Year 7 Parent Information Evening 8th October 2014 Jersey College for Girls

Introduction - Mrs S Smith (Head of Key Stage 3) English – Mrs Y Winspear(Teacher of English) Maths – Mrs K Watkins (Key Stage 3 Co-ordinator) Science – Mrs E. Neethling (Head of Science Faculty) French – Mrs M Taylor (Key Stage 3 Co-ordinator) Challenge Curriculum – Mr S Milner – (Co-ordinator) BYOD – Miss R Lea (Assistant Headteacher) Learner Profile, Subject Reporting, Academic Mentoring, homework, safeguarding – Mrs E. Silvestri-Fox (Assistant Headteacher) Outline of evening Please note: This presentation will be placed on our website so please don’t feel you need to make copious notes.

English Changes Greater emphasis on: Reading for pleasure Challenging texts from the literary canon Explicit teaching of grammar, punctuation and spelling Contexts of written text

English What this means for your daughter:- Encourage them to read something every day – news, novels, literary works Re-writing sentences and paragraphs and proof reading work to improve the quality is essential. Use apps which are freely available to aid her learning.

English The homework will normally be 30mins and usually set by the teacher who has the class for the majority of the time. From time to time your daughter will take longer to complete the task set, if, for example, she is drafting an essay. Students will usually have a week to complete the homework unless otherwise agreed with the teacher.

Assessment 6 core tasks which all Y7 complete Variety of other tasks set by teachers Class portfolios help students to follow progress and set personal targets. There will be no setting in KS3 English.

Maths - What the girls study At Key Stage 3, we revise and build on the Mathematics that your daughters have learned at Key Stage 2. They will extend our understanding of the Mathematics world by learning about algebra, probability and about more complex calculations and number forms. Numbers and the number system Calculating Algebra Shape, space and measures Handling Data

Becoming a Mathematician Learning in Maths is about solving problems and using key processes such as: reasoning and developing mathematical arguments. looking for patterns and relationships between numbers communicating and presenting maths using words and diagrams

Groupings Split into 2 populations Grouped by Key Stage 2 levels and Y5 CAT’s results. Movements between sets can occur and all classes will have a degree of challenge and consolidation. Maths Class Targets for end of Y7 (+2 sublevels from EOY 6) 7MA1 6a/6b/6c 7MA2 6b/6c 7MA3 5a/5b 7MA46a/6b/6c/5a 7MA55a/5b

Assessments There are 4 assessment points throughout the year: November, December, February and June End of year exam will assess a variety of material from the National Curriculum as well as the students ability to apply their knowledge to solving problems.

Assessments At Key Stage 3, we revise and build on the Mathematics that your daughters have learned at Key Stage 2. They will extend our understanding of the Mathematics world by learning about algebra, probability and about more complex calculations and number forms. Numbers and the number system Calculating Algebra Shape, space and measures

How to help my daughter? Encourage your daughter to have a go. Get her to explain how she was successful solving the problem in class. Ensure she re-reads her notes or text book. Emphasise the need to show workings. logon: jersey password: rhombus students should all have individual logins and password

Can she use her i-pad? Yes - needs to be able to print She will need a spreadsheet app – documents She will need a graphing app – quick draw Geogebra MYMATHS – needs FLASH Currently you are not allowed ipads at GCSE so your daughter needs a scientific calculator that she knows how to use. CASIO fx-85GT PLUS can be bought from Maths teachers £7.50 Geometry kits are also needed

The Sciences Science is taught as separate Sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. One lesson per week of each Science. Students are not set.

The Sciences Taught by subject specialist ICT –Throughout the year plenty of opportunities to use develop ICT skills and be creative. –eBooks, video, video screen casts, research.

Biology Three topics –Cells –Reproduction –Variation and Classification

Biology Assessments –Three levelled tasks, one for each unit. –Completed in class –Each assessment has a specific task. e.g. Reproduction Produce a diary of foetus development –Research project on classification to be completed in the summer term

Chemistry Five topics –How to spot a chemical reaction? –The Periodic Table –Atomic Structure – Why do elements react? –Acids, Alkalis and neutralisation –Fuels

Chemistry Assessments –Practical skills levelled assessment (focus on observation and interpretation) –Levelled Test (focus on application rather than recall). –Level ladder assessments (independent study task)

Physics Four topics –Energy –Space –Forces and Density –Electricity

Physics Assessments –Four levelled end of unit tests. –One Investigation ‘Pendulums’ (research, planning, collecting data, interpretation and evaluation)

Year 7 French Topics Covered numbers introducing myself my family the sports and hobbies I like to do in my free time describing myself – what I look like and what I am like my school and what subjects I study where I live description of my home the weather food

Year 7 French Homework 30 minutes per week – set on Tuesday for Friday (all groups) One learning homework focusing on spelling of new words One writing or reading homework How can you help your daughter?

