Year 7 Autumn Term
English
Maths
Science
Forest School
Religion & Ethics (R&E)
Art
Design Crafts
Music
Expressive Arts
PE
Employability
Humanities
Food Technology
Home Management
PSHE
Social & Emotional Skills
Year 7 Autumn Term English
In the first half of the Autumn term, Year 7 students will complete baseline assessments to help us understand where each student is in their learning journey. They’ll then explore “Pictures to Words,” studying the creative work of Carl Warner and learning how to write detailed descriptions. Students will also investigate “Cavemen to Emojis,” discovering how humans have communicated throughout history and learning to read emotions and feelings in different forms of communication.
In the second half of the term, students will study graphic novels, including The Snowman and Father Christmas, exploring how stories can be told through images. As we approach the festive season, they’ll also read and discuss the Christmas Story, with a particular focus on “Voices of the Nativity” to understand different perspectives in the narrative.
Year 7 Autumn Term Maths
In Year 7, we help students build on what they’ve learned in Primary school, making sure they feel confident and ready to take the next steps in maths.
This term, we’ll be focusing on Numbers and the Number System. Students will practise recognising small groups of objects without counting (a skill called subitising) and will work on quickly recalling number bonds to 10, 20, and 100. These are important building blocks for mental maths.
They’ll also continue to develop their skills in reading, writing, and ordering numbers, and use these to solve problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Along the way, they’ll become more familiar with mathematical vocabulary and learn how to use it to understand and solve simple word problems.
Later in the term, we’ll explore topics like position and direction, money, and handling data, helping students apply their number knowledge in real-life contexts.
Year 7 Autumn Term Science
In the first half of the Autumn term, Year 7 students will be learning about food and digestion. They’ll explore how our bodies break down food and absorb nutrients, and they’ll also learn about other important aspects of health and wellbeing, including the harmful effects of smoking and alcohol.
In the second half of the term, we’ll move on to learning about materials and their properties. Students will discover how different materials behave and how we can explain these behaviours using the idea of particles. They’ll learn how materials change between solids, liquids, and gases, and we’ll finish the term by exploring how some materials can be grouped as acids or alkalis.
Year 7 Autumn Term Religion and Ethics
Year 7 – Exploring Beliefs and Belonging
Autumn Term – What Do People Believe?
Students explore what “religion” and “belief” mean, considering identity, belonging, and how beliefs influence daily life. Questions include:
- Why do people believe different things?
- How do beliefs shape how we behave?
- What gives us a sense of belonging?
Activities include identity shields, class “belief maps,” reflective drawing, and group discussions.
Parent support: Chat about family traditions, values, or special celebrations.
Year 7 Autumn Term Art
In Art this term, Year 7 students are developing their creativity and confidence through a range of exciting activities. They are learning how to use line, tone, shape, pattern, colour, and texture in their artwork, while building important skills like risk-taking and resilience.
They’re also learning how to talk and write about art using key vocabulary, helping them to express their ideas clearly and confidently—an important part of developing social interaction skills.
Students are practising how to draw objects by observing them carefully, encouraging them to take creative risks and build resilience when trying new techniques. They’re also learning how to work safely and independently in the Art Studio, developing their organisation and responsibility.
Year 7 Autumn Term Design Crafts
This term, pupils will be introduced to a variety of materials and explore different ways to create imaginative outcomes. Their designs will reflect their own ideas and experiences, helping them express themselves creatively.
Key learning will include:
- Using tools and equipment safely (e.g., scissors, glue, stamps).
- Choosing and combining materials such as paper, card, fabric, and clay.
- Understanding how to evaluate their work as part of the creative process.
- Building sensory confidence through hands-on activities.
These lessons aim to develop creativity, problem-solving, and practical skills in a fun and supportive environment.
Year 7 Autumn Term Music
The music curriculum at Alfriston has been carefully designed to be therapeutic, and to promote confidence and a growth mindset for all our girls. We aim to be absolutely inclusive and to meet our girls whatever their level or need. Our Learning for Living skills of Engagement, Independence, Risk Taking, Resilience and Social Interaction are promoted in every lesson, and in some of our topics, Organisation will be an important focus.
We begin with a varied selection of Rhythm work, and presume nothing in terms of prior knowledge. From the outset we promote a safe and encouraging classroom atmosphere, with plenty of fun and achievement, and we aim to build confidence in our new students.
We move on to the Alfriston Singing Course – and learn technique from the outset. Singing is very important at Alfriston, as it enables everyone to perform quality music without the need for a separate instrument; they, and we, take great pride in their work. The culmination of the half term’s singing will be performances at Christmas.
