Year 9

Welcome to Year 9

Options

Options are a critical stage in students educational journey, and the first time students have a say in their chosen curriculum.

We advise students to pick subjects that interest them, reflect who they are, and support their ambitions. We encourage students not to rush the decision, to talk to family and friends at home to make sure they are truly making the right choice for them.

The Options Process

Read the options booklet carefully and more than once
Attend options evening and talk to staff and family/friends about courses
Prepare and attend your leadership interview and take on-board the advice
Complete the options form

Your Team

Our team will be here to support Year 7 students through their transition to secondary school and their first year at Beckfoot.

Mrs Douglas – Head of Year 9
Mr Khan – Pastoral Manager
Mr Midgley – Head of Key Stage 3
Mr Wade – Headteacher
Mrs Denham – Deputy Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mr Barnes – SENDCO

Should you ever have concerns or queries, please contact the school on 01274 771444.

Wider Opportunities

Year 9 Enrichment – We are committed to providing as many enrichment activities as possible for our students.

Trips and experiences run throughout the year and can range from residential trips, subject-specific trips and reward trips.

Enrichment Week is the final week of school before Summer, where students will have the opportunity to take part in an activity of their choice.

Subject	Cycle 1	Cycle 2	Cycle 3
Art	Semi-abstract art – natural forms Semi-abstract art – cityscape	Assemblage – mask Human form – wire and mod-roc sculpture	Recycled art – recycled robot Organic abstract art – soap carving and observation
Computer Science	Cyber Security: Students will learn about the importance of cyber security, the threats faced by digital systems, and how to protect data and systems from cyberattacks	Python Programming using Thonny: Students will be introduced to Python programming, focusing on writing simple programs using variables and performing calculations	Computer networks: Students will explore the different types of computer networks, their components, and how data is transmitted between devices
Design Technology	Product Design – 3D Jigsaw Students are encouraged to make independent choices in terms of equipment selection in view of making an end product of a 3D jigsaw, students will work with a range of marking out and practical equipment to mproduce an end outcome, students will learn about electronics, types of metals and product development.	Food – Power of food Students will be encouraged to make independent choices in terms of equipment selection in view of making a final dish of their choosing. Students will work with a range of equipment and oven features, while learning about making higher level making skills, students will learn the impact of food on us bot physically and mentally.	Textiles – Typography Students are encouraged to make independent choices in term of sample production and equipment selection in view of making an end product of a typographer inspired card holder, students will work with a range of marking out and practical equipment to produce and end outcome. Students will learn about the People Powered Press in Saltaire, surface pattern theory and develop their CAD skills.
English	Investigative journalism: Students will understand the role of a journalist and analyse different ways in which stories can be reported as they work to produce their own news article. Extended metaphor: Students will understand the purpose of an extended metaphor in poetry and prose and how they are used to deliver a message. The modern novel – Of Mice and Men: Students will begin to understand the hardships people faced in the Great Depression as they identify what Steinbeck was influenced by and explain what is meant by a feminist/Marxist interpretation.	Dystopian fiction: Students will understand the origins of the utopian and dystopian forms of writing and apply dystopian conventions to their own story. Other world views: Students will be exposed to a range of literature from around the world so they can explain why people around world use prose and poetry to raise awareness about racism, genocide, feminism, and other relevant issues.	Flipping the form: Students will learn how to change one form of writing into another and apply different forms to change a newspaper. Socrates to question time – talking to: Students will understand the features of Socratic questioning and partake in a debate.
Geography	Tour de Yorkshire: Students will look at the Tour De Yorkshire to celebrate the distinct UK landscape and how it can attract tourism. Students will look at the positives and negatives of tourism and formulate an argument to assess those impacts.	Russia: This unit looks at the physical and human landscape of Russia and their interdependence. Students will be introduced to geopolitics and the concept of superpowers and Russia’s political status. Middle East: The unit looks at the physical and human of the Middle East and their interdependence. Students will look at Dubai to study sustainability, Middle Eastern conflicts and their impacts.	South West China: This unit focuses on the physical and human landscape of South West China and their interdependence. The unit also encourages students to develop their World knowledge and make comparisons between places. The unit then focuses on the development of China, its population and its relationship to the wider the world. The unit recaps Geopolitics and the concept of superpowers.
History	What was life like in Nazi Germany? Students will be able to explain what life was like in Nazi Germany for different groups and how some groups resisted the Nazi rule and the impact of this. What was the turning point of the Second World War? Students will be able to explain what they think was the turning point of the Second World War and why.	What was the Holocaust and how did people respond to it? Students will be able to explain what the Holocaust was, the impact it had, and how different people responded to it. How close did the Cold War come to nuclear war? Students can explain that there were tensions between East and West in the 20th century, why there was a cold war, and how superpowers competed for dominance.	How did China change during the 20th century? Students will be able to explain how China came to be Communist and how this affected the lives of Chinese people and their relationship with the West. Has equality and freedom been achieved in the 20th century? Students will explain the significance of key events in the 20th century and explain the impacts of the events in creating equality and freedom.
