the levels of student attainment and broaden access to the school curriculum. The school also seeks to develop practice that will reffect the benefits available to our students through efflcient and innovative uses of ICT. Internet Safety and Responsibility Computers and the Internet Programming Scratch Data Representation Programming Scratch CONTENT/SKILLS KNOWLEDGE YEAR 7 AUTUMN TERM YEAR 7 SPRING TERM YEAR 7 SUMMER TERM 13 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 12.pdf 1 23/09/2022 16:55 Technology at Merstham Park is taught as a rotation of 4 projects. Students move around the department over the course of the year completing four different rotations covering Design Technology and Food Technology. Technology at MPS is taught to provide students with a range of practical and theoretical skills across a number of disciplines. These disciplines include Resistant Materials, where students focus on making different products from wood, metal or plastic in the workshop; Graphic Products, where students design, brand and package products focusing on how to market and sell a product in a consumer driven society; and Food Technology, where they are introduced to working hygienically and safely in a kitchen while making a number of predominantly savoury dishes. Students will think creatively, and learn how to solve problems as individuals as well as members of a team by working in stimulating contexts that provide a range of opportunities and draw on the local ethos, community and wider world. Students are given the skills to respond with ideas, products and systems. Learning how to cook is a crucial life skill that enables students to feed themselves and others affordably and well, now and in later life.
NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: 3 TECHNOLOGY 12 CONTENT/SKILLS KNOWLEDGE Students will complete four 9 week projects across year 7. PROJECT ONE AIMS OF THE COURSE HOW CAN PARENTS HELP? Parents can help to foster an interest and enjoyment in the understanding and use of Design & Technology in everyday life. They can stimulate their child’s curiosity about the world around them and about everyday objects, such as how they are made and function. In food technology students are taught skills in preparation and cooking. At home they should be encouraged to practice these skills, whether helping prepare meals, clearing and washing up or cooking dishes independently. By the end of Year 7, students should have the skills to prepare and cook a family meal using difierent ingredients. Resistant Materials. Design & make a block figure from timber PROJECT TWO Graphic Projects Chocolate bar branding project PROJECT THREE Introduction to the kitchen Guidelines for healthy eating PROJECT FOUR Food Technology Nutrition and the Eatwell Guide 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 11.pdf 1 23/09/2022 17:15 NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: 1 AIMS OF THE COURSE COMPUTING Wherever possible and appropriate, allow your child to complete work on a computer. • Look at the work they are completing and act as reviewers, highlighting the good features of any work produced and suggesting ways the work could be improved. • Talk about how technology has changed life during your life time. HOW CAN PARENTS HELP? The use of ICT at Merstham Park School is underpinned by the desire to equip our students with the skills, knowledge and understanding for a future in which ICT is already playing a vital role in teaching, learning, leisure and the workplace. More specifically our vision is to raise the levels of student attainment and broaden access to the school curriculum. The school also seeks to develop practice that will reffect the benefits available to our students through efflcient and innovative uses of ICT. Internet Safety and Responsibility Computers and the Internet Programming Scratch Data Representation Programming Scratch CONTENT/SKILLS KNOWLEDGE YEAR 7 AUTUMN TERM YEAR 7 SPRING TERM YEAR 7 SUMMER TERM 13 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 12.pdf 1 23/09/2022 16:55
NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: 3 GEOGRAPHY 14 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 13.pdf 1 23/09/2022 16:56 CONTENT/SKILLS KNOWLEDGE YEAR 7 AUTUMN TERM YEAR 7 SPRING TERM YEAR 7 SUMMER TERM AIMS OF THE COURSE In Geography at Merstham Park we study a range of human and physical topics that allow us to understand the dynamic and ever changing world we live in today. Students begin Year 7 with the fundamental geographical skills they require such as locational knowledge, atlas skills, contours and grid references. Following on from geographical skills, Year 7 students will study the physical and human geography of the UK before looking at how we can conserve our planet. Here at MPS, we believe that Geography explains the past, illuminates the present and prepares us for the future. HOW CAN PARENTS HELP? You may support your child’s geographical learning through the watching of documentaries and the reading of books that link to the topic being studied. Likewise, the visiting of geographical sites will further support your child’s geographical understanding and context. Whilst out and about with your child, ask them, “Where’s the geography in that?” HISTORY 15 3 NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 14.pdf 1 23/09/2022 16:56 CONTENT/SKILLS KNOWLEDGE YEAR 7 AUTUMN TERM YEAR 7 SPRING TERM YEAR 7 SUMMER TERM Map Skills and Geography of the UK Population Rivers and the Water Cycle
NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: 3 GEOGRAPHY 14 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 13.pdf 1 23/09/2022 16:56 CONTENT/SKILLS KNOWLEDGE YEAR 7 AUTUMN TERM YEAR 7 SPRING TERM YEAR 7 SUMMER TERM HISTORY 15 3 NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 14.pdf 1 23/09/2022 16:56 CONTENT/SKILLS KNOWLEDGE YEAR 7 AUTUMN TERM YEAR 7 SPRING TERM YEAR 7 SUMMER TERM AIMS OF THE COURSE In History at Merstham Park we study a wide range of historical periods and cultures that allow us to understand the world we live in today. During the course of the year, students are taught the fundamental skills to historical understanding such as comprehension, debate, causation, consequence and writing. Students are taught how to analyse evidence to form a judgement along with the ability to present ideas to their peers. We teach our topics in a clear chronological sequence, beginning with the Romans and their impact in Britain. We then move onto Medieval Britain and look at case studies such as The Black Death in 1348. Importantly, we at Merstham Park, think it is crucial to study historical events and cultures from across the world and therefore we study the Aztecs from Mexico and The Mali Empire in Africa. The Tudors and the roles of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I are included in our topics along with the English Civil War and the role of Oliver Cromwell. HOW CAN PARENTS HELP? You may support your child’s History learning through the watching of documentaries and the reading of books that link to the topic being studied. Likewise, the visiting of historical sites will further support your child’s historical understanding and context. Roman Britain and the Medieval Period Aztecs and the Tudors English Civil War and the Mali Empire
MATHEMATICS 16 8 NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: AIMS OF THE COURSE HOW CAN PARENTS HELP? Sequences Understand and use algebraic notation Equality and equivalence Place value and ordering integers and decimals Fraction, decimal and percentage equivalence Solving problems with addition and subtraction Solving problems with multiplication and division Fractions and percentages of amounts Operations and equations with directed number Addition and subtraction of fractions Constructing, measuring and using geometric notation Developing geometric reasoning Developing number sense Sets and probability Prime numbers and proof CONTENT/SKILLS KNOWLEDGE YEAR 7 AUTUMN TERM YEAR 7 SPRING TERM YEAR 7 SUMMER TERM At Merstham Park School we follow a maths mastery curriculum. This aims to develop, deepen and embed students understanding and attainment in maths. The whole class moves through topics at broadly the same pace. Each topic is studied in depth and the teacher does not move to the next stage until all children demonstrate that they have a secure understanding of mathematical concepts. Students are given time to think deeply about the maths and really understand concepts at a relational level rather than as a set of rules or procedures. This pace leads to greater progress because it ensures that students are secure in their understanding and teachers don’t need to revisit topics once they’ve been covered in depth. Though the whole class goes through the same content at the same pace, there is still plenty of opportunity for difierentiation. Those students who grasp concepts quickly are challenged with rich and sophisticated problems within the topic. Those children who are not suffciently ffluent are provided additional support to consolidate their understanding before moving on. “Good numeracy is the best protection against unemployment, low wages and poor health” Schleicher The most important thing you can do as a parent/carer to support your child in mathematics is to ensure you promote a positive and healthy attitude towards maths. Refrain from passing your mathematical hang-ups on, avoid saying things like “I was rubbish at maths...” Everyone can be successful at maths. It is fundamental to their understanding and progress that children are ffluent in their multiplication tables up to 12 x 12. To support at home please practice these regularly or use the many online resources available. Additionally, make the most of any opportunities that arise to get your child practicing their mental arithmetic skills, for example working out the bill in a restaurant or approximating the cost of multiple items in the supermarket, working out how many hours/minutes/seconds it is until their favourite program is on or counting multiple objects in 2’s, 3’s or 5’s. Talk to your child about money, encourage them to read an analogue clock and use their brain for simple calculations instead of a calculator. All of these things will help them become more conffident learners of mathematics. 