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  • Design Technology

    Design Technology Creative solutions for a sustainable future Go Go Our Design and Technology curriculum intends to: Inspire and equip pupils with the skills to solve real world problems. Empower pupils to be creative, innovative, ready to make mistakes and to learn from practical experience. Provide opportunities for pupils to model proposals through testing and evaluation, with a high regard for resources and an understanding of their impact on the environment and the world around them. Why Learn Design and Technology? Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others' needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw in disciplines such as maths, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils learn how to take risks; becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and wellbeing of the nation. Design and Technology covers core technical and designing and making principles, including a broad range of design processes, techniques and equipment. Course skills: Developing knowledge and understanding of materials and processes to be able to make high quality products Developing drawing, modelling and CAD skills to communicate ideas Product analysis Using iterative design strategies to create prototypes Developing knowledge of a wide range of materials including textiles EYFS | KS1 Content KS2 Content Year 7 & 8 Content Year 9 Content Year 10 & 11 Content Design & Technology covers core technical and designing and making principles, including a broad range of design processes, techniques and equipment. Key stage 1 subject knowledge Through a variety of creative and practical activities, pupils will be taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making. Pupils work in a range of relevant contexts (e.g. the home and school, gardens and playgrounds, the local community, industry and the wider environment). When designing and making, our pupils are taught to: Design Design purposeful, functional, appealing products for themselves and other users based on design criteria Generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through talking, drawing, templates, mock-ups and, where appropriate, information and communication technology Make Select from and use a range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks [for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing] Select from and use a wide range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their characteristics Evaluate Explore and evaluate a range of existing products Evaluate their ideas and products against design criteria Technical knowledge Build structures, exploring how they can be made stronger, stiffer and more stable Explore and use mechanisms [for example, levers, sliders, wheels and axles] in their products Design & Technology covers core technical and designing and making principles, including a broad range of design processes, techniques and equipment. Key stage 2 subject knowledge Through a variety of creative and practical activities, pupils are taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making. They work in a range of relevant contexts (e.g. the home, school, leisure, culture, enterprise, industry and the wider environment). When designing and making, our pupils are taught to: Design Use research and develop design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that are fit for purpose, aimed at particular individuals or groups generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion, annotated sketches, cross-sectional and exploded diagrams, prototypes, pattern pieces and computer-aided design Make Select from and use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks (e.g cutting, shaping, joining and finishing), accurately Select from and use a wider range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their functional properties and aesthetic qualities Evaluate Investigate and analyse a range of existing products Evaluate their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work Understand how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped shape the world Technical knowledge Apply their understanding of how to strengthen, stiffen and reinforce more complex structures Understand and use mechanical systems in their products (e.g. gears, pulleys, cams, levers and linkages) Understand and use electrical systems in their products (e.g. series circuits incorporating switches, bulbs, buzzers and motors) Apply their understanding of computing to program, monitor and control their products Course content: From Year 7 pupils have the opportunity to explore different materials. We design and build items to a brief using an increasingly sophisticated range of techniques. In Year 9 pupils may opt to spend more time and opportunity to develop their understanding of how designers produce pieces to match a design brief, consider new materials and deepen their understanding of the design process. In Year 10 pupils begin the GCSE syllabus. The course is topic based, each section providing the underlying information needed to grasp the key concepts of the syllabus. Assessments: The course contains assessment during each topic. Practical and design skills will be assessed in a similar format to the GCSE non-exam assessment task. The opportunity to complete exam style questions. The final GCSE assessment: 2 hour written exam – 50% of GCSE and Non-exam assessment; 35- hour iterative design and make task 50% of GCSE. Home Learning: Set in a range of formats including research tasks, completing class work and preparatory work for subsequent lessons that may include the use of GCSE Pod. Pupils are expected to complete at least one hour of Home Learning per week. Exam Board: AQA - 8552 Our Curriculum Curriculum Intent Options Careers Employers Curriculum Subjects Art | Fine Art Computing | Computer Science English Design Technology Drama Food Preparation & Nutrition French Geography German History Latin Maths Media Studies Music Personal Development Photography Physical Education Religious Education Science Sculpture Spanish The Wellbeing Curriculum