PSHCE	Living in the wider world: Careers – Intro to Unifrog, personality quiz, Unifrog treasure hunt, Unifrog roles and pathways, Unifrog aim higher, budgeting and saving, values and attitudes Health and wellbeing: Physical health – Firework safety, cardiovascular disorders, organ donation, healthy eating reduces the risk of cancer, smoking, cosmetic and aesthetic procedures, CPR, defib and chest pain	Health and wellbeing: Mental health – Recognising MH concerns in others, negative thoughts, resilience, stress and strategies to cope, body image Relationships – Healthy and unhealthy relationships, ending of friendships, media, benevolent sexism, contraception	Relationships – Conflict management and resolution, substance misuse, online safety – sexual imagery, diversity, impact of bullying, digital footprint Living in the wider world: Beckfoot, Britain and beyond – Starting GCSEs, mutual respect and tolerance, political parties, voting and elections, SMSC at Beckfoot
Maths	Foundation Number – Types of number, LCM/HCF, fractions, decimals Algebra – sequences, working with symbols, coordinates and linear graphs Geometry and Measure – angle facts Higher Number – prime factors, surds, rounding, estimating and accuracy Algebra – working with symbols, sequences, equations Ratio, proportion and rates of change – ratio, probability	Foundation Number – percentages, indices and standard form Algebra – equations and inequalities, formulae Geometry and measure – volume and area, constructions, Pythagoras theorem Ratio, proportion and rates of change – compound measures Higher Number – Indices and standard form, percentages Algebra – formulae, simultaneous equations, inequalities Geometry and measure – transformations, Pythagoras Probability	Foundation Statistics – collecting data, representing data, statistical measures Algebra – quadratics, simultaneous equations Geometry and measure – reflect, rotate, translate, trigonometry Ratio, proportion and rates of change – ratio and proportion Higher Statistics – collecting data, statistical measures Number – fractions, decimals Geometry – construction and loci, trigonometry, circle theorems Algebra – quadratics
Performing Arts	Acting techniques for realism – Stanislavski: Students will be introduced to Stanislavski’s techniques to create more realistic performances and characters. Blood Brothers – Stanislavski: Students will develop their knowledge of Stanislavski’s techniques to perform a realistic context in a scripted performance.	Noughts and crosses – Brecht: Introduces students to Brecht’s techniques to communicate a message in a script. Everybody’s Talking About Jamie: Introduces students to stagecraft skills when staging a musical theatre performance, as they work in a team to perform a scene from a musical using their vocal, physical and dance skills.	Responding to a stimulus: Students will be introduced to devising a piece from a stimulus as they work in a discipline and style of their choice to devise a performance. Brings together all skills learnt from Year 7-9.
German	Oracy: Revision of adjectives and opinions to describe a photo and give opinions on it. Musik – music: This unit allows students the opportunity to explore German music using new vocabulary and grammatical structures to share their opinions and talk about preferences.	Vorbilder – role models: Students have the opportunity to discuss who their role models are and why. Meine Ambitonen – ambition: The conditional tense is revisited here, with the students focusing on student ambitions.	Die Kindheit – Childhood: This topic lays the foundations of key grammar to talk about childhood experiences. Rechte and Pflichten – age limits: This unit focusses on giving students the opportunity to explore their rights and responsibilities in the world.
Music	What is music to you? Students will explore their musical identity, discussing different genres and their personal influences History of music: Students will study baroque and classical music as they study harmonic structures, Pachelbel’s Canon, and the development of classical composition techniques	Grunge and Britpop: Students will learn about two of the most influential styles of popular music as they learn to play power chords and explore the social impact of these styles, performing and analysing iconic songs Musicals: Students will examine leitmotifs, strong structures, and perform pieces from famous stage musicals	Disco, EDM and Grime: Students will focus on music production, composing and performing in modern dance music styles World music and fusion: Students will explore cross-genre compositions, fusing different musical elements from around the world
French	Oracy: Revision of adjectives and opinions to describe a photo and give opinions on it. Students will revise question words and take part in role play situations Ma vie sociale d’ado: Students will discuss teenage life and what it means to them, expressing their own views and opinions on typical trends	Bien dans sa peau: This unit allows pupils to discuss key activities and actions needed for a healthy lifestyle À l’horizon: Students explore the opportunities languages can bring in terms of future careers and ambitions	Spécial vacances: This topic lays the foundations of key grammar and vocab used to discuss holidays Moi dans le monde: This unit focusses on give students the opportunity to explore their rights and responsibilities in the world
PE	Striking and fielding – learners will consolidate core skills, develop advanced skills and tactical awareness in isolated practices, conditioned/larger full sides games, while developing knowledge of advanced rules and leadership skills in rounders and cricket.	Learners will consolidate core skills and develop advanced tactical awareness in a range of isolated practices, conditioned and larger/full sided games while developing knowledge of advanced rules and leadership skills in: badminton, football, basketball, netball and rugby. Learners will consolidate core skills and develop advanced skills on the floor and larger apparatus in gymnastics, they will develop their choreographic devices and leadership skills in gymnastics and cheerleading. Learners will develop core skills and tactical awareness in a range of isolated practices and conditioned games like volleyball and table tennis. Learners will develop their own fitness along with their knowledge of training a variety of components through different training methods.	Athletics – consolidation of core skills and development of advanced skills at faster pace/using age appropriate equipment and developing further technical and tactical knowledge.
RE	Ethical enquiry: Students will explore ethical debates and the different religious responses to them The extreme world: Students will know the difference between extremism and terrorism and the factors that can lead to radicalisation	The Abrahamics: Students will explore religious concepts that are important in monotheism, they will know the role of prophecy, angels, life after death and miracles for these faiths	Buddhism: Students will learn about the core beliefs of Buddhism such as the four noble truths, the four sights and the concept of attachment Famous Philosophers
Science	Cells Atomic structure and periodic table Organisation	Atomic structure (physics) Particle model	Chemistry of the atmosphere Bioenergetics Structure and bonding

