Dear Parents,
Welcome to the Year 7: ‘Preparation for Learning’ handbook for Summer 1.
What is Preparation for Learning?
Homework at Mayfield has been revised to allow students to develop their independent learning and
extended writing skills. Whilst Maths homework will be set every lesson to embed the skills learnt in
school, all other subjects will set in-depth projects allowing students to develop key skills and a love of the
subject.
How much work should my child receive?
Each half term students will have four projects on top of the regular maths tasks. The planned schedule is:
Summer 1
Maths
Project
1
Project
2
Project
3
Project
4
English
Technology
MFL
Biology
Therefore, this half term, all year 7 students will complete a project for English, Technology, M.F.L and
Biology. To support students to plan their time, every subject has divided the projects into manageable
tasks which should take half an hour a week. Some students may wish to spend longer depending on their
engagement in the task. In total, every student should spend two hours a week on project work and also
complete the additional Maths tasks.
What support will my child receive?
All tasks are available in detail on the school ‘Moodle.’ Students can access this through the Mayfield
school webpage using their usual school log in and password. Students have received training on this in ICT
lessons.
On the Moodle, students can access support materials and useful internet links. Some of the tasks also
have support sheets and differentiated materials for different ability students. Guidance on this will be
given by the subject teachers.
The school library also hold a selection of books to support each of the projects.
Should your child not have internet access at home, we can provide paper copies of the tasks and support
material.
How can I support my child?
The most important support will be to have regular discussions at home about the projects and how they
are going.
Please remind students that projects should be handwritten unless stated by a teacher in the task. This is
to develop students’ literacy and subject specific vocabulary and spelling.
If you have a concern about your child’s progress, please make a note in their planner to communicate
with the tutor.
How will the projects be marked?
Projects will be marked within two weeks of the deadline, and feedback will be given to students in lesson.
All students will also be given a homework grade when data is posted home. These grades have been
revised and from the end of Spring 2 they will be represented on a number scale from 1-5:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
All of the set tasks have been completed to an exceptional quality.
The majority of the set work has been completed to a good standard.
Some parts of the set work are incomplete, missing or of poor quality.
Work has not been handed in.
Work has not yet been set in this subject.
This half term’s projects
The remaining pages outline the four pupil tasks for this half term. They include an outline of how the
projects have been broken down and also a mark scheme to allow students to assess their own progress.
Students will be guided in how to fill in empty deadlines by their subject teachers.
Subject: English
Task: Poetry
I need to bring the first half of my project to the lesson on: Friday 8th May 2015
My finished project has to be presented to the class on: Friday 22nd May 2015
What do I have to include?
This project involves you responding to different poems that are in the Year 7 collection. Each task could be on a
different poem.
Task 1 – Imagery in poems
- Pick one of the poems and draw an image or set of images inspired
by a line or set of lines from the poem. Copy the quotation(s) and
draw the image. What is the effect of this image on the reader?
How does it make them feel?
Task 2 – Summarising in your own words
- Pick one of the poems and summarise it in your own words. What
happens? Show that you have read and understood the poem.
Turning things that you have read into your own words is a skill that
you need to use at GCSE so take your time and use a thesaurus if you
get stuck.
Task 3 – Poetic Devices
Pick one of the poems and label any SPAMROD devices which have
been used. Look in your planner if you are still struggling with
SPAMROD. Can you write a PEEE paragraph about one of these
devices and how it works?
Task 4 – Learning a poem off by heart
- Pick one of the poems from the collection or choose one of your own
and try to learn it off by heart. Memorising poems and reciting them
is a skill which may help you in the future if you ever have to give a
speech or learn big pieces of writing. Be ready to perform this poem
in lessons next week and to explain why you picked it.
Task 5 – Writing your own poem
- Using these poems as a starting point to inspire you, create your own
poem on a similar theme or topic. Try to mirror some of the choices
and devices which these poets have used. Illustrate your poem so
that it looks effective.
