Literacy – Year 8 English work is the second year of the three year Key Stage 3 course.  The reading, writing, speaking and listening skills taught in Year 7 are further developed.  Pupils write in imaginative and formal style, and in response to modern and pre-1914 literature.  Communication skills will have been extended via speaking, listening, media and Drama activities.

Numeracy – In Year 8 pupils have followed a course that includes development of numerical, algebraic and statistical skills, including the understanding of number relationships and the use of formulae.  The pupils have studied geometry and measures and through experimentation have further developed their understanding of probability.  Throughout the course there have been opportunities for pupils to apply their knowledge and skills in problem solving and real life situations.  The work covered in this year has laid the foundations for the pupils to build upon in their Upper Schools.

Science – The Year 8 Science course follows QCA units.  These cover the second year of a Programme of Study at Key Stage 3. Pupils are given opportunity for achieving skills and knowledge to Level 6 of the National Curriculum.

ICT – Pupils will be developing skills to ensure they are confident, creative and productive users of ICT.  They will be mastering more advanced technical skills and techniques and understand how to apply these skills purposefully, safely and responsibly.  Year 8 pupils will be finding, developing, analysing and presenting information, modelling situations and solving problems.

Philosophy - The aim of Philosophy is to aid the development of pupils’ knowledge and understanding of attitudes, beliefs and practices of religions and demonstrate respect for the diversity of beliefs in society.  Pupils are encouraged to reflect on what they learn and develop their own opinions.  Year 8 pupils study ‘Jesus: Why Does He Matter to Christians Today?’, ‘Who Made My Jeans?’, ‘What Happens When We Die?’, ‘What Inspired Martin Luther King?’ and ‘How Should Animal be Treated?’ (a bridging project with the upper schools).

Design Technology - Year 8 is the second year of Key Stage 3 and is building on experience gained from the previous three years, it aims to prepare pupils for their time at Upper School.  Pupils are encouraged to work independently; they will become more familiar with the design process as well as further developing and refining their practical skills.

French - In Years 7 and 8 the Programme of Study for French involves developing language skills, language learning skills and cultural awareness.  All pupils are taught to increase their knowledge, skills and understanding of French through use of the target language and a range of media and resources.

Geography - The Geography course aims to consolidate and develop geographical skills further whilst preparing pupils for Upper School.  Pupils study Earth, Water and Fire (Earthquake, Tsunami and volcanoes), a coastal erosion investigation, sport aid 2012 Olympics study; a study of a rose- a thorny issue?  Pupils also look at changes in shopping and the impact of the internet.

History - In Year 8 pupils learn about significant individuals and events in the history of Britain from 1500 to 1750.  They also study black peoples of America, looking at their culture and achievements.  This unit of work is the agreed link with year 9 work at Upper School.  They make connections with events and political and social developments in US and Europe.  Pupils evaluate and use sources of information applying their historical knowledge to analyse the pastand explain how it can be represented in different ways.

Music – The National Curriculum is delivered through:

• Performing (controlling sounds through Singing and Playing)
• Composing (creating and developing musical ideas)
• Appraising (reviewing work)
• Listening and applying musical knowledge and understanding.