Media Studies Casting a critical eye over the ever-changing influence of modern media Go Go Our Media curriculum intends to: Enable pupils to become critical and analytical readers of media texts. Enable pupils all-through to question the way the media represents individuals and groups, and its power to manipulate audiences. Enable pupils to create purposeful, effective media products. Why learn Media? Media plays a key role in modern society: each time we watch television, read a newspaper or access the internet, we are exposed to the power of the Media. We are also affected by Media that we do not necessarily choose to use. This is why this dynamic and exciting subject provides pupils with an excellent tool to navigate and analyse the world we live in. In addition to this, the core skills of analysis work to build on and support the work pupils undertake in English. EYFS | KS1 Content KS2 Content Year 7 & 8 Content Year 9 Content Year 10 & 11 Content Media is taught within the English syllabus in the Primary phase. It is taught from KS3 onwards as a discrete lesson objective then as an individual subject. Media is taught within the English syllabus in the Primary phase. It is taught from KS3 onwards as a discrete lesson objective, then as an individual subject. Course Content in Years 7 and 8 In Year 7 we look at various public figures considering how they are represented in the press and how they have become heroes of our time. We also link this with some image decoding and inference skills which start to build a bank of media terminology. In Year 8 we study advertising building on our prior knowledge of media terminology and looking at how the adverts persuade the audience to purchase products. Course Content in Year 9 Pupils learn about the theoretical frameworks (Media language, representation, Media industries and audiences) and discover how to apply them to Media texts. In addition, they learn practical skills such as how to use Photoshop and how to produce a Media product for a set brief. Course Content in Year 10-11 Pupils are required to explore Media language, representation, Media industries and audiences. They apply these theoretical frameworks to set texts from the exam board as well as unseen Media products. In addition, pupils develop practical skills and produce a practical production using editing software and original images. Assessment: The Media GCSE consists of two exams collectively worth 70% and a Practical Production, completed within school, worth 30%. Home Learning: Pupils are expected to complete Home Learning every week. Usually, this will take one hour. Home Learning will be set as a variety of tasks including finding and analysing examples of Media texts, researching texts, contexts and/or theories and preparing for practical work. Exam Board: Eduqas C680QS 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

Drama Drama is the art of looking at ourselves Go Go Our Drama curriculum intends to: Develop pupils confidence, expressive skills, creativity and emotional intelligence. Develop greater cultural capital through broadening their knowledge and understanding of variety of dramatic styles and genre. Give opportunities to contribute to the school and wider community. Why Learn Drama? Drama engages and encourages pupils to become confident performers and designers with the skills they need for a bright and successful future. There is as much opportunity as possible to do what they like best and participate in performances. Pupils will devise drama and explore play texts practically. In Learning to Perform pupils will learn how to commit dialogue to memory for devised performances and/or learn text for text-based performances. They will also develop the ability to interpret and/or create and perform a character to develop an appropriate performer/audience relationship and ensure sustained engagement Course content: From Year 7 pupils explore a range of different genres and drama techniques, building their confidence and self awareness. Many pupils opt to supplement their formal learning by joining our popular after school Drama club, where they are given the opportunity to work with older pupils and participate in our annual performances. EYFS | KS1 Content KS2 Content Year 7 & 8 Content Year 9 Content Year 10 & 11 Content Overview of the Course We help pupils to become confident and creative collaborators as they develop their understanding of the subject. Pupils will explore a range of themes, issues situations and relationships and learn to express ideas about themselves, others, and the wider world. Drama is largely practical with some aspects of theoretical and written work throughout. Course content: Year 7 Pupils explore units of enquiry on acting skills and mystery plays, script work - The Demon Headmaster - and a Haunted House physical theatre project. Year 8 Pupils explore units of enquiry on Greek Theatre, Shakespeare, Comedy and drama for a purpose. The Witness is a play that explores racial justice and equality. Course skills: Participate in practical activities and collaborate with team members. Exploring and responding creatively to texts, develop and refine dramatic ideas through REHEARSAL. Performing and communicating dramatic intentions to an audience. Use vocal and physical skills to create characters Pupils share work and give each other feedback based on strengths, improvements and personal responses to the content of the Drama. (We refer to this as Strength – Improvement – Response or SIR). Overview of the year In Year 9 pupils will have increased time and opportunity to develop their practical dramatic skills, develop their understanding of role and genre and improve a greater