Year 7 Summer Term English

The Summer term takes students on an exciting journey through Myths, Legends, and Folklore from around the world. They’ll explore Greek mythology (studying gods and demigods), Norse legends (learning about Norns, gods, dwarves and elves), and Egyptian tales (discovering gods and pharaohs). Students will also investigate British folklore, including the stories of Robin Hood, King Arthur, Beowulf, and Gawain and the Green Knight.

To make these ancient stories relevant, students will connect them to modern retellings such as Percy Jackson, Magnus Chase, Kane Chronicles, and The Weirdstone of Brisingamen. Throughout the term, they’ll link back to the 7 Basic Plots and explore the concept of the monomyth—the hero’s journey that appears across cultures and time periods

Year 7 Summer Term Maths

This term, pupils will build on what they’ve learned so far to further develop their number fluency. Key areas of focus will include:

• Place value, ordering and comparing numbers
• Using language linked to different operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) to help solve word problems more confidently
• An introduction to fractions, decimals and percentages (where appropriate)

These skills will support pupils as they apply their knowledge to topics such as Measures, Time and Shape. They will explore weight, length and capacity through practical activities, which will also connect to other areas of the curriculum.

All Year 7 pupils will cover the same topics from the Alfriston Maths curriculum, but at a pace that suits their individual needs—ensuring everyone can achieve and feel challenged.

Year 7 Summer Term Science

Year 7 Summer Term Religion and Ethics

Year 7 – Exploring Beliefs and Belonging

Summer Term – Islam: Living With Faith and Purpose
Students explore the Five Pillars of Islam, the importance of community (Ummah), and the significance of prayer, charity, and fasting. They learn about mosques, the Qur’an, and festivals like Ramadan and Eid.

Parent support: Talk about respect, community, and commitment to beliefs.

Year 7 Summer Term Art

In the Summer term pupils will be exploring the theme of ‘Food’ through Art. They will look at how artists have shown what we eat over the years. Part of the project will focus on Pop Art and the work of artists Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Wayne Thiebaud. Pupils will get the chance to create their own artwork in response to the work of others. They will explore drawing, photography, printing and sculpture.

Year 7 Summer Term Design Craft

This term students will be working across the Design Crafts department to create a collaborative body of work for an exhibition that will be accessible by the wider community. Working to a set theme and brief each year group will work on an aspect of the theme creating a range of 2D and 3D works. Students will have the opportunity to engage with a wide range of materials, equipment and bespoke skills workshops to reflect their ability levels. Each group will create their own designs but will work together across the year groups to co-create the wider exhibition. This work will be exhibited to the wider community and students will participate in curating, installing, presenting and stewarding their exhibition to the community.

Year 7 Summer 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.

Students will continue to compose at their own level. Chrome lab is introduced and basic skills taught, in order that the girls can compose riffs and melodies over specific chord sequences. We aim to foster pride in the work and even those who do not enjoy live performing will have excellent opportunities to share work, and begin to build resilience and risk-taking skills.

The Alfriston Singing Course continues this term as we work towards the summer show, improving singing technique, active listening and simple harmony work.

Year 7 Summer Term Expressive Arts

This term students will be devising a performance based on the theme of musicals. The main focus will be delivering this performance to an audience from our local community.

Year 7 Summer Term PE

During the summer term, Year 7 pupils will focus on building their athletic skills in a fun and supportive environment. They will learn:

• Running techniques – including good starts and strong finishes
• Throwing and jumping skills – such as standing jumps and safe throwing
• Health and Safety rules for athletics

These activities will help pupils feel confident and prepared for Alfriston School Sports Day.

In addition, pupils will enjoy Striking and Fielding games like rounders and cricket. These games develop hand-eye coordination, teamwork, and basic bat-and-ball skills, all within friendly and competitive sessions that encourage participation and cooperation.

Swimming will continue weekly, giving pupils the chance to improve their stroke techniques. They will start by refining body position and breathing, then progress to more efficient and coordinated movements.