  • Computing | Computer Science

    Computing | Computer Science Thriving in a digital world Go Go Our Computing curriculum intends to: Develop pupils' understanding of Computer Science, Information Technology and Digital Literacy in order to prepare all pupils to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Develop these strands to enable pupils to apply computational thinking to be better problem solvers. Enable pupils to be confident users of IT, applying IT effectively to real world situations and to know how they and others can use IT safely. Computing All subjects use Computing as part of their curriculum access and delivery. Pupils will develop their knowledge often by using focused research requiring effective use of the internet, as well as having the opportunity to develop their IT literacy and capability using subject relevant applications, particularly in Maths, Design & Technology and Media. Most subjects make use of Computing for effective home learning management, exam preparation and revision, helping to develop skills required for both GCSE and beyond. The GCSE Computer Science course will develop and apply analytic, problem-solving, design, and computational thinking skills. In addition, aspects of these skills are developed within other subjects including Maths and Science. The Personal Development lessons focus on the safety aspects and reporting of concerns. At Key Stage 4, the Computing curriculum is delivered through a combination of Computing lessons, integration with other subjects and through personal development lessons. Why Learn Computing? A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with maths, science and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils 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, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate, able to express themselves and develop their ideas through information and communication technology, at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world. Computer Science has real relevance in our modern world. The course will give an in-depth understanding of how computer technology works and a look at what goes on behind the scenes. The course provides excellent preparation for higher study and employment in the field of Computer Science. The increasing importance of information technologies means there is a growing demand for professionals who are qualified in this area. Computing Compliance Document EYFS | KS1 Content KS2 Content Year 7 & 8 Content Year 9 Content Year 10 & 11 Content What will pupils learn in Computing? Pupils' confident and assured use of new technology is developed through its application across the curriculum. Discrete skills in coding and programming are taught over the primary years which culminates in a programming project in Year 6 led by a specialist teacher of computing. As part of the syllabus we will reflect on the need for ensuring safe use of computers and the internet. Key stage 1 course contents Pupils are taught to: understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs. execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions. create and debug simple programs. use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs. use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content. recognise common uses of information technology beyond school. use technology safely and respectfully, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies. What will pupils learn in Computing? Pupils' confident and assured use of new technology is developed through its application across the curriculum. Discrete skills in coding and programming are taught over the primary years which culminates in a programming project in Year 6 led by a specialist teacher of computing. As part of the syllabus we will reflect on the need for ensuring safe use of computers and the internet. Key stage 2 course contents Pupils are taught to: design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts. use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output. use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs. understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the world wide web; and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration. use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content. select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information. use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact. Year 7 and 8 Computing Computing is delivered through a combination of Computing lessons, integration with other subjects and through personal development lessons. Pupils will be introduced to a broad range of new skills which will develop their digital competencies in the following areas: Algorithms — Be able to comprehend, design, create, and evaluate algorithms Computer networks — Understand how networks can be used to retrieve and share information, and how they come with associated risks Computer systems — Understand what a computer is, and how its constituent parts function together as a whole Creating media — Select and create a range of media including text, images, sounds, and video Data and information — Understand how data is stored, organised, and used to represent real-world artefacts and scenarios Design and development — Understand the activities involved in planning, creating, and evaluating computing artefacts Effective use of tools — Use software tools to support computing work Impact of technology — Understand how individuals, systems, and society as a whole interact with computer systems