Year 10 Autumn Term English

Year 10 students will focus on Fiction during the Autumn term. They’ll develop their reading skills with tasks focused on inference—learning to “show it, don’t say it.” In their imaginative writing, students will practice using adjectives and adverbs effectively, and master techniques for describing settings including pathetic fallacy, metaphor, simile, personification, and anthropomorphism. They’ll also develop their Speaking and Listening skills through role play activities. Students will study the classic short story “The Gift of the Magi” as an example of effective narrative craft.

Year 10 Autumn Term Maths

In Year 10, pupils will begin working towards their Maths qualifications, following the pathway that best suits their needs. This term, they will:

• Continue to develop their number knowledge and learn how to choose the correct operations to solve different problems
• Practise identifying what a question is asking by underlining key words and checking they have answered all parts of a question
• Build the knowledge and skills needed to access their chosen qualification

Alongside number work, pupils will apply their understanding to topics such as time, measures, data handling, shape, and money. These skills will help them tackle real-life problems and prepare for future learning.

Year 10 Autumn Term Science

Explore Life and Body – What Your Child Will Learn

• Dead or Alive – Children discover what makes something alive, the basic life processes, and how cells are the building blocks of all living things.
• Fooling Your Senses – They learn how our senses help us understand the world, with a focus on how the eye works and what affects vision.
• Gasping for Breath – Children explore how lungs and breathing supply oxygen, remove carbon dioxide, and how exercise affects breathing and energy.
• Casualty – They find out how the heart and blood circulation keep us alive, what happens when things go wrong, and how lifestyle choices impact heart health.
• You Only Have One Life – Look After It! – Children learn how food is broken down and nutrients absorbed, and why a balanced diet is essential for growth and energy.
• Body Wars – They discover what germs are, how the body fights illness, and why hygiene and vaccinations are important.
• Control Systems – Children explore how the body keeps conditions stable, including temperature and water balance, and the role of kidneys in filtering waste.

Year 10 Autumn Term Social & Emotional Skills

This area of the curriculum is focused on building self-awareness, emotional regulation, and positive relationships. Students learn to understand their feelings, manage stress, resolve conflicts, and communicate effectively. By developing empathy and resilience, students are better equipped to navigate social situations and contribute positively to their communities.

Year 10 Autumn Term Religion and Ethics

At KS4, the curriculum deepens students’ knowledge and encourages exploration of ethical, philosophical, and contemporary issues.

Year 10 – Understanding Religion, Ethics, and Society

Autumn Term – Religion and Belief Systems
Students consolidate knowledge of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, exploring their teachings, practices, and influence on culture and identity.

Parent support: Encourage discussion about current events, ethical dilemmas, and personal values.

Year 10 Autumn Term PE

This term, pupils will focus on swimming and health-related fitness.

They’ll learn why staying active is so important for a healthy lifestyle and take part in activities designed to improve fitness, strength, and endurance. Pupils will explore key aspects of health-related fitness, including cardiovascular health, flexibility, and muscular strength.

Swimming lessons will continue to build confidence and competence in the water, with a focus on refining stroke technique and improving efficiency. Pupils will also discover how aqua aerobics can be used to boost physical fitness in a fun and engaging way.

Year 10 Autumn Term Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Our school offers the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award as a two-year programme for pupils in Years 10 and 11. This award helps pupils develop new skills, build confidence, and grow independence through a mix of physical activity, skill development, volunteering, and an exciting expedition experience.

This term, pupils will choose from a range of activities for the skills section, such as Cooking and Nutrition, Theatre Appreciation, and Media. These activities allow pupils to explore their interests, be creative, and gain valuable life skills. Each chosen activity will be completed for a minimum of three months, giving pupils time to learn and progress.

Year 10 Autumn Term PSHE

In the first half of the Autumn term (Being Me in My World), students will think about their personal goals and responsibilities, and how they fit into the school and the wider world. They’ll learn about teamwork, democracy, and how their actions can affect others.

In the second half (Celebrating Difference), the focus will be on understanding diversity and tackling prejudice and discrimination. Students will explore what makes people unique, challenge stereotypes, and learn ways to manage conflict and prevent bullying.

All lessons are adapted to suit students’ learning needs, making sure the content is clear, accessible, and meaningful for everyone.

Year 10 Autumn Term Social Enterprise

Autumn 1
Year 10 will begin their Social Enterprise journey by learning the basics of profit and costs when making items to sell. Students will get hands-on experience using the Cricut machine to design and create vinyl transfers for different products, such as fabric gift bags and metal tins. They’ll start using the Cricut Design App on their own, building confidence in creating custom designs.
They’ll also learn practical skills like preparing vinyl and applying their designs to finished products—combining creativity with real-world business understanding. As part of their creative work, students will personalise a tote bag using braiding, trims, and simple hand stitching for a unique touch.

Autumn 2
Year 10 will build on these skills by learning how to measure and size their designs accurately and add multiple colours. They’ll have the chance to personalise a wider range of products, including trickier curved items like bottles, cups, and money boxes. This will help them develop problem-solving skills as they adapt designs to fit different shapes.
Students will also revisit the idea of profit by working out prices for the Christmas Fair, considering material costs, labour, and vinyl expenses. At the end of term, they’ll sell their products at the school Christmas Fair, then review their sales and calculate their profits—bringing together creativity and business planning.

Year 10 Autumn Term Life Skills Challenge

Autumn 1 – Tuesday Lifeskills Activities

Students take part in creative and practical challenges that build communication, independence, and awareness of future careers. Activities include:

• Photography – Using cameras or tablets to capture images and express ideas, helping students explore their environment and develop creativity.
• Careers with Roblox – Learning about different jobs and how income works through the Bloxburg game, introducing career pathways in a fun, interactive way.
• Gardening – A multi-sensory experience where students plant and care for gardens, using touch, smell, and sight to connect with nature and learn responsibility.
• Music Choices – Exploring musical preferences and making choices using their preferred communication method, supporting confidence and self-expression.

Autumn 2 – Tuesday Lifeskills Activities

Students continue developing practical and creative skills through new challenges:

• Photography – Learning how to take clear, well-composed photos and create a small portfolio or display.
• Minecraft Building – Researching and recreating famous buildings like Big Ben or the Eiffel Tower in Minecraft, building problem-solving and digital skills.
• Local History – Investigating the history of the local area through research, timelines, and visits, helping students understand their community.
• Music – Taking part in music activities such as learning rhythms, playing instruments, or creating sounds digitally, encouraging creativity and teamwork.

Year 10 Autumn Term Life Skills Challenge

Autumn 1 – Thursday Lifeskills Activities

Students take part in practical challenges that help build independence, communication, and community awareness. Activities include:

• Community Artwork – Creating a piece of work inspired by local initiatives, encouraging creativity and a sense of belonging.
• Pop-Up Café Experience – First, students practise interacting in a café setting, then plan and run their own event. This develops teamwork, customer service, and money-handling skills.
• Gym Skills – Learning how to use gym equipment safely to support physical health and wellbeing.
• Gardening – Growing plants with guidance from Chiltern Rangers, promoting responsibility and care for the environment.
• Local Event Reporting – Observing and reporting on community events to build recall, communication, and confidence.

Autumn 2 – Thursday Lifeskills Activities

Students continue developing practical and creative skills through new challenges:

• Community Artwork – Designing and producing an artwork that reflects their local area, such as a mural or collage.
• Customer Service in a Pop-Up Café – Greeting customers, taking orders, preparing simple food or drinks, and handling payments.
• Trip or Event Participation – Planning and taking part in a visit to a local attraction, learning about preparation and safety.
• Outdoor Gardening – Working together to plan and maintain a garden space, planting flowers or vegetables.
• Dance Performance – Learning and rehearsing a dance routine, then performing for an audience to build confidence and creativity.