Welcome to Year 8
Welcome back
As we begin another exciting school year, I want to extend a warm welcome to all. Similar to last year, the focus will be maximising recognitions, embracing opportunities and engaging in the learning process.
At KWS, our expectations are high for both staff and students. We are committed to fostering an environment that is safe, positive and respectful. Here, students are able to thrive and reach their full potential. By constantly demonstrating the 3 R’s, you will be able to be a positive role model for the new year 7’s.
Year 8’s have a significant milestone ahead of them this year, which is the selection of their GCSEs. This is a pivotal time for year 8’s to explore new hobbies, interests and potential career paths. As staff, we will guide you through the process, helping you discover the passion and set the stage for your future endeavours. We encourage all students where possible to fully indulge in what KWS has to offer.
With the continued support from parents and careers, we are guaranteed to have a fantastic year full of new experiences and opportunities that ensure students have the tools to succeed. As Head of Year 8, I am looking forward to the journey ahead.
Mrs Alexis
KWS Expectations
Please take the time to re-read Mr Martin’s outline of our high standards and expectations as KWS students return at the start this academic year.
All students should be Ready, Respectful and Responsible. These 3Rs guide our students on how to conduct themselves in their learning and how to interact with students and staff.
Our school values of Knowledge, Wellbeing and Success are key to the character development of our students and how they can achieve personally and academically.
Tutor Team
Year Group Team
Head of Key Stage 3
Mr Jones
Pastoral Support KS3
Miss Bifolco
Curriculum in Year 8
The curriculum year 7 and 8 students follow is outlined in the diagram to the right.
Details of the curriculum studied in each subject in Year 8 can be found on the Curriculum Pages of the website here
If you would like more detail, please do ask your child to show you the student site and/or google classroom for each of their subjects – this provides access to each lesson and associated resources along with knowledge organisers (KOs) for topics studied.
Careers Education in Year 8
Students will have one form time per week dedicated to the ‘World of work’, as well as undertaking a PSHE unit, enhancing their knowledge of Unifrog. All students in Year 8 will have the opportunity to hear from / work with a provider of apprenticeships / technical qualifications from the local area. Students will also have opportunities to meet with visitors from industry, should they wish to. Students in all year groups will also take part in careers based lessons in all subjects during KWS Careers month in March.
Home Learning in Year 8
Home learning expectations are outlined here and additional enrichment tasks can be found on each of the subject’s curriculum pages – do encourage your child to dive into some of these.
Super Curriculum in Year 8
Students have the opportunity to select Period 7 and clubs twice this year, in September and January. Choices will be sent home for review and discussion the Friday prior to choices being made the following week in form time, guided by their tutor. They will complete four blocks of period 7 across the year, in the categories of Mind, Body and Soul.
Students will be provided with a large range of other opportunities across the year, such as those outlined here and on our Performing Arts Webpages here.
Dates to note for Year 8
All our key events are on the school calendar which can be viewed here and should be reviewed in detail.
Some to note for Year 8:
- Trips and in school activity days are planned throughout the year.
- Reports will be issued in November, February and July.
- Parents Evening is scheduled for Mon 27th February.
- KS4 Options are selected in the later half of the Spring term, supported by Options Evening on Tues 28th Jan and the above mentioned parents evening.
- Exams Week is 9-13 June.
- Activities week will run (inc. some trips and sports day) from 23-27 June.
Your first port of call in school is your child’s form tutor, please do get in touch with them via ClassCharts if you have any questions or concerns. Please be aware of agreed protocols for such communications here.