Year 9 Autumn Term English

Year 9 begins with a powerful unit on Poetry of Conflict. Students will study war poetry, learning to empathize with evacuees and soldiers through the words of poets who experienced conflict firsthand. They’ll explore how rhythm and rhyme contribute to meaning, and develop their understanding of poetic devices including metaphor, simile, personification, and allusion. This unit helps students appreciate how poetry can convey complex emotions and historical experiences.

In the second half of the Autumn term, students will study Charles Dickens’ classic novella “A Christmas Carol.” They’ll explore the historical context of Victorian England, examine how the story has been adapted over time, and discuss the timeless themes of redemption, social responsibility, and the true meaning of Christmas.

Year 9 Autumn Term Maths

This term, Year 9 students are continuing to build their confidence and fluency with numbers, working on recalling key facts more quickly and accurately.

They’ll explore number patterns and learn how to make connections that help them solve more complex problems. To support their understanding, students will use practical resources (like counters or number lines) and begin to develop mental strategies for solving problems.

They’ll apply their maths skills to real-life situations, such as working out how much change they should get when shopping. Alongside this, they’ll use their knowledge of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to explore topics like money, position and direction.

Students will also practise sorting objects by different features (like size, shape, or colour) and learn how to read and interpret information from tables, diagrams, and graphs.

Year 9 Autumn Term Science

In the first half of the Autumn term, Year 9 students are learning about chemical changes. They’ll explore what happens when materials change in ways that can’t be reversed—known as chemical reactions. Students will look at how these reactions are used to make everyday materials, investigate energy changes during reactions, and take a closer look at baking as a fun and familiar example of chemical change. They’ll also learn about reactions between acids and alkalis.

In the second half of the term, the focus shifts to electricity and magnetism. Students will learn about electric charge, magnets, and magnetic fields. They’ll explore how magnets work, including the magnetic fields created by electric currents, and discover how these principles are used in everyday devices.

Year 9 Autumn Term ICT

This term, Year 9 students are learning to touch type—an essential digital skill that supports both learning and communication. Touch typing is especially valuable for students with cognitive or language needs, as it can be a more accessible and less frustrating way to express themselves than handwriting.

By learning to type in a structured and supportive environment, students are:

• Building confidence and fluency in using technology
• Developing independence and improving literacy skills
• Gaining important life and workplace skills for the future

This programme also supports key areas of development linked to EHCP outcomes, including communication, learning, and preparation for adulthood.

Year 9 Autumn Term Religion and Ethics

Year 9 – Thinking Deeply About Life, Philosophy, and Worldviews

Autumn Term – Buddhism: Understanding the Mind and Reducing Suffering
Students study the life of the Buddha, the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, meditation, and mindfulness.

Year 9 Autumn Term Art

This term in Art, students are exploring how creativity can support wellbeing and self-expression. They are learning how artists use their work to express emotions, and how art can be a powerful tool for mental health and communication.

Students are encouraged to:

• Enjoy the creative process by playing and experimenting with different materials
• Understand that it’s okay if a piece of work doesn’t turn out as expected—this helps build resilience and a positive mindset
• Use mark making to express their thoughts and feelings, developing their independence as young artists
• Talk about their work and the work of others, helping to build social interaction and confidence in sharing ideas

Year 9 Autumn Term Design Crafts

Creative Paper Design
In Autumn Term 1, Year 9 students will take part in a hands-on design project using paper. They’ll learn new creative techniques through structured activities, including making a paper cube, weaving paper designs, and crafting a 3D animal. These tasks help pupils develop precision in measuring and cutting, building confidence in fine motor skills and attention to detail. This unit combines creativity with discipline, providing a strong foundation for future design work.

No-Stitch Bag Project
Later this term, students will design and make a no-stitch bag featuring a Cricut design. They’ll start by creating a supported prototype to learn the process, then move on to a simple independent version, and finally produce a fully independent bag where they can add their own creative ideas.

Throughout the project, pupils will reflect on their progress by evaluating each of the three bags they make. This helps them understand how following clear instructions builds confidence and skills, leading to a final piece that is both independent and original.

Year 9 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 more Rhythm work, concentrating on Jazz. We learn about various Jazz styles and develop listening skills, work on some far more complex rhythms, and move these from simple rhythm instruments to keyboards in order to compose jazz. This promotes listening and independent and group performance, as well as our Learning for Living goals of full engagement, social interaction and risk taking.