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 14.pdf 1 23/09/2022 16:56 NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: 2 MUSIC 17 Pulse and Rhythm Last Choir standing Keyboard skills Ensemble Skills & Teamwork Music Structures Programme Music CONTENT/SKILLS KNOWLEDGE YEAR 7 AUTUMN TERM YEAR 7 SPRING TERM YEAR 7 SUMMER TERM AIMS OF THE COURSE Music plays an important part in the life of our school and we are committed to providing every student the opportunity to explore and develop their music identity. Music is a subject for all students, of any ability and develops students' listening, appraising, performance, composition and production skills. We celebrate all work, both in lessons and regular performances, both in school and in the local community. Our expanding extra curricular ofier, including the opportunity to learn an instrument through individual tuition, gives students new experiences and opportunities. HOW CAN PARENTS HELP? Encourage students to diversify their listening choices by listening to music they wouldn’t normally listen to. Encourage students to take risks with their learning and normalising the ‘trial and error’ aspect of creating music. Encourage students to regularly practise their skills on an instrument they previously played in primary school, or explore a new one at secondary school. 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 15.pdf 1 23/09/2022 16:57
MATHEMATICS 16 8 NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: AIMS OF THE COURSE HOW CAN PARENTS HELP? Sequences Understand and use algebraic notation Equality and equivalence Place value and ordering integers and decimals Fraction, decimal and percentage equivalence Solving problems with addition and subtraction Solving problems with multiplication and division Fractions and percentages of amounts Operations and equations with directed number Addition and subtraction of fractions Constructing, measuring and using geometric notation Developing geometric reasoning Developing number sense Sets and probability Prime numbers and proof CONTENT/SKILLS KNOWLEDGE YEAR 7 AUTUMN TERM YEAR 7 SPRING TERM YEAR 7 SUMMER TERM At Merstham Park School we follow a maths mastery curriculum. This aims to develop, deepen and embed students understanding and attainment in maths. The whole class moves through topics at broadly the same pace. Each topic is studied in depth and the teacher does not move to the next stage until all children demonstrate that they have a secure understanding of mathematical concepts. Students are given time to think deeply about the maths and really understand concepts at a relational level rather than as a set of rules or procedures. This pace leads to greater progress because it ensures that students are secure in their understanding and teachers don’t need to revisit topics once they’ve been covered in depth. Though the whole class goes through the same content at the same pace, there is still plenty of opportunity for difierentiation. Those students who grasp concepts quickly are challenged with rich and sophisticated problems within the topic. Those children who are not suffciently ffluent are provided additional support to consolidate their understanding before moving on. “Good numeracy is the best protection against unemployment, low wages and poor health” Schleicher The most important thing you can do as a parent/carer to support your child in mathematics is to ensure you promote a positive and healthy attitude towards maths. Refrain from passing your mathematical hang-ups on, avoid saying things like “I was rubbish at maths...” Everyone can be successful at maths. It is fundamental to their understanding and progress that children are ffluent in their multiplication tables up to 12 x 12. To support at home please practice these regularly or use the many online resources available. Additionally, make the most of any opportunities that arise to get your child practicing their mental arithmetic skills, for example working out the bill in a restaurant or approximating the cost of multiple items in the supermarket, working out how many hours/minutes/seconds it is until their favourite program is on or counting multiple objects in 2’s, 3’s or 5’s. Talk to your child about money, encourage them to read an analogue clock and use their brain for simple calculations instead of a calculator. All of these things will help them become more conffident learners of mathematics. 