sense of how to appreciate theatre and play structures. Pupils also are invited to participate and take more senior roles in our plays and musicals to further enhance their skills. Drama Course Content Environmental Plays Pupils explore ‘Bhopal’, a play relating an environmental disaster, and ‘The Tree’ relating to climate change and destruction. Pupils use a non-naturalistic acting style using multi-roling, narration and direct address. Pupils stage and prepare for a performance of their chosen Environmental play. Stone Cold Pupils explore the play ‘Stone Cold’ as a piece of scripted theatre linked to the topic of Homelessness. Pupils aim for a naturalistic style of performance that creates tension. Understanding Drama: Practitioners: Brecht Devising project – pupils devise plays linked to research on the topic of homelessness. Pupils take information or inspiration from stories and images in a stimulus booklet. Exploring Texts: Too Much Punch for Judy A short introduction to a play that applies some of Brecht’s techniques in a modern ‘theatre-in-education’ setting. Understanding Drama: Practical Study of monologues, duologues, and extracts from Set Texts ‘Go West Arts’ – Link to Go West Arts / West Fest in July Pupils work in groups or pairs on key duologues and/or group scenes from plays chosen for the festival. Focus is on learning through exploration and language analysis. Introduction to a play text: Blood Brothers Pupils explore key scenes and learn about the characters, setting and themes. Home Learning A variety of practical tasks and research tasks will help pupils prepare between sessions, explore, and deepen knowledge and understanding, and review progress. Tasks will be set on EduLink and noted in the Handbook for Learning. The expectation will be approx. 45 minutes to one hour per week in Year 9. Drama Club Pupils are also invited to extend their learning through extra-curricular participation in clubs and Productions. A Drama Society runs at lunchtimes for pupils to explore class work or join with others on Go West Arts festival projects From Year 10 pupils begin their GCSE course and will cover the following aspects: Component 1: Understanding Drama - 40% of the GCSE Knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre. Study of one set play from a choice of six (selected by the Drama department). Analysis and evaluation of the work of live theatre makers. Component 2: Devising Drama (practical) - 40% of GCSE Process of creating devised drama. Performance of devised drama. Analysis and evaluation of own work. Assessment: Component 1 Written exam is 1 hour and 45 minutes; open book: 80 marks. Section A: multiple choice (4 marks). Section B: four questions on a given extract from the set play chosen (44 marks). Section C: one question (from a choice) on the work of theatre makers in a single live theatre production (32 marks) Component 2 Devising log (60 marks); Devised performance (20 marks); 80 marks in total; This component is marked by teachers and moderated by AQA. Component 3 Texts in Practice (practical) 20 % of GCSE Assessment Performance of Extract 1 (20 marks) and Extract 2 (20 marks) 40 marks in total. Exam Board: AQA - 8261 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

Join the digital leaders club for all things digital in the Westgate School and beyond. Digital Leaders Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Digital Leaders Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 9 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Join the digital leaders club for all things digital in the Westgate School and beyond. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Join our Netball Club for fun, fitness, and teamwork. All skill levels welcome. Come play with us! Netball Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Netball Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Join us at Netball club for fun and to improve your fitness, coordination and teamwork skills. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Become a budding artest and join the art club. Art - Flying Colours Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Art - Flying Colours Internal / External External Age Range Year R - 6 Contact Ann Selman Art Clubs – Flying Colours Education Discover the Joy of Creativity: Join Our School Art Club! Are you ready to unleash your inner artist and explore the world of creativity? Our School Art Club is the perfect place for you! Here’s why you should join: 1. Express Yourself Creatively: Dive into a variety of art forms and let your imagination run wild. Whether you love painting, drawing, sculpting, or digital art, our club offers the tools and space to express your unique vision. 2. Learn and Grow: Our club is a fantastic opportunity to develop your artistic skills. Learn new techniques, experiment with different mediums, and receive guidance from experienced mentors and fellow art enthusiasts. 3. Relax and Unwind: Art is a wonderful way to de-stress and take a break from the hustle and bustle of school life. Spend time creating beautiful pieces and enjoy the calming effects of artistic expression. 4. Make New Friends: Join a community of like-minded students who share your passion for art. Collaborate on projects, share ideas, and build lasting friendships in a supportive and inspiring environment. 5. Boost Your Confidence: Showcase your artwork in school exhibitions and events. Gain confidence as you see your skills improve and receive positive feedback from peers and teachers. 6. Explore Cultural Diversity: Discover art from different cultures and historical periods. Broaden your horizons and appreciate the rich tapestry of global artistic traditions. 