Programming — Create software to allow computers to solve problems Safety and security — Understand risks when using technology, and how to protect individuals and systems Year 7 In Year 7 pupils will be encouraged to extend and deepen their knowledge in different areas: Collaborating on line effectively – E-Safety Gaining support for a cause - Media From semaphores to the internet – Networks Programming – Scratch Modelling data - spreadsheets Year 8 In Year 8 pupils will be encouraged to extend and deepen their knowledge in different areas: Understanding computers – Computer systems Data representation Introduction to Python – Programming Developing for the web – HTML & CSS Media design – Vector graphics Mobile app development - Programming Year 9 Computing Core and Computer Science (option) Computing is delivered through a combination of Computing lessons, integration with other subjects and through personal development lessons. Pupils will be introduced to a broad range of new skills which will develop their digital competencies in the following areas: Algorithms — Be able to comprehend, design, create, and evaluate algorithms Computer networks — Understand how networks can be used to retrieve and share information, and how they come with associated risks Computer systems — Understand what a computer is, and how its constituent parts function together as a whole Creating media — Select and create a range of media including text, images, sounds, and video Data and information — Understand how data is stored, organised, and used to represent real-world artefacts and scenarios Design and development — Understand the activities involved in planning, creating, and evaluating computing artefacts Effective use of tools — Use software tools to support computing work Impact of technology — Understand how individuals, systems, and society as a whole interact with computer systems Programming — Create software to allow computers to solve problems Safety and security — Understand risks when using technology, and how to protect individuals and systems Year 9 Core Computing In Year 9 pupils will be encouraged to extend and deepen their knowledge in different areas: Media animation – Media Data Science Representations going audio-visual – Data representation Cybersecurity – E-Safety Artificial intelligence Physical Computing – Programming Y ear 9 Computer Science (option) Programming – Basics with Python Advanced programming concepts - Python programming Programming Projects & Challenges Algorithms – sorting & searching Introduction to Computer Systems Introduction to Computer networks Cybersecurity – protecting computers & networks Key stage 4 – Core Computing and GCSE Computer Science (option) At KS4 the core Computing curriculum is delivered through a combination of Computing lessons, integration with other subjects and through personal development lessons focusing on the following learning areas: · developing capability, creativity and knowledge in computer science, digital media and information technology · developing and applying analytic, problem-solving, design, and computational thinking skills · understanding how changes in technology affect safety, including new ways to protect their online privacy and identity, and how to report a range of concerns. GCSE Computing – Year 10 and 11 (option) The topics covered in Year 10 and 11 include: Fundamentals of algorithms Programming in Python Data Representation Computer Systems Computer Networks Cyber security Relational databases and structured query language (SQL) Ethical, legal and environmental impacts of digital technology Assessment: A 2 hour written exam set covering: computational thinking, code tracing, problem-solving, programming concepts including the design of effective algorithms and the designing, writing, testing and refining of code. - 50%. A 1 hour 45 minute written exam covering the theoretical units - 50%. Throughout the course pupils will be expected to develop their programming skills with projects to help them design, write, test and refine their programs. (These are not formally assessed and do not contribute marks towards the final grade) Course Skills: Pupils learn theory across all the sections of the Computer Science specification and learn how data is represented within a computer, how to convert between denary, binary and hexadecimal, computer hardware and network topologies. Pupils develop problem solving and decomposition skills and learn how solutions can be represented as algorithms and flowcharts as well as code. Pupils learn how to solve problems by creating python programs using a range of structures and techniques. Assessment: Pupils will have regular assessments at the end of each teaching unit. These assessments will be completed in class time. Home Learning: Home learning will follow the ‘flipped learning’ approach where pupils will be expected to carry out some pre-learning and preparation ready for each lesson. In addition pupils will be encouraged to practise their programming to support work carried out in class and to work on their own personal projects that incorporate a skill-set that goes beyond the GCSE requirements. Exam Board: AQA - 8525 Our Curriculum Curriculum Intent Options Careers Employers Curriculum Subjects Art | Fine Art Computing | Computer Science English Design Technology Drama Food Preparation & Nutrition French Geography German History Latin Maths Media Studies Music Personal Development Photography Physical Education Religious Education Science Sculpture Spanish The Wellbeing Curriculum