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 14.pdf 1 23/09/2022 16:56 NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: 2 MUSIC 17 Pulse and Rhythm Last Choir standing Keyboard skills Ensemble Skills & Teamwork Music Structures Programme Music CONTENT/SKILLS KNOWLEDGE YEAR 7 AUTUMN TERM YEAR 7 SPRING TERM YEAR 7 SUMMER TERM AIMS OF THE COURSE Music plays an important part in the life of our school and we are committed to providing every student the opportunity to explore and develop their music identity. Music is a subject for all students, of any ability and develops students' listening, appraising, performance, composition and production skills. We celebrate all work, both in lessons and regular performances, both in school and in the local community. Our expanding extra curricular ofier, including the opportunity to learn an instrument through individual tuition, gives students new experiences and opportunities. HOW CAN PARENTS HELP? Encourage students to diversify their listening choices by listening to music they wouldn’t normally listen to. Encourage students to take risks with their learning and normalising the ‘trial and error’ aspect of creating music. Encourage students to regularly practise their skills on an instrument they previously played in primary school, or explore a new one at secondary school. 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 15.pdf 1 23/09/2022 16:57
NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: 4 PHYSICAL EDUCATION AIMS OF THE COURSE HOW CAN PARENTS HELP? Football Netball Fitness Handball Gymnastics Basketball Athletics Rounders Cricket CONTENT/SKILLS KNOWLEDGE YEAR 7 AUTUMN TERM YEAR 7 SPRING TERM YEAR 7 SUMMER TERM We aim to expose every student to a wide range of sports and to motivate them to lead healthy and active lives. It is hoped that by the time our students leave us they will have a knowledge of many difierent sports and the opportunities that exist within sport, whether it be as a performer, offcial, coach or social player. • Ensuring students are appropriately equipped and organised • Checking the extra curricular timetable in order to encourage students attend • Where possible helping students to discover new sports out of school by • Fostering an environment where healthy living and physical activity are valued 18 extra curricular sports clubs joining clubs or trying new activities and encouraged. 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 16.pdf 1 23/09/2022 16:57 NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: 2 19 RELIGIOUS STUDIES 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 9.pdf 1 23/09/2022 17:13 CONTENT/SKILLS KNOWLEDGE YEAR 7 AUTUMN TERM YEAR 7 SPRING TERM YEAR 7 SUMMER TERM
NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: 4 PHYSICAL EDUCATION AIMS OF THE COURSE HOW CAN PARENTS HELP? Football Netball Fitness Handball Gymnastics Basketball Athletics Rounders Cricket CONTENT/SKILLS KNOWLEDGE YEAR 7 AUTUMN TERM YEAR 7 SPRING TERM YEAR 7 SUMMER TERM We aim to expose every student to a wide range of sports and to motivate them to lead healthy and active lives. It is hoped that by the time our students leave us they will have a knowledge of many difierent sports and the opportunities that exist within sport, whether it be as a performer, offcial, coach or social player. • Ensuring students are appropriately equipped and organised • Checking the extra curricular timetable in order to encourage students attend • Where possible helping students to discover new sports out of school by • Fostering an environment where healthy living and physical activity are valued 18 extra curricular sports clubs joining clubs or trying new activities and encouraged. 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 16.pdf 1 23/09/2022 16:57 NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: 2 19 RELIGIOUS STUDIES 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 9.pdf 1 23/09/2022 17:13 CONTENT/SKILLS KNOWLEDGE YEAR 7 AUTUMN TERM YEAR 7 SPRING TERM YEAR 7 SUMMER TERM AIMS OF THE COURSE In Religious Studies (RS) at Merstham Park we study a wide range of religious and non religious views that allow us to understand and respect the world we live in today. We believe it is important in the multicultural society in which we live to understand, respect and learn from different cultures. Students are taught how to analyse different viewpoints and opinions to form a judgement, along with the ability to present and debate ideas with their peers. Throughout Year 7, students will explore the religions of Sikhism, Islam, Buddhism and Judaism. Students will also explore the ideas of law, conscience and government for both religious and non religious viewpoints. HOW CAN PARENTS HELP? You may support your child’s RS learning through the watching of documentaries and the reading of books that link to the topic being studied. Likewise, the visiting of religious sites will further support your child’s understanding and context. Sikhism and the Five Pillars of Islam Buddhism and Judaism Morality and Types of Government
NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: 1 22 PSHE YEAR 7 SPRING TERM YEAR 7 SUMMER TERM CONTENT/SKILLS KNOWLEDGE YEAR 7 AUTUMN TERM 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 9.pdf 1 23/09/2022 17:13 AIMS OF THE COURSE HOW CAN PARENTS HELP? Cells Particles Forces Reproduction Atoms, elements and compounds Space Variation and interdependence Mixtures Energy transfers Electric Circuits CONTENT/SKILLS KNOWLEDGE YEAR 7 AUTUMN TERM YEAR 7 SPRING TERM YEAR 7 SUMMER TERM At Merstham Park, we will encourage our students to ask questions that are important to their lives and equip them with the skills to find out the answers. In Science, we will ensure that our students have the correct atmosphere to ensure that they will make informed decisions, allow all learners to learn and feel that they are able to take the risks associated to develop a true understanding of their scientific world. Our students are active learners and the skills involved in science help to develop key skills that will stay with the students long after the scientific knowledge has gone. The key stage three curriculum is designed to give a broad understanding of all three sciences and develop practical skills. This will give students the best start to the GCSE science courses. Science is all around us, and not limited to experiments in a laboratory. Encourage children to think about why things happen and look for evidence in every day matters. Visits to museums or exhibitions can link to the science they study, alongside time spent in nature. Watching documentaries together is a great way to introduce scientific discussions at home. NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: 6 SCIENCE 20 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 17.pdf 1 23/09/2022 16:57 NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: 1 CAREERS 21 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 16.pdf 1 23/09/2022 16:57 NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: 1 CAREERS 21 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 16.pdf 1 23/09/2022 16:57
NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: 1 22 PSHE YEAR 7 SPRING TERM YEAR 7 SUMMER TERM CONTENT/SKILLS KNOWLEDGE YEAR 7 AUTUMN TERM 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 9.pdf 1 23/09/2022 17:13 AIMS OF THE COURSE HOW CAN PARENTS HELP? Cells Particles Forces Reproduction Atoms, elements and compounds Space Variation and interdependence Mixtures Energy transfers Electric Circuits CONTENT/SKILLS KNOWLEDGE YEAR 7 AUTUMN TERM YEAR 7 SPRING TERM YEAR 7 SUMMER TERM At Merstham Park, we will encourage our students to ask questions that are important to their lives and equip them with the skills to find out the answers. In Science, we will ensure that our students have the correct atmosphere to ensure that they will make informed decisions, allow all learners to learn and feel that they are able to take the risks associated to develop a true understanding of their scientific world. Our students are active learners and the skills involved in science help to develop key skills that will stay with the students long after the scientific knowledge has gone. The key stage three curriculum is designed to give a broad understanding of all three sciences and develop practical skills. This will give students the best start to the GCSE science courses. Science is all around us, and not limited to experiments in a laboratory. Encourage children to think about why things happen and look for evidence in every day matters. Visits to museums or exhibitions can link to the science they study, alongside time spent in nature. Watching documentaries together is a great way to introduce scientific discussions at home. NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: 6 SCIENCE 20 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 17.pdf 1 23/09/2022 16:57 NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: 1 CAREERS 21 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 16.pdf 1 23/09/2022 16:57 AIMS OF THE COURSE We are excited to offer this new program that will take place once a fortnight, helping our students develop knowledge and awareness of the workplace while building skills that will help them in life, studies, school, the workplace, and beyond. At Merstham Park School, Careers play a key part in our students’ learning. We believe that helping students develop aspirations and thinking about their future early whilst developing some key skills is essential to their success. To achieve this, we have designed a program that will enable our students to build knowledge, undertake learning, projects, presentations, and engage with outside speakers. Our students will also be using a program called Start, which is a digital careers platform that provides information, advice, and tools to help them explore and plan for their future. At the heart of the platform is a student’s