7. Build Your Portfolio: If you’re considering a future in the arts, our club provides a great platform to build a strong portfolio. This can be invaluable for college applications and career opportunities in the creative field. 8. Have Fun!: Most importantly, have fun! Enjoy the process of creating, experimenting, and sharing your art with others. Our club is all about fostering a love for the arts in a fun and engaging way. This is an external club run by an Art Education Company with experienced primary school teachers. There is a cost for this club of £160 per term. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Join The Westgate School Basket Ball club! All skill levels welcome for fun, fitness, and friendly competition. Basketball Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Basketball Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Get ready to elevate your game and have a blast with our school basketball clubs! Whether you’re aiming to improve your skills or just looking for some fun and fitness, our clubs offer something for everyone. Here’s why you should join: Skill Development Team Spirit Fitness and Fun Basketball provides a supportive and encouraging environment where you can grow as an athlete and make lasting friendships. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of these exciting sports communities! Our secondary Basketball clubs are organised into different age groups. Please see EduLink for details. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

The ensemble will help develop instrumental skills and encourage general musicianship skills in the rehearsals. Recorder Group Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Recorder Group Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 Contact See EduLink for further details The Recorder Group is open to all Year 7 enthusiastic players. The ensemble will help develop instrumental skills and encourage general musicianship skills in the rehearsals, as well as develop a good social network of like-minded musicians. Playing a range of music from the Classics to Pop. 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

Join the home learning club in the school library. Home Learning Club Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Home Learning Club Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Join the home learning club in the school library. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Experience the joy of music with The Westgate School Junior Orchestra! Join us to learn, play, and perform in a harmonious environment. Junior Orchestra Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Junior Orchestra Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details The Junior Orchestra is open to all players of Strings, Brass, Woodwind and Percussion and will develop instrumental skills and encourage general musicianship skills through-out the year, as well as develop a good social network of like-minded musicians. Rh ythm reading exercises will be amongst the warm-ups, and a variety of pieces from different genres and styles including 'Reggae Hits Town', 'Yellow Bird', The Bare Necessities', 'The Blue Danube' and 'Yesterday' will be played in rehearsals. Musicians will have the opportunity to participate in events such as school concerts, celebrations, ‘Go West’ Festival, and wider community events. Pupil music leaders will be supporting music teachers in running this club. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Join the karate club to learn self-defense, improve fitness, and build discipline! Open to all levels. USKO Karate South Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings USKO Karate South Internal / External External Age Range Year 1 - 6 Contact rach.hobday@hotmail.co.uk USKO Karate South have run a very successful, and often full with a waiting list, karate club at The Westgate Lower School for seven years now. We have a few spaces currently available from the autumn as the current year 6s move on to our senior classes. Due to the popularity, we have two mixed age classes for lower school children, on Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 8am. The classes are taught by Andy and Rachel Hobday. Andy has been teaching karate in Hampshire for the last 35 years and Rachel, a former Primary school teacher in Hampshire, has been teaching karate for the past 13 years. At our classes children learn karate line work skills, katas (sequences to learn off by heart), bag work techniques and basic sparring techniques. Children will have the opportunity to put their skills to the test when grading in order to earn new coloured belts, with the ultimate being black belt! If you would like to book a free taster session (subject to availability) please email rach.hobday@hotmail.co.uk as soon as possible. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Find out more about The Westgate School's choices and options process for parents of pupils in year 9 to year 11 Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choosing options is an exciting process, though a little daunting. This page provides an overview to our curriculum for the remaining three years of your child’s time with us. Firstly, you should be aware that pupils do not have a completely free choice! It is the school’s expectation that every young person will engage with the full range of curriculum entitlement that includes Foreign Languages as part of our core provision through to GCSE summative assessment. Only in very exceptional circumstances are pupils able to reduce the number of subjects for which they are entered which include: long term absence, specific learning needs or low attendance owing to medical