  • Headteacher's Welcome

    Welcome to Westgate School Read our Headteacher’s message to learn about our values, vision, learning together, achieving excellence. Headteacher's Welcome Headteacher's Welcome At The Westgate School our values and ethos are based on the fundamental belief that we are a community of learners - adults and pupils alike - in which every individual should be enabled to enjoy learning and develop as a happy and healthy individual, who is able to make a unique and positive contribution to society: learning together, achieving excellence. As a thriving and highly successful learning community, The Westgate is founded on a tradition of high academic achievement and exemplary pupil support. At the heart of our success is the strength of partnership that exists between pupils, adults in school and, their families. We believe that every young person should feel a sense of belonging in our school community and enjoy their learning. As a result of this, individuals will leave with the skills and resources to take the next step in their lives, confident in their strengths and prepared to meet the challenges of the future. As Hampshire’s first all-through school, The Westgate School is uniquely placed to understand the learning journey from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to GCSE. We have strong links between the phases in our school and in particular, in Physical Education, the Arts, Modern Foreign Languages and in Mathematics. Colleagues bring a wealth of experience and knowledge about how pupils learn and are always actively seeking ways to extend, challenge and support pupils in their learning. We enjoy a close relationship with our linked primaries, sharing their values and allowing us to plan for a smooth transition as pupils move from the primary phase into our secondary phase at The Westgate School. Our strong partnership with local schools, working together for the benefit of pupils in our community, is something of which we are proud. We warmly invite you to be part of our success. Visitors are most welcome and if you would like to arrange a visit then please email contact@westgate.hants.sch.uk Mrs Fae-Anna Dean Headteacher B.A. (Hons), PGCE, M.A. (Ed.), NPQH, MCCT Our Ethos and Values Being a high achieving, successful learning community only happens as a result of genuine collaboration. Every young person is unique and so we seek to provide a range of different learning opportunities in which every individual can excel. The Early Years Foundation Stage is framed around the characteristics of effective learning: playing, exploring, active learning, creating and thinking critically. These provide a foundation for learning upon which our curriculum in the Lower and Upper Schools are built. Our central purpose is for children to develop into young people who are happy and effective learners. We achieve this by being a community of learning where adults and pupils alike are committed to this central aim and work in strong partnership with parents to inspire success for all. Adults working with children and young people in our school community use a process of observation, assessment and planning to identify the learning and developmental needs of each child. Alongside knowledge of children’s interests, we plan opportunities for learning that are stimulating and engaging, leading to strong progress right from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to examination age. In addition to the planned curriculum, pupils in The Westgate will have the opportunity to experience a wide range of activities that enhance and enrich the curriculum. The all-through setting provides a unique opportunity for young people to learn from their peers and through the teaching of younger pupils. This powerful model for learning is one that permeates our culture and further enriches the community of learning. Our Development Plan 2024-2027 Our Prospectus Home Our School Headteacher's Welcome Ofsted Safeguarding Statutory Information | SEND Policies Admissions Governance Pupil Premium | Catch-up Statement Vacancies School News Calendar & Open Events Contact

  • Debate Club

    Step into the world of words with our Debating Club! It’s the perfect platform to sharpen your critical thinking. Debate Club Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Debate Club Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Step into the world of words with our Debating Club! It’s the perfect platform to sharpen your critical thinking, enhance your public speaking skills, and engage in lively discussions. Join us to explore diverse perspectives, build confidence, and become a persuasive communicator. Let’s debate and grow together! Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

  • Concert Band

    Develop instrumental skills and encourage general musicianship skills through-out the year, as well as develop a good social network of like-minded musicians. Concert Band Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Concert Band Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details The Concert Band is open to all level 3 players Flute; Oboe; Clarinet; Bassoon. Brass: Trumpet; Cornet; Horn; Baritone; Euphonium; Trombone; Bass; and Tuba. Percussion instruments including: Drums and Xylophones. The Concert Band will help to develop instrumental and general musicianship skills. Musicians will have the opportunity to participate in events such as school concerts, celebrations, ‘Go West’ Festival, open mornings and evenings, and community events.   Pupil music leaders will be supporting music teachers in running this club. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

  • Fencing

    En garde! Join our School Fencing Club and dive into the exciting world of swordplay. Fencing Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Fencing Internal / External External Age Range Year 3 - 5 Contact jdsportscoaching@gmail.com En garde! Join this externally run Fencing Club and dive into the exciting world of swordplay. It’s a fantastic way to develop agility, strategy, and sportsmanship. Whether you’re a novice or have some experience, this club offers a supportive environment to learn and practice the art of fencing. Suit up, and let’s parry and thrust our way to fun and fitness! Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