Subject

Cycle 1

Cycle 2

Cycle 3

Art

Semi-abstract art – natural forms

Semi-abstract art – cityscape

Assemblage – mask

Human form – wire and mod-roc sculpture

Recycled art – recycled robot

Organic abstract art – soap carving and observation

Computer Science

Cyber Security: Students will learn about the importance of cyber security, the threats faced by digital systems, and how to protect data and systems from cyberattacks

Python Programming using Thonny: Students will be introduced to Python programming, focusing on writing simple programs using variables and performing calculations

Computer networks: Students will explore the different types of computer networks, their components, and how data is transmitted between devices

Design Technology

Product Design – 3D Jigsaw

Students are encouraged to make independent choices in terms of equipment selection in view of making an end product of a 3D jigsaw, students will work with a range of marking out and practical equipment to mproduce an end outcome, students will learn about electronics, types of metals and product development.

Food – Power of food

Students will be encouraged to make independent choices in terms of equipment selection in view of making a final dish of their choosing. Students will work with a range of equipment and oven features, while learning about making higher level making skills, students will learn the impact of food on us bot physically and mentally.

Textiles – Typography

Students are encouraged to make independent choices in term of sample production and equipment selection in view of making an end product of a typographer inspired card holder, students will work with a range of marking out and practical equipment to produce and end outcome. Students will learn about the People Powered Press in Saltaire, surface pattern theory and develop their CAD skills.

English

Investigative journalism: Students will understand the role of a journalist and analyse different ways in which stories can be reported as they work to produce their own news article.

