Learning through REAL Projects fuses rigorous subject content with real world problem solving. This enables students to create extraordinary work that has a real, authentic purpose. It starts with an essential question and students learn through a combination of teacher-led masterclasses and independent study time in workshops. This enables them to produce high quality end-products through multiple drafts and peer critique. All work is celebrated with a public exhibition in the local community. 

In Year 7, students will embrace 3 projects, one per term. 

  

Term One – What Makes a Hero?  

Students investigate the qualities and circumstances that cause normal people to behave heroically. Then, they interview their personal hero and write up their biography whilst creating a pop art style portrait of them. This is professionally published into a book. The students take on all the roles required for a book to be published: researcher, artist, copy writer, editor, proof-reader. The books are available for all to buy from the school – a wonderful keepsake for their first term at Passmores! 

 

Term Two – Horrible Histories.  

Students create a short movie based on the Middle Ages. They write a humorous script and lyrics for a satirical song, make all the props and costumes, and finally, perform and film their spoof sketch. These are amalgamated into a film which is played at a première evening at the school for all to attend and enjoy. 

 

Term Three – How Can I Become a Better Learner? 

Learning skills and memory retention techniques are taught and practised to aid with revision for the end of year exams, as well as arming them for future years. Students then produce a detailed leaflet for next years’ Year 7 students and their parents, which gives specific and clear advice on the most effective learning strategies. These are distributed in the Year 7 Parents’ Information Evening at the start of the following September. 

 

This subject is assessed using 4 levels of achievement – Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Each workshop has clear success criteria detailing what is required for each level and how to progress from one level up to the next to reach maximum potential. 

Students focus on transferable skills in all lesson with an emphasis on the four 21^st Century skills: communication, creativity, collaboration and critical thinking. 

The department is led by Neil Gladwin and Dawn Moore. 

Neil is the Leader of Key Stage 3 Curriculum Development and Dawn is the Head of Foundation Learning and a Leader of Pedagogy.