Year 7 French National Curriculum Levels - Slightly different to the other subjects - Students will mainly work towards a level 4 in Year 7 and the maximum target is level 5C – for which students must be able to use two time frames -Students will receive explanation sheets on levels and will be informed of the level of each piece of work, together with specific targets. -Students will have a portfolio of their core tasks and assessments to inform their progress. These will be kept by their French teacher.

Year 7 French Grouping Your daughter sat an initial assessment during the second week of term and we have used this as a basis for our groupings for this half-term. The first formal assessment will take place after half-term but in the meantime all students will undertake core tasks which will enable their teachers to track their progress. Following each assessment we will review the groupings to ensure that students are placed appropriately.

Year 7 Challenge Curriculum

Shared Language of Learning

What are we doing? One lesson per week for all Year 7 classes delivered by a team of 5 staff. Introducing a framework (BLP) for thinking about learning that is used across the College. Planning learning-centered enrichment activities (or ‘challenges’) which will encourage students to use all of their learning capacities more frequently, more skillfully and in a wider range of contexts. Guiding students through these varied challenges, from presenting television programmes and arranging a charity fair to undertaking independent research and reflecting on how learning capacities are being used and developed across all subjects.

Why are we doing it? To cultivate learners who: Are confident when facing challenge. Are willing to take calculated risks. Understand that ‘spoon-feeding’ does not and cannot constitute meaningful learning. Are tolerant of making mistakes. Are self-conscious about themselves as learners and understand that they can learn to learn more effectively. Are ready for their future as learners.

What difference has it made to students? “[I enjoy] the independence we were given. I also really like how we learn about how we learn: it is actually really interesting and very beneficial.” “It makes our class feel more like a team.” “It’s made me give up less and carry on.” “I now see myself as a proper learner.” “I have found all the learning capacities useful and they have had a big impact on my learning as now I really understand what I am doing.” “I have become more organized and more independent as a result. I also found working with different people useful too.” “I think it has made me a better and more helpful learner because I know how to help people learn.” “It has made me more adventurous.” “I found the most useful thing is learning how I learn so that I can improve. It helps me learn better.”

iPad news update Apple IDs for under 13 year olds Setting up Restrictions on an iPad iTunesU and Showbie

Apple ID for under 13s Latest software update …. iOS 8 allows Family sharing With Family sharing a parent / guardian can create an apple ID for under 13s. Benefits… Students do not receive targeted advertising from Apple. The purchase of Apps or the downloading free Apps… have parental approval. address and date of birth cannot be changed.

Apple ID for under 13s Useful websites: How to create an Apple ID for a child How to change payment method. Summary family-sharing.htmlhttp:// family-sharing.html

Restrictions…. You can setup restrictions on iPads. ents_Parent_Guide_US_0514.pdf

iTunesU and Showbie Over the next few months we will be trialling iTunesU and Showbie Apps. iTunesU: Designing the best curriculum we can. Section of the iTunes store where academic institutions can create and publish courses and where teachers can create private courses. Experimenting with creating online content using iTunes. To encourage students to preview work to be covered in lessons and to give them the opportunity to review and consolidate. Showbie: Personalised feedback. Upload work to be marked, give instant feedback and students the opportunity to ask specific questions.

‘Every school wants to do the best it can for all its children - to give them the best start in life, equip them with the educational skills to make the most of the learning opportunities available to them, and help them succeed in fulfilling their personal goals.’ (Guidance for Local Authorities on Setting Education Performance Targets - October 2008) Emma Silvestri-Fox – Learner Profile, Tracking and Reporting, Academic Mentoring, Safeguarding

What is the Learner Profile? It is a statement about your daughter as a learner. It tells your daughter and you about her effort, homework and participation. There are five Learner Profile statements carrying a score of 1-5. You will be able to compare Learner Profile scores in different subjects and work out an average overall.

Why do we have the Learner Profile? It is not about academic achievement. It is about what makes a good learner. It should be aspirational. Students won’t start with a top score but they should aspire to get there. A student with an excellent approach to learning, who does not always achieve top grades, will have her good qualities recognised and valued. It will help teachers to talk to each individual about how they can improve as a learner. We live in a dynamic, information-rich world where the ability to learn is more important than knowledge itself.

The Learner Profile descriptors … and what they mean.