Extended metaphor: Students will understand the purpose of an extended metaphor in poetry and prose and how they are used to deliver a message.

The modern novel – Of Mice and Men: Students will begin to understand the hardships people faced in the Great Depression as they identify what Steinbeck was influenced by and explain what is meant by a feminist/Marxist interpretation.

Dystopian fiction: Students will understand the origins of the utopian and dystopian forms of writing and apply dystopian conventions to their own story.

Other world views: Students will be exposed to a range of literature from around the world so they can explain why people around world use prose and poetry to raise awareness about racism, genocide, feminism, and other relevant issues.

Flipping the form: Students will learn how to change one form of writing into another and apply different forms to change a newspaper.

Socrates to question time – talking to: Students will understand the features of Socratic questioning and partake in a debate.

Geography

Tour de Yorkshire: Students will look at the Tour De Yorkshire to celebrate the distinct UK landscape and how it can attract tourism. Students will look at the positives and negatives of tourism and formulate an argument to assess those impacts.

Russia: This unit looks at the physical and human landscape of Russia and their interdependence. Students will be introduced to geopolitics and the concept of superpowers and Russia’s political status.

Middle East: The unit looks at the physical and human of the Middle East and their interdependence. Students will look at Dubai to study sustainability, Middle Eastern conflicts and their impacts.

South West China: This unit focuses on the physical and human landscape of South West China and their interdependence. The unit also encourages students to develop their World knowledge and make comparisons between places. The unit then focuses on the development of China, its population and its relationship to the wider the world. The unit recaps Geopolitics and the concept of superpowers.

History

What was life like in Nazi Germany? Students will be able to explain what life was like in Nazi Germany for different groups and how some groups resisted the Nazi rule and the impact of this.

What was the turning point of the Second World War? Students will be able to explain what they think was the turning point of the Second World War and why.

What was the Holocaust and how did people respond to it? Students will be able to explain what the Holocaust was, the impact it had, and how different people responded to it.

How close did the Cold War come to nuclear war? Students can explain that there were tensions between East and West in the 20th century, why there was a cold war, and how superpowers competed for dominance.

How did China change during the 20th century? Students will be able to explain how China came to be Communist and how this affected the lives of Chinese people and their relationship with the West.

Has equality and freedom been achieved in the 20th century? Students will explain the significance of key events in the 20th century and explain the impacts of the events in creating equality and freedom.

PSHCE

Living in the wider world: Careers – Intro to Unifrog, personality quiz, Unifrog treasure hunt, Unifrog roles and pathways, Unifrog aim higher, budgeting and saving, values and attitudes

Health and wellbeing: Physical health – Firework safety, cardiovascular disorders, organ donation, healthy eating reduces the risk of cancer, smoking, cosmetic and aesthetic procedures, CPR, defib and chest pain

Health and wellbeing: Mental health – Recognising MH concerns in others, negative thoughts, resilience, stress and strategies to cope, body image

Relationships – Healthy and unhealthy relationships, ending of friendships, media, benevolent sexism, contraception

Relationships – Conflict management and resolution, substance misuse, online safety – sexual imagery, diversity, impact of bullying, digital footprint

Living in the wider world: Beckfoot, Britain and beyond – Starting GCSEs, mutual respect and tolerance, political parties, voting and elections, SMSC at Beckfoot

Maths

Foundation

Number – Types of number, LCM/HCF, fractions, decimals

Algebra – sequences, working with symbols, coordinates and linear graphs

Geometry and Measure – angle facts

Higher

Number – prime factors, surds, rounding, estimating and accuracy

Algebra – working with symbols, sequences, equations

Ratio, proportion and rates of change – ratio, probability

Foundation

Number – percentages, indices and standard form

Algebra – equations and inequalities, formulae

Geometry and measure – volume and area, constructions, Pythagoras theorem

Ratio, proportion and rates of change – compound measures

Higher

Number – Indices and standard form, percentages

Algebra – formulae, simultaneous equations, inequalities

Geometry and measure – transformations, Pythagoras

Probability

Foundation

Statistics – collecting data, representing data, statistical measures

Algebra – quadratics, simultaneous equations

Geometry and measure – reflect, rotate, translate, trigonometry

Ratio, proportion and rates of change – ratio and proportion

Higher

Statistics – collecting data, statistical measures

Number – fractions, decimals

Geometry – construction and loci, trigonometry, circle theorems

Algebra – quadratics

Performing Arts

Acting techniques for realism – Stanislavski: Students will be introduced to Stanislavski’s techniques to create more realistic performances and characters.