Year 7 Autumn Term Expressive Arts
This term, Year 7 students are exploring the theme “Out of this World” through drama and visual storytelling. Using The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe as inspiration, they will study a range of artworks based on the story to spark their imagination and creativity.
Students will begin to build basic performance skills by taking part in a teacher-led drama piece, helping them grow in confidence, teamwork, and self-expression. This unit encourages students to connect with stories in new ways and express their ideas through both visual and performance-based activities.
Year 7 Autumn Term PE
This term, pupils will learn how to get organised for PE lessons and understand why regular physical activity is important for a healthy lifestyle. In health-related fitness sessions, they’ll explore how exercise benefits overall wellbeing.
A big focus will be on developing fundamental movement skills through fun activities and team games. These will help pupils improve agility, balance, coordination, and spatial awareness—skills that are useful both in sports and everyday life.
Pupils will also take part in swimming lessons, where they’ll build water confidence, learn basic strokes, and understand the safety rules for using the pool.
Year 7 Autumn Term Humanities
This term, students will be introduced to History and Geography through exciting and practical activities.
History
Students will learn what History is and why it matters today. They’ll explore big questions like Who? What? Where? When? How? Why? and discover:
- How historians gather evidence and interpret sources
- What makes a good historian, including skills like asking questions, analysing information, and thinking critically
By the end of the term, students will understand that History isn’t just about facts and dates—it’s about people, events, and societies across time.
Geography
Students will begin exploring Geography by learning the difference between physical geography (natural features like rivers and weather) and human geography (how people live and interact with the environment). They’ll investigate:
- Continents, countries, and key physical features of the world
- Global issues such as climate change, sustainability, and urban growth
- Practical skills like map reading, interpreting data, and simple fieldwork techniques
This term helps students build curiosity about the world and develop skills they’ll use throughout their education.
Year 7 Autumn Term Food Technology
This term, pupils will be introduced to the Food Room and learn the routines and expectations for working safely in a practical environment. They’ll make a mix of sweet and savoury dishes, giving them the chance to try different preparation techniques.
Key learning will include:
- How to use knives and equipment safely (e.g., grating, peeling, slicing, and chopping).
- Following recipes using both pictures and words.
- Working hygienically—washing up and clearing away properly.
- Teamwork skills—tidying up together and supporting each other in their groups.
These lessons will help pupils build confidence in the kitchen while learning important life skills.
Year 7 Autumn Term Forest School
Year 7 students are currently being introduced to the Forest School ethos through a series of fun and engaging outdoor sessions. These sessions are all about exploration, creativity, and building confidence in a natural setting.
Students are learning the key rules for staying safe and respectful in the forest, while also developing a strong sense of responsibility and awareness of the world around them. Through a mix of team games, creative crafts, and free play, they’re building friendships, improving their social skills, and growing in confidence and independence.
Year 7 Employability
In Year 7, students are being introduced to the world of work through our employability programme, which focuses on building confidence, self-awareness, and essential life skills.
This term, they’ll explore topics such as:
- Why people work and the different types of jobs available in the local area
- Recognising their own strengths and how to work well with others
- Teamwork and communication through practical group activities
- Everyday life skills like following instructions, managing time, using money, and staying safe
The programme also supports the early development of independence and social interaction, with clear links to EHCP outcomes in communication, learning, and preparation for adulthood.
Year 7 PSHE
In the first half of the term, our theme is “Being Me in My World.” Students will learn about feeling safe and valued, what it means to be part of a class, and their rights and responsibilities. They’ll discuss rewards, feeling proud, and the impact of consequences. Together, they will create a Learning Charter, helping to build a positive classroom culture and a strong sense of belonging.
In the second half of the term, the focus is “Celebrating Difference.” Students will explore similarities and differences between people, learn how to recognise and respond to bullying, and develop strategies to deal with it. Activities will encourage making new friends and appreciating diversity, helping students understand and respect what makes each person unique.
Year 7 Home Management
This term, Year 7 students are learning practical household skills that build confidence and independence. They’ll practise everyday tasks such as ironing safely, loading and unloading the dishwasher, and sorting laundry into the right groups. Students will also learn how to read clothing labels and use a washing machine and tumble dryer responsibly.
In addition, they’ll develop good habits through cleaning routines like dusting, polishing, and vacuuming, and learn how to make a bed and change bedding efficiently. These skills help students feel more capable and prepared for daily life.
At half term, pupils receive a Home Management Task Booklet with 25 activities to try at home. Each completed task is signed off by an adult, and students earn a bronze, silver, or gold certificate based on how many tasks they complete—making it a fun way to practise and celebrate their progress!