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Year 9 Themes

Curriculum

Year 9 themes provide a transition between Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. Below you can see the outline of themes in Year 9.

Click on the icons for more subject information.

Subject 
English
Science
Geography
History
RE
Technology
Computer Science

Autumn term

Subject focus

DRIVING QUESTION: Whose Earth is it anyway?

This is a Humanities based theme that begins with students discussing the different elements of the theme and the driving question. They then revisit religious views about creation and how people explain how Earth was made. Students investigate what Earth is like through a study of the impact of factors on ecosystems and an in-depth study of a chosen ecosystem. From here, students study the impact of weather on Earth and the people who live there before moving on to a study of the physical geography of Africa. The next area of study involves how humans have affected Earth from drawing borders in Africa in the 19th century, through different rates of development to the impact of different factors internationally and locally, summing up with the impact of climate change. Students then study attitudes to ‘Whose Earth it is anyway?’ by investigating the impact of fake news on climate change and ending with religious and personal views about stewardship and who should protect Earth.

Find out more about Whose Earth is it Anyway?

Subject focus

DRIVING QUESTION: How can tragedy be interpreted differently?

This is a Humanities based theme particularly focussed on History and RE. At its heart is the tragedy of the Holocaust. It begins with a wellbeing activity to address the impact that some of the issues involved in the theme may be upsetting and supporting the students in how they should deal with this.
The next History section allows students to understand how the Nazis rose to power to see the impact of the end of the First World War on Germany and how this and other factors allowed the Nazis to take advantage of
discontent and come to power. A study of the Second World War covers Axis advances (Dunkirk and Battle of Britain), the turning points of 1942-3, the impact of war on civilians (the London Blitz) finishing with a question
around the end of the war looking at Dresden and Hiroshima and how their tragic outcomes have been justified by the need to end tragedy elsewhere.

Find out more about Tragedy.

Spring term

Subject focus

DRIVING QUESTION: Why is China the most modern superpower?

The intention of this theme is to examine the nation of China and explore its worldwide significance and influence. Students will study the physical geography of China and how the climate of certain areas of China are different and some reasons why this is the case. Students then investigate the importance of physical geography in China and how humans use their environment and try to mitigate some of their impacts on it – the One Child Policy. Students then reflect on the Buddhist faith and values, comparing their own belief systems to those of other cultures. Moving onto a brief history of China and how different types of government have affected the country. Student look at China and its economic impact in the 20th and 21st Centuries, evaluating the reasons why it has become one of the modern superpowers.

Find out more about World Study – Made in China.

The Year 9 Careers theme at West Bromwich Collegiate Academy is designed to prepare students for the Key Stage 4 Options process and to help them make informed decisions about their future pathways. Throughout the theme, students begin to understand their own interests, strengths and aspirations, and how these can shape their future careers.
 
Students start by exploring their personal interests and passions, looking at real-life examples of how people have turned these into successful careers. They complete a SWOT analysis to reflect on their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and potential barriers, and they consider strategies to support their progress. Students also undertake a skills assessment, which suggests potential career pathways based on their responses. They then research these careers further, exploring related roles and the different routes available to reach them.
 
A key part of the theme involves investigating the world of work. Students explore what jobs are really like through a variety of ‘Day in the Life’ examples and learn about the importance of work–life balance. They study how the job market has changed over time, including why some jobs no longer exist, and consider how employment trends might change in the future. This helps them understand the value of transferable skills and how these can help future‑proof their career choices.
 
Students also learn about the full range of Post-16 pathways, including Apprenticeships, A‑Levels, T‑Levels, Technical and Vocational Qualifications, Applied Qualifications and Traineeships. They look at what local Post‑16 providers offer and begin to think about which options may suit them best. Students also explore where these pathways can lead, including opportunities in higher education such as university.
 
To help develop their employability skills, students learn about professionalism, job applications and the interview process. They receive practical tips for successful interviews and put these skills into practice through a mock interview experience.
 
The theme supports students as they begin to consider the subjects available to them at KS4 and how these choices can influence their future opportunities. The learning journey culminates in the Year 9 Options Event, where students and their families meet with Heads of Department to discuss KS4 subjects in detail. This event helps students make confident, informed choices as they select their Options for Key Stage 4.
 
Subject focus

Summer term

Subject focus

Review and Exam Weeks will be held twice during the year, at the end of the Autumn term and in the Summer term.

There will also be a series of Focus Days embedded within themes where students can explore an idea in greater depth. Focus Days can include off-site visits, guest speakers, careers events and workshops.

Theme Overviews

Whose Earth is it Anyway?
Tragedy
World Study - Made in China
Careers
World Study - Is America Really Land of the Free?
World Study - Britain: A Living History
Computer Science

Vocabulary Lists

Whose Earth is it Anyway?
Tragedy
World Study - Made in China
Careers
World Study - Is America Really Land of the Free?
World Study - Britain: A Living History
Computer Science