Blood Brothers – Stanislavski: Students will develop their knowledge of Stanislavski’s techniques to perform a realistic context in a scripted performance.

Noughts and crosses – Brecht: Introduces students to Brecht’s techniques to communicate a message in a script.

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie: Introduces students to stagecraft skills when staging a musical theatre performance, as they work in a team to perform a scene from a musical using their vocal, physical and dance skills.

Responding to a stimulus: Students will be introduced to devising a piece from a stimulus as they work in a discipline and style of their choice to devise a performance. Brings together all skills learnt from Year 7-9.

German

Oracy: Revision of adjectives and opinions to describe a photo and give opinions on it.

Musik – music: This unit allows students the opportunity to explore German music using new vocabulary and grammatical structures to share their opinions and talk about preferences.

Vorbilder – role models: Students have the opportunity to discuss who their role models are and why.

Meine Ambitonen – ambition: The conditional tense is revisited here, with the students focusing on student ambitions.

Die Kindheit – Childhood: This topic lays the foundations of key grammar to talk about childhood experiences.

Rechte and Pflichten – age limits: This unit focusses on giving students the opportunity to explore their rights and responsibilities in the world.

Music

What is music to you? Students will explore their musical identity, discussing different genres and their personal influences

History of music: Students will study baroque and classical music as they study harmonic structures, Pachelbel’s Canon, and the development of classical composition techniques

Grunge and Britpop: Students will learn about two of the most influential styles of popular music as they learn to play power chords and explore the social impact of these styles, performing and analysing iconic songs

Musicals: Students will examine leitmotifs, strong structures, and perform pieces from famous stage musicals

Disco, EDM and Grime: Students will focus on music production, composing and performing in modern dance music styles

World music and fusion: Students will explore cross-genre compositions, fusing different musical elements from around the world

French

Oracy: Revision of adjectives and opinions to describe a photo and give opinions on it. Students will revise question words and take part in role play situations

Ma vie sociale d’ado: Students will discuss teenage life and what it means to them, expressing their own views and opinions on typical trends

Bien dans sa peau: This unit allows pupils to discuss key activities and actions needed for a healthy lifestyle

À l’horizon: Students explore the opportunities languages can bring in terms of future careers and ambitions

Spécial vacances: This topic lays the foundations of key grammar and vocab used to discuss holidays

Moi dans le monde: This unit focusses on give students the opportunity to explore their rights and responsibilities in the world

Striking and fielding – learners will consolidate core skills, develop advanced skills and tactical awareness in isolated practices, conditioned/larger full sides games, while developing knowledge of advanced rules and leadership skills in rounders and cricket.

Learners will consolidate core skills and develop advanced tactical awareness in a range of isolated practices, conditioned and larger/full sided games while developing knowledge of advanced rules and leadership skills in: badminton, football, basketball, netball and rugby.

Learners will consolidate core skills and develop advanced skills on the floor and larger apparatus in gymnastics, they will develop their choreographic devices and leadership skills in gymnastics and cheerleading.

Learners will develop core skills and tactical awareness in a range of isolated practices and conditioned games like volleyball and table tennis.

Learners will develop their own fitness along with their knowledge of training a variety of components through different training methods.

Athletics – consolidation of core skills and development of advanced skills at faster pace/using age appropriate equipment and developing further technical and tactical knowledge.

Ethical enquiry: Students will explore ethical debates and the different religious responses to them

The extreme world: Students will know the difference between extremism and terrorism and the factors that can lead to radicalisation

The Abrahamics: Students will explore religious concepts that are important in monotheism, they will know the role of prophecy, angels, life after death and miracles for these faiths

Buddhism: Students will learn about the core beliefs of Buddhism such as the four noble truths, the four sights and the concept of attachment

Famous Philosophers

Science

Cells

Atomic structure and periodic table

Organisation

Atomic structure (physics)

Particle model

Chemistry of the atmosphere

Bioenergetics

Structure and bonding