Task 1 to be completed by
Friday 24th April 2015
Task 2 to be completed by
Friday 1st May 2015
Task 3 to be completed by
___________________
Friday 8th May 2015
Task 4 to be completed by
Friday 15th May 2015
___________________
Task 5 to be completed by
Thursday 21st May 2015
2015.___________________
Where can I find information?




Speak to your English teacher or the librarian for support with poems.
Look at the resources on Moodle and use the Year 7 Poetry booklet.
http://www.rhymezone.com/help/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/topics/zh8wxnb
IF YOU ARE STUCK, YOU MUST TELL US AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO WE CAN HELP YOU!
Subject: English
Mark scheme: Poetry
1) I will decide my National Curriculum Grade
Level 3
My spelling, punctuation and grammar need some work because they often make my writing hard to follow.
I have produced a set of poetry resources which show some understanding of the poems but are muddled.
Level 4
My spelling, punctuation and grammar is developing but I often make mistakes when attempting something more
ambitious.
I have produced a good set of poetry resources which show that I understand the poems and can start to analyse
imagery and devices.
Level 5
My spelling, punctuation and grammar are often accurate.
I have produced a thoughtful and well organised set of poetry resources which show good understanding of the
poems and appreciation of some of the poet’s choices including imagery, devices and structure.
Level 6
My spelling, punctuation and grammar are always accurate.
I have produced a detailed and exciting set of poetry resources which show confident understanding of the poems
and thoughtful analysis of imagery, language, devices and structure.
2) I will decide my ‘Attitude to Learning’ Grade
Attitude 1
I have completed all the tasks to a high standard and handed them in on time.
I have presented all of my work in a neat and well organised way and my handwriting is neat.
I have used a large range of revision strategies to learn the poem.
Attitude 2
I have completed all of the tasks and handed them in on time.
I have presented each task well with thought given to my handwriting and the way I organise my work.
I have used different revision strategies to learn the poem.
Attitude 3
I have completed all of the tasks and handed them in on time.
My project is presented in a simple and sometimes not particularly clear or organised way.
I have used only basic revision strategies to learn the poem.
Attitude 4
I have not completed all the tasks and/or failed to hand them in on time. I have not learned the poem.
My project is presented in a muddled or messy way with little effort given to my handwriting or my organisation.
Subject: Science
Task: Environment and adaptation
I need to bring the first half of my project booklet to the lesson on: Friday 8th May 2015.
My finished project booklet has to be handed in on: Friday 22nd May 2015.
What do I have to include?
In this project: you are going to find out how an organism is adapted, and to design your own organism explaining
how it is suited to an environment.
Task 1 – My Animal
-
-
Design the title for your poster: Environments. Think of a word that
describes the title for each letter of the word. (e.g.: E = energy or N =
natural)
Produce a definition for each of the following words: Habitat,
Environment, Predator, Prey and Species.
As an extension also define: Food web, Food Chain and Adaptation.
Task 1 to be completed by
Friday 24th April 2015
Task 2 – Where am I going to live?
-
Draw and describe an animal. It can be fictional or an existing
species.
Task 2 to be completed by
Produce an information poster on your animal.
Friday 1st May 2015
Using the same animal, find information on your animal’s natural
habitat and add this to your poster.
2015.2015.
As an extension: can you add an explanation about the environmental conditions in which your animal lives?
Task 3 – How will I cope with changing seasons?
-
Describe the changes which occur in your habitat.
As an extension: can you explain what changes your animal has to
make to survive?
Task 3 to be completed by
Friday 8th May 2015
Task 4 – What am I going to eat? / How can I avoid being eaten?
-
-
Predator or Prey? Which is your animal? What would your animal’s
Task 4 to be completed by
predator be in the wild or what would its prey be? What adaptations
Friday 15th May 2015
does your animal have? Explain fully in a written paragraph.
(Remember to use P.E.E to structure your paragraphs.)
As an extension: give a detailed account of the adaptations of your organism and explain how it helps it survive.
Task 5 – Design a food chain that includes your animal.
-
Task 5 to be completed by
Do not forget to include which direction the energy is flowing.
