By Subject
ENGLISH
In English we are enthusiastic about creating a culture of reading and passing on our love of literature, reading and language. Year 7 and 8 students participate in the Accelerated Reading Programme, designed to improve literacy skills and which students can access at home as well as in school. Along with our wide library events programme, this encourages students to increase their reading and challenge themselves to read a wide variety of books. We also offer many exciting extra-curricular opportunities, such as theatre visits, creative writing workshops and other lunchtime activities.
In lessons, students are encouraged to develop a love of both reading and writing, focusing on developing creativity, comprehension and accuracy. They will become familiar with a wide range of texts, distinguishing between forms and developing a sense of the significance of context. For example, students will study whole novels, short stories, poems and plays. Through this, they will be able to develop key analytical skills, through reading, writing, speaking and listening.
English Language skills are developed through all lessons, through: writing creative and transactional pieces, interpretation of writing, explanation of language, and comparison of perspectives. In Literature, students analyse language using appropriate terminology and link texts to their context, developing a personal response and style. Most importantly, students will become motivated, critical and highly effective communicators using language with precision and flair.
MATHS
Mathematics is a relevant activity with links to the world outside school. It is a creative and highly interconnected subject that is essential to everyday life; critical to science, technology and engineering, and necessary for employment. Our aim is to teach for mastery, which means developing a deep, secure and adaptable understanding that ensures all students have fluency, a growing confidence to reason mathematically, and the ability to apply mathematics to solve problems.
The department works to interest and motivate students by using a wide variety of approaches. These include whole class teaching; group work; individualised work; investigative work; practical work; and the use of ICT.
Becoming fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics includes varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that students develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately. Students will solve problems by applying mathematics to a variety of problems with increasing sophistication. Developing mastery of mathematics, which builds gradually as a student goes through school, is a tool for life.
SCIENCE
“Science takes us from confusion to understanding in a manner that is precise, predictive and reliable. A process that can be empowering” – Brian Greene
In science lessons, students explore key ideas such as the effect of forces on an object’s motion or shape, the constantly changing atmosphere and the structure of the Earth. They discover the structures contained within cells, including genes, which determine the development and processes of entire organisms. Through inquiry-based learning, students have the opportunity to use practical skills to investigate scientific phenomena of the natural world in well-equipped laboratories, supported by experienced and enthusiastic staff. In addition, students analyse and develop theories to understand the social, ethical and economic implications of science.
COMPUTER SCIENCE
In computing, students use thinking and creativity to understand how a computer works as well as how to program. The core of computing is computer science, in which students are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, students are able to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that students become digitally literate and safe users of online technologies. We have expertise within Lionheart as the East Midlands Computing Hub and our shared curriculum has been developed using this experience to providing opportunities for students to be expressive and confident users of information and communication technology.
MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES
Students study Spanish at Mercia Academy. Our curriculum is designed to help students find their voice and aid them to gain confidence. Students are taught to read, write and listen with fluency and empathy so that they can communicate clearly. Through the study of a range of texts from other eras and places, students can develop emotionally, intellectually and socially. The curriculum offers a broad selection of themes to allow students to expand on their knowledge of the language and the chance to develop a mastery of linguistic competence as well as an appreciation of Spain’s culture and traditions. Learning another language is a challenging discipline that requires developing memory techniques, which are transferrable across the curriculum. More than this, learning the syntax and structure of another language supports effective writing and spelling in English and helps students to understand the rules and science of languages. Learning another language is incredibly valuable, opening doors for students to compete in a global world and supports them to grow as confident communicators.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Everything we do at our school builds pupils’ experiences allowing them to become successful, confident, and responsible citizens. In Physical Education, we do this by providing opportunity to develop knowledge, confidence and character. All learning will assist health and fitness that will prepare students for life after our school. Pupils will learn how to work in a team, communicate, make effective decisions, and create tactics and strategies, all through a variety of team and individual games, sports and activities such as Rugby, Trampolining and Athletics to name a few. We have high expectations in Physical Education and strive to challenge our pupils to achieve their greatest.