StartProfile, which will be built throughout their academic journey to evidence their career development. This StartProfile will inform and support their successful transition to future study and employment. Our Year 7 students will be introduced to the Start platform during their careers lessons. They will use the platform to explore various career options, build their knowledge of different industries, and understand the skills and qualifications needed to succeed in their chosen career paths. They will also have access to various resources that will help them develop their employability skills. Throughout the year, our students will have the opportunity to engage with different professionals from various industries, who will share their career journeys and provide insights into their industry. This will allow our students to ask questions, gain insights into different career options, and learn about the different pathways they can take to achieve their career goals. Our Year 7 students will be encouraged to use their careers lessons as an opportunity to explore different career paths, develop their skills and aspirations, and gain insights into the different career options available to them. We believe that this program will provide our students with a strong foundation for their future studies and employment. AIMS OF THE COURSE PSHE gives every child and young person a structure in which to develop the skills and knowledge they need to thrive, now and in the future. It helps young people to deal with the critical issues they face every day, such as friendships, relationships, emotional wellbeing and change, providing students with a solid foundation for whatever challenges and opportunities lie ahead. PSHE supports young people’s health and wellbeing so they can achieve better academically, and enjoy greater success. CONTENT/SKILLS KNOWLEDGE YEAR 7 AUTUMN TERM Being Me in My World Celebrating Difference YEAR 7 SPRING TERM Dreams and Goals Healthy Me YEAR 7 SUMMER TERM Relationships Changing Me NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: 1 CAREERS 21 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 16.pdf 1 23/09/2022 16:57 NUMBER OF LESSONS PER FORTNIGHT: 1
HOMEWORK 22 WHY DO WE SET HOMEWORK? At Merstham Park School we plan for homework to be an important and integrated part of students’ learning experience. It is an essential part of the curriculum and allows students to develop key life skills, such as independence, self-reliance and time-management. Research has shown that homework can increase students’ progress by several months, and that this positive efiect increases as students grow and learn. HOW DO WE USE TECHNOLOGY? Where applicable, some homework may be posted on our virtual learning platform, Google Classroom. Students can log in to their school account, read the instructions and complete their work online. They will be taught how to use Google Classroom in their Computing lessons in the ffrst few weeks. Families do not need to purchase computers as, should technology not be available at home, a ‘study space’ is available before and after school where students can use computers to complete their homework. They can also access support and guidance from our team of Learning Support Assistants. HOW MUCH HOMEWORK SHOULD OUR CHILD EXPECT? Homework activities will be set weekly for English, Maths, Science, and ITP. French and Art set homework every two weeks. We expect students to make their best efiort and seek guidance from their teacher before the set deadline if they are unsure or need assistance. HOW CAN PARENTS HELP? As your child gets used to their new homework schedule, it’s expected that they’ll become more independent and you shouldn’t need to monitor them so closely. However, you can support them by making sure they have a quiet and comfortable place to work without distractions, and all the resources they need. Be available to help if they have questions or need pointing in the right direction, and check their work over every now and then: teachers will expect good presentation as well as accurate work. In some cases, you might need to be more involved, for example, by testing them ahead of an assessment. WHAT KIND OF ACTIVITIES ARE SET? All homework has a speciffc purpose and is directly related to students’ learning in lessons and the way in which those lessons fft into the larger topic. Homework type: Examples might be, but are not limited to... Gaining Knowledge Practicing our Skills Preparing for Assessment Enrichment Literacy tasks Reading Rehearsal Repetition Wider reading or experiences Revision Exam questions 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 21.pdf 1 23/09/2022 16:58 89122 Merstham Park_Prospectus_230x160 5.pdf 1 22/09/2022 23:00
HOMEWORK 22 WHY DO WE SET HOMEWORK? At Merstham Park School we plan for homework to be an important and integrated part of students’ learning experience. It is an essential part of the curriculum and allows students to develop key life skills, such as independence, self-reliance and time-management. Research has shown that homework can increase students’ progress by several months, and that this positive efiect increases as students grow and learn. HOW DO WE USE TECHNOLOGY? Where applicable, some homework may be posted on our virtual learning platform, Google Classroom. Students can log in to their school account, read the instructions and complete their work online. They will be taught how to use Google Classroom in their Computing lessons in the ffrst few weeks. Families do not need to purchase computers as, should technology not be available at home, a ‘study space’ is available before and after school where students can use computers to complete their homework. They can also access support and guidance from our team of Learning Support Assistants. HOW MUCH HOMEWORK SHOULD OUR CHILD EXPECT? Homework activities will be set weekly for English, Maths, Science, and ITP. French and Art set homework every two weeks. We expect students to make their best efiort and seek guidance from their teacher before the set deadline if they are unsure or need assistance. HOW CAN PARENTS HELP? As your child gets used to their new homework schedule, it’s expected that they’ll become more independent and you shouldn’t need to monitor them so closely. However, you can support them by making sure they have a quiet and comfortable place to work without distractions, and all the resources they need. Be available to help if they have questions or need pointing in the right direction, and check their work over every now and then: teachers will expect good presentation as well as accurate work. In some cases, you might need to be more involved, for example, by testing them ahead of an assessment. WHAT KIND OF ACTIVITIES ARE SET? All homework has a speciffc purpose and is directly related to students’ learning in lessons and the way in which those lessons fft into the larger topic. Homework type: Examples might be, but are not limited to... Gaining Knowledge Practicing our Skills Preparing for Assessment Enrichment Literacy tasks Reading Rehearsal Repetition Wider reading or experiences Revision Exam questions 89124 Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT 21.pdf 1 23/09/2022 16:58 89122 Merstham Park_Prospectus_230x160 5.pdf 1 22/09/2022 23:00 23 HOME-SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP WORKING TOGETHER We warmly welcome all forms of parental contact with the school since a close, three-way partnership between students, school and parents always results in greater mutual understanding for the benefit of the students concerned. All our teachers will have a full classroom commitment and so an appointment must be made prior to coming to school and we ask that all visitors always report to reception on arrival. Many of the points parents may wish to raise are dealt with, in the first instance, by their child’s Learning Mentor. STUDENT CARE We pride ourselves on treating our students as individuals. We achieve this through our Learning Mentor system which supports students within our community, providing meaningful opportunities for personal and social development. High standards of appearance, behaviour and achievement are set and every opportunity is taken to praise, reward and encourage. Each student entering the school is placed in a Learning Mentor group with others of all abilities and backgrounds. These students remain together in the care of their Learning Mentor who has a particular concern for the personal welfare of each student. STUDENT LEADERSHIP At Merstham Park School, we have established a robust system of Student Leaders. Students are encouraged to take on leadership roles throughout their time at Merstham Park to experience different roles and responsibility and broaden their communication skills. Our School Council’s task is to ensure that every student has a voice and that they are fairly represented. There are three important aspects of this: Democracy: From each Learning Mentor Group, one student will be elected by their peers to represent their views at Student Leadership Council meetings. Representation: Student Leaders endeavour to represent all groups of students within the school. As a result, they are asked to speak to specific students or groups of students and then feed back those views to the Council. Responsibility: Student Leaders are expected to propose a specific idea to add value to the school in order to be elected, and they are expected to implement this within the year.
Merstham Park School Head of School: Andy Ward 01737 919 491 Taynton Drive, Merstham, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 3PU [email protected] www.mersthamparkschool.org GLF An Academy within GLF Schools Find out more www.mersthamparkschool.org Follow us on twitter.com/mersthampark C M Y CM MY CY CMY K Merstham Park Curriculum Booklet - 2022 - PRINT.pdf 24 16/09/2021 12:15:46