As an extension: can you produce a food web that includes your
Thursday 21st May 2015
animal?
Add a written explanation of the food chain and/or web. Remember to use your literacy skills and include
describing words and connectives in your answer.
Where can I find information?



Ask your Science teacher; we will support you if you are struggling and have tried!
Look on Moodle at the resources. Libraries- including the school library.
The Internet: http://www.primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/habitats.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks3/science
IF YOU ARE STUCK, YOU MUST TELL US AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO WE CAN HELP YOU!
Subject: Science
Mark scheme: Environment and adaptation
1) I will decide my National Curriculum Grade
Level 4
I am able to describe the features of an organism.
I am able to describe the features of an environment.
I am able to provide definitions of the key terms.
Level 5
I am able to explain how changes in the environment affect the behaviour of an organism.
I am able to explain how the adaptations of an organism can help it catch prey or avoid being eaten.
I am able to construct a food web for my organism.
Level 6
I am able to produce a detailed account explaining how adaptations of an organism and its behaviour will aid its
survival.
Level 7
I can clearly explain how organisms relate to one another and the impact that an organism has on its environment.
2) I will decide my ‘Attitude to Learning’ Grade.
Attitude 1
I have completed all the tasks to a high standard and handed them in on time.
I have presented all of my work in a neat and well organised way with a front cover and neat handwriting.
I have used a large range of resources to complete my project.
Attitude 2
I have completed all of the tasks and handed them in on time.
I have presented each task well with thought given to my handwriting and the way I organise my work.
I have used different resources to complete my project.
Attitude 3
I have completed all of the tasks and handed them in on time.
My project is presented in a simple and sometimes not particularly clear or organised way.
I have used only basic resources.
Attitude 4
I have not completed all the tasks and/or failed to hand them in on time. I have copied and pasted from a computer
My project is presented in a muddled or messy way with little effort given to my handwriting or my organisation
Subject: MFL
Task: My Celebrity
I need to bring the first half of my project booklet to the lesson on:
My finished project booklet has to be handed in on:
(teacher will confirm date)
(teacher will confirm date)
What do I have to include?
Task 1 to be completed by
Task 1 – Introduction
-
Research a famous celebrity of your choice and design a front cover
for your project.
Task 2 – Personal information
-
Task 2 to be completed by
Create a fact file including all of the personal information about your
celebrity. This should include the DOB, full name and nationality.
Describe the physical characteristics of your celebrity.
Describe the personality of your celebrity.
Monday 11th May 2015
Task 4 to be completed by
Task 4 –Family
-
Tuesday 5th May 2015
___________________
Task 3 to be completed by
Task 3 – Description
-
Friday 24th April 2015
Add a description of your celebrity’s family.
Task 5 –Pets
- Does your celebrity have a pet?
- Complete presentation of your project.
- Check for capital letters, paragraphs and spelling.
Monday 18th May 2015
Task 5 to be completed by
Thursday 21st May 2015
___________________
Where can I find information?
Ask your Spanish Teacher.
Moodle.
Look in your exercise book; this is why you must make notes in lessons and present all work neatly.
The Internet; Linguascope can be accessed at home.
Some of you will be given a vocabulary mat.
IF YOU ARE STUCK YOU MUST TELL US AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO WE CAN HELP YOU!
Subject: MFL
Mark scheme: My Celebrity
1) I will decide my National Curriculum Grade
Level 1
I can copy a structure to name my celebrity.
I have labelled some pictures.
Level 2
I can use simple, short phrases to give details about my celebrity.
I have begun to write some words from memory.
Level 3
I can give details of my celebrity’s family and pets.
I can add simple opinions.
2) I will decide my ‘Attitude to Learning’ Grade.
Attitude 1
I have completed all the tasks to a high standard and handed them in on time.
I have presented all of my work in a neat and well organised way with a front cover and neat handwriting.
I have used a large range of resources to complete my project.
Attitude 2
I have completed all of the tasks and handed them in on time.
I have presented each task well with thought given to my handwriting and the way I organise my work.