reasons; a pupil who has joined the school under Fair Access arrangements for whom the full range of GCSEs may not be appropriate, or a pupil who is in receipt of support from Children’s Services for whom the full range of subjects would be an unreasonable expectation or a child that is on reduced/alternative provision as agreed by the Inclusion Support Services (Hampshire County Council). Curriculum Choices and GCSE Options Throughout Years 9 to 11, pupils will continue to study the core subjects of English, Maths and Science and from Year 10 their learning will focus on the GCSE syllabi and a choice of either Double or Triple Science. Pupils will take GCSE English Language and Literature in our school as part of their core provision. Pupils must take part in core PE and the majority of pupils will continue to study a language. Beyond these compulsory aspects, pupils can then express a preference of subjects they would like to study to GCSE, timetable permitting. It is important that pupils make informed decisions and so our option process gives plenty of opportunities for parents/carers to meet with colleagues and reflect on the options available. Our core provision is designed to enable pupils to undertake post-16 opportunities, subject to achieving the minimum grade entry requirements as specified by those providers.   Year 9 Choices The Year 9 curriculum is characterised by broader opportunities for pupils to experience new subjects such as Photography and Media Studies as discrete subjects. Meanwhile, all pupils will continue their learning in Core Computing, PE, Religious Education and at least one other Humanities subject such as History or Geography to ensure a broad and balanced curriculum is experienced. They will then express a preference for a further three subjects. The school takes a varied approach to the organisation of teaching groups to ensure that the challenges of learning in different disciplines are effectively met.   Year 10 GCSE Options By the end of Year 9, pupils will have a second opportunity to focus their learning as they express their preference of subjects for examination entry. In addition to the core provision, they will choose three options to take to GCSE. We expect most pupils to continue with a Humanity subject because alongside a range of other subject disciplines, qualifications in these disciplines are a sound foundation for post-16 learning. Additionally, pupils may wish to continue with a second language course. Where pupils have particular interests in music or sport for example, the school provides ample opportunities for them to pursue their interests even if not taken as an examination subject. We actively promote pupils exploring extra-curricular opportunities throughout their study at The Westgate School. Our overriding aim is to ensure that as many pupils as possible are able to study their preferred subjects in Year 9 and 10. However, this is not always possible to achieve due to the availability of colleagues, resources, and the need to ensure the viability of group sizes. In the event of a subject being oversubscribed, pupils will be randomly selected using a digital randomiser for first refusal to ensure a fair and transparent approach. Our phased approach to curriculum preferences means that it’s rarely the case that pupils wish to change their curriculum preference. Whenever possible, this will be considered but is unlikely to viable as it is subject to availability of space in that new subject. It’s equally important to establish consistency within a subject class, and therefore changes will only be considered in the first 4 weeks from the start of the academic year and only with a clear, sound academic rationale. Changes outside of this period will only be considered on an exceptional basis. Pupils will not be permitted to change their classes or subjects based on friendship requests. Curriculum structure across the 5 years The Foundation Choices All pupils study English, Maths, Science, core PE and Personal Development. These subjects take up 14 out of a pupil’s 25 lessons each week. Option subjects take up the remaining 11 lessons. They take 6 foundation courses in Year 9 (including a language and RE) and then refine this down to 3 options (4 if no language taken) in Year 10. These are the Foundation subject we offer for Year 9 and GCSE: Astronomy explores the Earth–Moon–Sun system, the solar system, stars, galaxies and the wider universe, focusing on how we observe and understand cosmic phenomena. It develops scientific skills through practical observations, calculations, and the use of real astronomical data. Fine Art is a vibrant and dynamic subject that offers pupils the freedom to learn in ways that inspire and bring out the best in of their skills and knowledge. Computer Science has real relevance in our modern world. The course will give an in-depth understanding of how computer technology works and what goes on “behind the scenes”. Design & Technology covers core technical, designing and making principles, including a broad range of design and modelling processes, techniques and use of equipment to realise ideas. Food Preparation & Nutrition provides an opportunity for pupils to prepare a wide variety of different dishes. Pupils investigate the functions of different ingredients as well as understand the foods that contribute to a healthy diet. Drama allows pupils to develop performance skills or design skills including set design and sound. Pupils will gain confidence and experience they need for the future. Geography gives pupils the opportunity to learn about both natural and social sciences. We will consider how geography impacts everyday life, the key opportunities and challenges facing the world. History will help pupils understand past events and people. We believe that as a society there is importance of not just learning history but learning from history. Latin (within the English curriculum in Year 9, a separate subject from Year 10) provides a foundation in linguistic and cultural competence, enabling pupils to gain knowledge and understanding of the Roman world through reading and responding to its language and literature. Modern Languages (French, German and Spanish) will help pupils develop their ability to write and speak in the language and to understand the language when it is written or spoken. Media - each time we watch television, read a newspaper or access the internet, we are exposed to the power of the Media. This dynamic and exciting subject provides pupils with an excellent tool to navigate and analyse the world we live in. Music is constantly evolving, inspiring creativity and expression in a way that no other subject can. Our course offers pupils the chance to study a wide range of musical genres, with more opportunities for practical learning. Photography will enable pupils to consider how ideas, feelings and meanings are conveyed and interpreted in images. Pupils will develop a knowledge and understanding of photography and cameras. Physical Education is a combination of practical and theory work that builds pupils understanding of anatomy and physiology and the social aspects of sport. Pupils will need to competent in three different sports. Religious Education course involves the learning about two major world religions, Christianity and Islam and looks at their beliefs and practices, their customs and traditions, their festivals and holy days. We also learn different ethical perspectives. Sculpture - pupils will gain knowledge and understanding of how ideas, feelings and meanings are conveyed in images, artefacts and products in their chosen area(s) of learning. Things to consider What subjects do they enjoy? Only your child knows the answer to this. If they like a subject, they will not mind working hard at it. Hard work is essential whatever they choose, but enjoyment makes the work easier. What subjects are they good at? As well as talking about this with your child, you should use the advice of their teachers and Form Tutor. How do they enjoy working? Some subjects will require them to do a lot of coursework. Others will be assessed mainly by exam. Consider together about which way of working they prefer. What do they want to do when they leave school? They may already know exactly what career you wish to follow. If so, they could choose the subjects which may be needed as qualifications. Most Year 9 pupils have no settled ideas of what they would like to do after leaving school. If this is true for your child, then help them choose a balanced set of courses which will leave them with plenty of possible careers to choose from later on. The options timeline There will be time for both pupils and parents to meet with subject teachers and senior colleagues in school and to take on board careers advice from a qualified advisor. Please take note of all the key dates. Autumn Term Partners in Learning events and Tutors start talking about options and pupils consider the impact of their choices Thursday 5 th March The Careers Fair runs from 4.30 pm to 7.30pm At 4:30 we will have school stalls so that you can speak with teachers about the school courses. Additionally, from 5:30 we will have colleges, career guidance and businesses in school for pupils to meet with and discuss possibilities. Thursday 12 th March Year 9 Parents’ Evening You can then speak with teachers about your child’s preferences. It may be useful for you to prioritise booking the preferred option teachers for this evening rather than English, Maths and Science. Friday 20 th March Year 9 Option forms must be completed online Thursday 23 rd April Year 8 Parents’ Evening You can then speak with teachers about your child’s preferences. It may be useful for you to prioritise booking the preferred option teachers for this evening rather than English, Maths and Science. Friday 24 th April Year 8 Choices forms must be completed online Further information about the courses There is a detailed Curriculum booklet that can be downloaded from our website which has the information about the different GCSEs. This can be found at: Curriculum Subjects There will be plenty of opportunity for both pupils and parents/carers to consider the optimum choices. We encourage you all to make maximum use of the information available, and the opportunities on offer, to engage with subject teachers and other professionals in school throughout the options process. Please do ask for further assistance or advice should you require it. 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

Join Westgate's Senior Orchestra to enhance musical skills, teamwork, and performance. Senior Orchestra Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Senior Orchestra Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Senior Orchestra is open to all intermediate to advance players of String, Woodwind, Brass and Percussion.  Developing instrumental skills and encourage general musicianship skills through-out the year, as well as develop a good social network of like-minded musicians. Musicians will have the opportunity to participate in events such as School Concerts, open mornings and evenings, Celebrations, the annual School Carol Service in December, and ‘Go West’ Festival in July, and wider community events. Pupil music leaders will be supporting music teachers in running this club. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go