We move on to more of the Alfriston Singing Course – and will learn more complex pieces of music ready for performances at Christmas. Students have more opportunities to sing solos and lead groups, sing harmony and choose music, alongside improving their own technique.

Year 9 Autumn Term Expressive Arts

This term, Year 9 students are working on a creative project inspired by the theme “Out of this World”, using The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe as a starting point. They will explore different adaptations of the story and study how artists and performers have brought it to life in various ways.

Building on their previous skills, students will work in small groups (ensembles) to develop their own original performance. This process encourages creative thinking, teamwork, and confidence, as they begin to understand what goes into creating a successful piece of drama.

Year 9 Autumn Term PE

This term, pupils will focus on three key areas: fundamental skills, swimming, and leadership.

They’ll continue to develop balance, agility, and coordination through a variety of activities and small-sided games. A strong emphasis will be placed on leadership skills, with pupils learning how to work as a team, communicate effectively, and support others. They’ll also take on leadership roles, including planning and delivering physical activities for a younger year group.

Swimming lessons will build on previous skills, focusing on stroke technique, breathing, and improving overall efficiency in the water.

To finish the term, pupils will take part in a week-long residential, where they’ll experience exciting outdoor and adventurous activities—an opportunity to challenge themselves, build confidence, and strengthen teamwork.

Year 9 Autumn Term Employability

This term, Year 9 students are focusing on understanding workplace expectations and developing greater independence and self-awareness.

They’ll explore:

• Different job roles and how they relate to their own interests and strengths
• The importance of professional behaviour, safety, and time management
• Everyday workplace skills such as punctuality, hygiene, communication, and problem-solving
• Practical topics like wages, uniforms, and body language

These lessons are designed to support students’ confidence, emotional development, and readiness for adult life, with clear links to EHCP outcomes in learning, social interaction, and preparation for the future.

Year 9 Autumn Term PSHE

In the first half of the Autumn term, our theme is “Being Me in My World.” Students will explore their personal goals, learn about their rights and responsibilities, and reflect on how their behaviour affects others. They’ll also develop their understanding of citizenship, the importance of teamwork, and how to have a positive voice within the school community.

In the second half of the term, the focus shifts to “Celebrating Difference.” Students will learn about diversity, including topics such as racism, bullying, and cultural differences. They’ll be encouraged to think about empathy, respect, and the idea that happiness isn’t just about material things.

The content is designed to be inclusive and adaptable, ensuring that all students can access and engage with the learning in a way that suits their individual needs.

Year 9 Autumn Term Food Technology

This term, we’ll be celebrating food from around the world! In the second half of the Autumn Term, you’ll make dishes for a Christmas-themed cultural celebration. Along the way, you’ll learn about food preservation, portioning, and presentation to make your dishes look and taste amazing.

You will:

• Learn how to work independently and safely in the Food Room.
• Use knives safely to prepare different ingredients.
• Work hygienically—washing up and clearing away properly.
• Practice teamwork by tidying up together with your group.

Get ready to explore new flavours, build your cooking skills, and have fun creating dishes to share!

Year 9 Autumn Term Forest School

This term, Year 9 students are taking part in a Forest School programme in partnership with Chiltern Rangers, with a focus on practical conservation and tool safety.

Students are gaining hands-on experience in caring for our Forest School area. They’re learning how to use tools such as loppers and spades safely and responsibly, while taking part in real conservation projects like habitat management, path maintenance, and clearing overgrown areas.

These sessions help students build practical skills, independence, and a sense of responsibility, all while enjoying and contributing to the natural environment.

Year 9 Autumn Term Humanities

Autumn Term 1 – Introduction to the Romans

In the first half of the autumn term, pupils will be introduced to the world of the Romans. They will explore what daily life was like during this era, including Roman society, culture, and technological advancements. Pupils will develop an understanding of how the Roman Empire expanded, the strategies used to build and maintain such a vast empire, and the lasting achievements that continue to influence the modern world today.

Autumn Term 2 – Our Planet and Sustainable Living

During the second half of the term, pupils will investigate some of the major environmental challenges facing our world. They will deepen their understanding of climate change, exploring its causes, consequences, and the global responses to it. Pupils will also examine different types of energy—renewable and non-renewable—and evaluate how energy choices impact the planet. A key focus will be on practical ways individuals and communities can adopt more sustainable lifestyles to help protect the environment.

Year 9 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.