I have used different resources to complete my project.
Attitude 3
I have completed all of the tasks and handed them in on time.
My project is presented in a simple and sometimes not particularly clear or
organised way.
I have used only basic resources.
Attitude 4
I have not completed all the tasks and/or failed to hand them in on time. I have copied and pasted from a computer
My project is presented in a muddled or messy way with little effort given to my handwriting or my organisation
Subject: Technology
Task: The Environment and Technology
I need to bring the first half of my project booklet to the lesson on:
My finished project booklet has to be handed in on:
(teacher will confirm date)
(teacher will confirm date)
What do I have to include?
Task 1 to be completed by
Task 1 – What is Global Warming?
-
Fill in the worksheet on global warming.
Task 2 – Research one product.
-
Create a mood-board of pictures of materials to be used.
Find existing examples of your product.
Look at colour schemes.
Task 3 – Design.
-
Task 2 to be completed by
Friday 1st May 2015
Task 3 to be completed by
Produce a design and annotate it fully. The design will be of either a
bug house, litter bin, or upcycled piece of clothing.
Friday 8th May 2015
Task 4 to be completed by
Task 4 –Make your project.
-
Friday 24th April 2015
Follow the task sheet to make a prototype of your product.
Task 5 –Evaluation
- Produce an extended piece of writing to evaluate the questions below:
- How good is your product?
- How can your product help protect the environment?
Friday 15th May 2015
Task 5 to be completed by
Thursday 21st May 2015
___________________
Where can I find information?
Look on the Moodle site.
Ask your technology teacher for help.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/find_out/guides/world/global_warming/newsid_1575000/1575441.s
tm
http://www.rspb.org.uk/makeahomeforwildlife/advice/gardening/insects/building_homes.aspx
http://www.growveg.com/growblogpost.aspx?id=329
http://practicalaction.org/6rs-sustainability
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/design/resistantmaterials/designsocialrev9.shtml
http://www.recyclingbins.co.uk/
http://www.theholdingcompany.co.uk/recycling-bag-prodpf_bag153/
IF YOU ARE STUCK YOU MUST TELL US AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO WE CAN HELP YOU!
Subject: Technology
Mark scheme: The Environment and Technology
1) I will decide my National Curriculum Grade
Level 4
I have generated ideas by collecting and using information. I have communicated my ideas using words, labelled
sketches and possibly models to show that I understand the design constraints.
I have applied my knowledge and understanding of materials, ingredients and components, and have worked with
them with some accuracy, paying attention to quality of finish and to function.
Level 5
I have developed my ideas by drawing on and using various sources of information. I have clarify my ideas through
sketching and modelling, showing my understanding of aesthetic and environmental aspects
I have worked with a range of tools, materials, ingredients, equipment, components and processes with some
precision and have creatively applied knowledge and understanding whilst demonstrating a range of techniques.
Level 6
I have responded creatively to the brief drawing on a range of sources of information, and shown that I understand
the form and function of familiar products as I have developed and modeled my ideas reflecting on environmental
impact whilst exploring ideas.
I have creatively applied my knowledge and understanding by responding to several aspects of the problem. I have
worked with a range of tools, materials, ingredients, equipment, components and processes to modify and
improve my design in light of progress.
2) I will decide my ‘Attitude to Learning’ Grade.
Attitude 1
I have completed all the tasks to a high standard and handed them in on time.
I have presented all of my work in a neat and well organised way with a front cover and neat handwriting.
I have used a large range of resources to complete my project.
Attitude 2
I have completed all of the tasks and handed them in on time.
I have presented each task well with thought given to my handwriting and the way I organise my work.
I have used different resources to complete my project.
Attitude 3
I have completed all of the tasks and handed them in on time.
My project is presented in a simple and sometimes not particularly clear or organised way.
I have used only basic resources.
Attitude 4
I have not completed all the tasks and/or failed to hand them in on time. I have copied and pasted from a computer
My project is presented in a muddled or messy way with little effort given to my handwriting or my organisation