HUMANITIES
RELIGIOUS STUDIES
In Religious Studies we define success as ‘being ready to take on the world’. Because it is a rigorous and demanding academic subject, it engineers critical thinking and rigour in our students. Our curriculum creates opportunities for our young people to develop their skills of dialogue, interpretation and analysis in a coherent context. All these are vital skills in a modern workforce where communication, cooperation and collaboration are core skills. In Religious Studies, students learn to respect themselves and understand their own identity, to respect others and learn the rights of others as well as the rights and responsibilities of people within our society. At a time when communities are becoming even more diverse there is a need for Religious literacy to move towards a more tolerant society. An education in Religious Studies opens doors to students. It may offer the opportunity to specialise in a specific field of religious studies such as political science, philosophy and the law which lead to a wide range of industries such as business, government, medicine, non-profit, counselling, careers within the law and lecturing.
HISTORY
The Humanities Department aims to develop students’ curiosity and a sense of awe and wonder about the world around them. In history they will develop an understanding of the present and past social, political, religious and economic conditions of people, enabling them to live as active and informed members of society. Students will develop enquiring minds through the rigorous interrogation of evidence, a wide variety of activities and the development of their own enquiries
Students follow a Trust curriculum chronological narrative that explores how, why and to what extent the world has changed, in History lessons. We believe good historians need to be experts in six core skills:
- Causation
- Using historical evidence
- Understanding historical world views
- Change and continuity
- Historical interpretation
- Communication
In Year 7, students will study a range of topics including the Bayeux Tapestry, the Ottoman Empire and the Wars of the Roses, in order to develop the core skills.
GEOGRAPHY
The Humanities Departmant aims to develop students’ curiosity and a sense of awe and wonder about the world around them. In Geography we want students to love learning about how physical and human processes interact in the world we inhabit; how the development of countries can influence the responses to natural hazards and how ecosystems are being changed by the actions of humans. Geography will allow our students to transfer the knowledge acquired at school and engage with their local area as well as global issues such as sustainability. In our school we want students to gain the knowledge and skills needed to be successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens. In Geography this can be seen by allowing students to demonstrate their developing knowledge of the world around them and applying this knowledge to the geographical issues that affect us. This effectively prepares our students to leave school ready for modern Britain and a global society.
We believe outstanding geographers need to demonstrate skills which are specialist, yet transferable across many subjects.
They are:
- Use of computer systems e.g. GIS
- Be able to read and confidently use Ordnance Survey maps both in the classroom and out in the field
- Demonstrate map, globe and atlas reading skills
- Collect, analyse and draw conclusions from a variety of fieldwork experiences.
Students will focus on four specific areas: physical geography, human geography, location and place knowledge. These are vital areas of understanding for students wishing to progress onto the GCSE course.
PERFORMING ARTS
Performing Arts is unique in its ability to inspire, stimulate and engage students with both the knowledge and skill base it provides. We believe that every student has the right to access the arts and to appreciate the vast world of theatre and performance. We want to effectively develop students’ working relationships and enhance their ability to communicate and collaborate with others. We want students to view theatre and the arts as a vehicle for social change, reflecting on the world around them and critically analyse historical and contemporary works. All students are given the opportunity to engage with Performing Arts in a multitude of different ways - as performers, directors and critics - allowing them to develop their creativity and knowledge base. Ultimately, Drama aims to develop the student as a whole, realising that who we are is just as important as what we know.
ART & DESIGN SUBJECTS
ART
Students have the opportunity to access a wide variety of materials to create an exciting selection of artworks. They develop drawing and painting skills, investigating the use of tone and colour. Projects are vibrant and varied and are designed to have an element of flexibility for pupils to explore and create their own, imaginative responses. Students will gain an understanding of a variety of artists work and will be encouraged to show their artist knowledge and inspiration within the work they create. Projects are skills based so that students can learn and build on their knowledge. The emphasis is on trying and testing materials and techniques and becoming more confident with drawing.
PRODUCT DESIGN
Students take part in activities that encourage creative thinking, reciprocity and resourcefulness in product design. An active approach is taken to help individuals build their confidence with a range of materials and making methods. Students have the chance to work with a variety of tools and equipment, develop good technique and importantly learn about health and safety in the design studio and workshop environment. Theoretical aspects are tackled, again, through hands on activity via product analysis.
FOOD AND NUTRITION
Students learn the essential skills to be safe and creative in the kitchen. Practical activities are a key part of the course and skills will be developed through the preparation and cooking of ingredients to create a range of healthy, nutritious and tasty products. Sensory analysis will extend evaluation skills and students will be encouraged to share their thoughts and opinions both verbally and in writing. Students learn about basic nutrition, analyse the nutritional values of the food they eat and suggest ways food products can be adapted to meet the needs of different groups of people. Topics also include food safety, food provenance and seasonality