Rarely motivated to learn and rarely completes tasks or meets deadlines. May distract others and may be inattentive. Commitment to learning is a serious cause for concern. Lots of room for improvement 5

Commitment to learning is inconsistent. At times can struggle to meet deadlines. May lack focus and struggle to manage distractions Effort needed to improve approach to learning 4

Consistent approach to learning, completes tasks and meets deadlines. Attentive and participates when required. Approach to learning is very promising and moving in the right direction 3

Independent and well-motivated learner. Works hard and takes responsibility for own progress. Shows an interest in the subject and asks questions of their learning and involves themselves in lessons. Helpful and empathetic towards others and has a positive influence on the learning of the class. Responsible learner who works well 2

An exceptional learner who is enthusiastic, committed and absorbed in their learning. An independent, rigorous, resourceful and imaginative thinker;. A resilient and reflective student who thinks strategically about their learning. Collaborative and empathetic when working with others and contributes substantially to the progress of the class. Notably outstanding approach to learning 1

Overview Learner Profiles scores are not about ability or achievement in a subject. We expect few Learner Profile Scores of 1 or 5. We expect many of our students to receive a Learner Profile 3 but would hope that they aspire to improve and that they actively find out how to do so.

What now? Your daughter should learn about the Learner Profile in an assembly and from her tutor in due course Please talk about the Learner Profile descriptors with your daughter and refer to them when you receive subject reports. Help her to aspire to be an excellent learner.

Tracking and reporting We must: ensure that students make the best progress possible. track student progress throughout their time at JCG. supply information obtained to students, parents and colleagues. Take action and give support to students in order for them to further their learning.

Main tracking and reporting moments Periodic Report Periodic Report and Parent Evening Full Report

Terminology we use Target Level (National Curriculum) (NC) Targets are set using baseline testing like CATS, baseline levels provided by primary schools, performance so far and professional judgement. We encourage colleagues to be optimistic but realistic. Current level (where the student is now) Likely to achieve level (are they on track to exceed target, achieve target or not meet target level) Learner Profile score

Periodic Reports Target Level* Current Level Likely to achieve level Learner Profile Score *Please ensure you have the handout explaining National Curriculum Levels *Note – variation in levels and some subjects or skills within subjects are quite new in Year 7 and this can affect the level at this stage

Parent Evenings Appointment with subject teacher Parent Evening Booking System

Full Reports Target Level Current Level Level they are likely to achieve by the end of the year Learner Profile Score Teacher Comment

Year 7 dates 3 rd or 4 th November - Meet the tutor – progress so far. Mostly about settling. A letter of invitation will be posted shortly with the CATS results 9 th January – Periodic reports posted 5 th February - Parent Evening 24 th April – Periodic reports posted 3 rd July – Full reports posted

CATs Results These will be posted shortly The accompanying letter does explain what they mean CATs = Cognitive Abilities Tests. Your daughters have taken test split into three batteries: 1.Verbal reasoning (thinking with words) 2.Quantitative (thinking with numbers) 3.Non-verbal (thinking with shapes and space)

CATs and our approach We use CATs as just one indicator, together with Key Stage 2 levels, and other internal assessments and class performance to help us to set individual targets From CATs results, we may identify some areas where students need help and we would let you know if that were the case We are aware that there is often a dip in CATs results in Year 7. This may be due to a change of environment and students feeling less confident at the beginning of Year 7. We do not worry about this and we ask that you do not either. There is a tolerance so the marks can vary from Year 5 to Year 7 and Year 9. In our current Year 13 some students with lower CATs scores have achieved all A* and A in their GCSEs so it is important to bear this in mind.

Academic Mentoring Each student receives individual help, support and guidance to fulfil the aim of the College to create an environment which enables everyone to perform at their best. It is an opportunity to have a focused conversation about learning with teachers.

Academic Mentoring Why do it? Students to have high expectations and be empowered to achieve successful learning outcomes. Students to feel valued and realise that there is somebody available whose role it is to know them well and support them in their learning. Students to be self-confident and take on more responsibility for their own learning.

Academic Mentoring What should you expect? Student to have two formal academic mentoring sessions with her tutor. These take place at appropriate times, following periodics 1 session with their buddy Conversation - progress with her learning and areas for improvement. Setting of specific and achievable targets. Similar discussions with her subject teachers and setting of subject-specific targets.

What is your role? As a parent you should ask your daughter about her learning and ask her to share the targets that she has noted in her planner. Review targets set and encourage and support her to achieve them.

Homework Expectations Limits Your support

Safeguarding Peter Marett and I are the designated teachers for Child Protection but … Safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility I work with the Education Welfare Officer Any intervention is supportive and non-threatening If your daughter is unwell and needs to be collected from school …

Jersey College for Girls Aspire … to be the best learner possible by using the Learner Profile. Inquire … by asking questions and engaging in learning Excel … by achieving the best grades they can Belong …by being known through academic mentoring sessions

Any queries, please feel free to contact me: