Year 11 Autumn Term English

During the Autumn term, Year 11 students will focus on fact-finding and presenting. They’ll develop modern communication skills through vlogging, learn techniques for debating effectively, and practice building logical arguments. Speaking and Listening components will be integrated throughout this work. Students will also engage in literary exposure activities designed to build their cultural capital and broaden their understanding of literature and the world.

Year 11 Autumn Term Maths

In Year 11, pupils will continue working on the qualification pathway that best suits their needs. They will:

• Develop their fluency in number bonds and multiplication facts, using this knowledge to check answers and solve problems confidently
• Strengthen their understanding of data handling, money, shape, time, and measures
• Build independence in solving problems at a level appropriate to them

Pupils will also explore how different concepts link together. For example, they might count the sides of a shape or add the lengths of sides to calculate its perimeter. These skills will help pupils apply Maths to real-life situations and prepare for success in their qualifications.

Year 11 Autumn Term Science

Explore Chemistry & Space – What Your Child Will Learn

• Final Frontiers – Children learn about the solar system, how planets and moons move under gravity, and what stars are. They explore how stars form, change over time, and produce the light and energy we see.
• Acids and Alkalis – They discover how indicators show if something is acidic or alkaline, how neutralisation works, and how these reactions are used in everyday life.
• How Fast? How Slow? – Children learn what affects the speed of chemical reactions, including temperature and concentration. They also explore how enzymes act as catalysts in living things.
• Are You Overreacting? – They investigate how metals react with oxygen, water, and acids, and learn about the reactivity series, which helps predict how metals behave in real-world situations.

Year 11 Autumn Term Work Experience

Work experience placements are a vital part of preparing students for adulthood, offering meaningful opportunities to explore the world of work in a safe and supported environment. For our students, these placements help to build confidence, develop communication and social skills, and provide a real understanding of workplace expectations such as punctuality, teamwork, and responsibility. They also allow pupils to apply practical skills they have learned in school, such as problem-solving, following instructions, and staying organised. Importantly, work experience helps young people discover their interests and talents, which can shape their future aspirations and increase their chances of securing further education, training, or employment. Between September and the end of the Autumn Term we take the students on visits to local workplaces to give them a taste of what is on offer (a supermarket, an office, retail establishments, etc.). We discuss work options and build on their employability skills. From January we offer tailored and supportive work experience placements in the local community (individual, group or supported) which can be particularly empowering, promoting independence and a sense of purpose beyond the classroom.

Year 11 Autumn Term Religion and Ethics

Year 11 – Philosophical and Theological Inquiry

Autumn Term – Philosophy of Religion
Students explore questions about the existence of God, the problem of suffering, life after death, and religious experience.

Parent support: Encourage discussion at home about news stories, moral dilemmas, religious festivals, and big life questions.

Year 11 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 11 Autumn Term PE

This term, we’ll be focusing on invasion games and swimming.

In invasion games, you’ll work on teamwork and communication by playing activities that need you to plan strategies and work together as a team. You’ll learn how to cooperate, respect others, and feel part of a team while having fun.

In swimming, you’ll keep improving your fitness in the water and learn important self-rescue skills to stay safe.

Some pupils will also join a cycling programme, where you’ll practice riding skills, build confidence on a bike, and boost your overall fitness.

Year 11 Autumn Term Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

In Year 11, pupils move into the second year of the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award after completing their Skill and Physical sections in Year 10. This year focuses on Volunteering and the Expedition.

For volunteering, pupils complete activities in their own time. Many choose to support school clubs as Sports Leaders or take on Prefect duties during breaks and lunchtimes. These roles help pupils develop responsibility, leadership, and a sense of contribution to the wider school community.

Throughout the year, lessons are dedicated to expedition training in preparation for the assessed expedition in the summer term. This practical part of the programme teaches essential outdoor and teamwork skills. Pupils will learn how to cook on a Trangia, improve walking proficiency, practice navigation, and pitch tents—building confidence and resilience for the challenge ahead.

Year 11 Autumn Term PSHE

Autumn 1: Being Me in My World
Students will explore themes like identity, belonging, and self-awareness as they settle into secondary school. They’ll think about their personal strengths, set goals, and learn how their behaviour affects themselves and others. Topics include peer pressure, staying safe online, and respecting different beliefs.

Autumn 2: Celebrating Difference
This unit focuses on diversity, inclusion, and anti-bullying. Students will look at stereotypes and prejudice, understand the impact of discrimination, and learn strategies to manage conflict. They’ll also celebrate individuality and practise building respectful relationships.

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

Year 11 Autumn Term Work Related Learning

This half term, students will be introduced to work-related learning through practical and engaging activities. They’ll develop important skills for the future, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Lessons will also help them explore different careers, think about their interests, and understand the skills needed for various jobs.

These activities link to key life skills, including:

• Employment – preparing for work and understanding job roles.
• Independent Living – making decisions and expressing preferences.
• Community Inclusion – learning how to interact confidently in different settings.

The aim is to support personalised learning and help students prepare for adult life in a way that feels meaningful and achievable.

Year 11 Autumn Term Life Skills Challenge

Autumn 1 – Tuesday Lifeskills Activities

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

• Photography – Using cameras or tablets to capture images and express ideas, encouraging creativity and confidence.
• Careers with Roblox – Exploring different jobs and how income works through the Bloxburg game, making career learning fun and interactive.
• 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 – Discovering musical preferences and making choices using their preferred communication method, supporting self-expression and decision-making.

Autumn 2 – Tuesday Lifeskills Activities

Students will 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 11 Autumn Term Life Skills Challenge

Autumn 1 – Thursday Lifeskills Activities

Students will take part in practical activities that help build independence, communication, and confidence in the community. These 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 will 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.