  • Sportskool

    When school’s out, SportSkool’s in – and running a holiday club near you! Throughout the week, your child could be taught a variety of top sports. Sportskool Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Sportskool Internal / External External Age Range 5 and 13 years Contact Holiday Clubs | Sport Skool When school’s out, SportSkool’s in – and running a holiday club near you! Throughout the week, your child could be taught a variety of top sports by qualified, DBS-checked and fully insured SportSkool coaches. It is hard to pin down exactly what multi-sports involves as the children will be taken on a whistle-stop tour of the sporting world with coaches specialising in, among others: dodgeball, cricket, street games, football, dance, benchball, tag-rugby and cheerleading What we offer Multi-sport holiday clubs are available during all school holidays, for children aged between 5 and 13 years old. Classes take place from 10am to 3pm and extra child-care is available from 8.30am and until 5.30pm for those that require it. Holiday clubs are almost always fully-booked so contact us as soon as possible to avoid disappointment! Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

  • Curriculum Group

    Curriculum Group looks at the most important part of our school - what we are learning and how we learn. Curriculum Group Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Curriculum Group Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Curriculum Group looks at the most important part of our school - what we are learning and how we learn. We speak teachers and provide feedback on our core purpose. Please come and join us. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

  • Music Theory

    Understanding how it is written down will help you in all aspects of music making, from listening to performing, and improvising to composing. Music Theory Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Music Theory Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Learning about music theory is akin to learning another language, and understanding the written code that is called notation. Understanding how it is written down will help you in all aspects of music making, from listening to performing, and improvising to composing. This club will provide lots of ideas to help you link music theory with your wider musical experience. Pupil music leaders will be supporting music teacher running this club. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

  • Exam Results

    Review The Westgate School's latest exam results, showcasing our students' academic achievements and commitment to excellence. Exam Results Exam Results 40% of all our grades were Grade 7 or above. 86.5% of pupils achieved Grade 4 or above in English and Mathematics. 25% of all grades were Grade 8 or 9; 11% of all grades were Grade 9 "Pupils at The Westgate School have achieved academic excellence once again with results outperforming or consistent with last year's exceptional results. This consistently exceptional performance over a number of years is a result of colleagues' expertise and dedication in providing an outstanding quality of education along with strong pupil and parent partnership in this outstanding school. We're absolutely delighted that our pupils have continued to demonstrate academic excellence once again: 40% of all grades were Grade 7 or above; 25% of grades were Grade 8 or 9, and 11% of all grades were Grade 9. We're especially proud given that the pandemic started when this cohort was in Year 7. We wish this cohort every success for the future". 2024 GCSE Exam Results Information Primary Phase KS2 SATs Explanation 2024 Key Stage 2 Results Information Performance Tables Compare the performance of our school against all schools within England Home Our School Headteacher's Welcome Ofsted Safeguarding Statutory Information | SEND Policies Admissions Governance Pupil Premium | Catch-up Statement Vacancies School News Calendar & Open Events Contact

  • Gymnastics

    Discover The Westgate School Gymnastics Club! A fun, safe space for students to learn balance, coordination, and flexibility. Join us and soar to new heights! Gymnastics Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Gymnastics Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Flip into fun with our School Gymnastics Club! It's the perfect place for pupils to learn balance, coordination, and flexibility. Our club offers a safe and supportive environment where you can practice tumbling, trampoline, and more. Whether you're a beginner or an aspiring Olympian, join us to develop your skills and have a great time. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

  • Sci-Fi & Fantasy Club

    Join Westgate's Sci-Fi & Fantasy Club to explore new worlds, share interests, and have fun. Open to all secondary pupils. Sci-Fi & Fantasy Club Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Sci-Fi & Fantasy Club Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details A club for all lovers of Sci-Fi and / or Fantasy games, books, films and TV shows. We meet twice a week every Monday and Friday - See EduLink for details We play table, board and card games. We present and share our favourite books, films and shows. We watch age-appropriate movies and TV. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

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