Finally, pupils will also complete a cycling assessment during the term.

Year 7 Summer 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. These essential skills are transferable to their future employment.

Year 7 Summer Term PSHE

Summer 1 – Changing and Growing
This term focuses on understanding change and growth, both physically and emotionally. Through JIGSAW and RSHE themes, students learn about the changes that occur as we grow, strategies for coping with these changes, and how to build resilience and confidence. Lessons encourage positive self-image and emotional wellbeing, while reinforcing respect for self and others.

Summer 2 – Preparing for Transitions
The emphasis moves to managing transitions and developing independence. Students explore feelings about change, goal-setting, and maintaining healthy relationships. RSHE content supports discussions around personal safety, seeking help when needed, and understanding how to care for physical and emotional health. Creative activities and reflection help students prepare for new experiences and strengthen life skills.

Year 7 Summer Term Food Technology

The pupils working in Food Technology will focus on basic cooking and food preparation skills. Pupils will learn how to work safely in the kitchen as well as developing, an understanding of what Food Technology is and learn the important hygiene and healthy eating rules. They will learn about basic nutrition and the importance of a balanced diet. Pupils will cook a wide range of dishes from a variety of simple recipes. Pupils will gain independence in the kitchen and begin to discuss the skills they are learning.

Year 7 pupils will focus on the importance of a healthy diet. They will learn that it is made up from a variety and balance of different foods and drinks, as depicted in the ‘Eatwell’ Guide. They will be able to identify and classify unfamiliar dishes according to the 5 groups depicted in the Eatwell guide.

Year 7 Summer Term Forest School

The pupils working in Forest School will be outside in the woodland area having a hands-on opportunity to learn about the natural environment through directed tasks and exploration. They will be guided to use their own initiative to solve problems and cooperate with others. The students will be given a large amount of freedom in their learning.

In Year 7 there will be a large focus on organising ourselves and being prepared for each lesson as well as becoming familiar with the rules and ready for learning. The main theme throughout the lessons will be building relationships and team work. Some of the activities throughout the year will include den building, fire lighting and exploration.

Year 7 Summer Term Home Management

In Year 7, students take part in our Home Management curriculum, which is designed to help them develop essential life skills for greater independence at home and in the community. The curriculum includes practical activities such as household tasks like cleaning and laundry, and learning about personal hygiene and safety in the home. Lessons are hands-on and adapted to meet the needs of each learner, helping to build their confidence, responsibility, and self-care skills.

Year 7 Summer Term Employability

As part of our employability curriculum, students take part in a wide range of practical activities designed to develop the skills they need for the world of work. Communication and teamwork are built through role-play scenarios, group tasks, and learning how to follow and give instructions. Workplace behaviours are introduced through timekeeping, dressing appropriately, understanding health and safety, and completing routine tasks like filing, sorting, and basic admin. Practical experiences such as food preparation, cleaning, and using simple tools help build confidence and independence. Digital skills are developed through activities like creating a CV, job searching online, and using computers for word processing, emails, and spreadsheets.

Year 7 Summer Term Humanities

History: People Who Changed the World

Pupils will study inspiring women in history who broke barriers and made a difference in the world. They will learn about pioneers in medicine, education, politics, and science, exploring:

• The challenges these women faced and how they overcame them.
• The impact of their achievements on society.
• The story and meaning behind International Women’s Day.

Later in the term, pupils will investigate World War One, finding out:

• What caused one of the biggest wars in history.
• What life was like for soldiers on the front line.
• How women and children helped to keep Britain running at home.

This topic helps pupils understand courage, sacrifice, and the importance of remembering the past.

Geography: Human Geography and Migration

In their final Geography unit, pupils will explore migration — the movement of people from one place to another. They will learn:

• Why people move — for work, safety, or a better life.
• What migration looks like in the UK and across Europe.
• How migration has shaped communities and created diversity.

Through stories, maps, and case studies, pupils will develop empathy and understanding of different cultures and experiences.