Year 9 Curriculum Overview
Year 9 Curriculum: Summer 2
Find out what Year 9 pupils will be learning across the curriculum this half-term, along with simple ways families can support learning at home.
Contents
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English
Pupils begin their study of Animal Farm by George Orwell, a key GCSE text. They explore the novel’s characters, themes and context, developing an understanding of how Orwell presents ideas about power, control and society. Alongside this, pupils study rhetoric and speeches, learning how language is used to influence and persuade audiences. Lessons include discussion, analytical writing, and opportunities to develop confident speaking and listening skills.
How you can help at home: Talk to your child about the novel, including key events, characters and themes. Supporting them in creating revision cards or plot summaries can help to secure their understanding. Encourage them to use GCSEPod regularly as a revision tool, and to revisit key sections of the text to build confidence ahead of their GCSE studies.
Maths
Pupils tackle more advanced algebraic and numerical concepts to prepare them for the transition to KS4. This includes simplifying surds and mastering the rules of fractional and negative indices. They also develop fluency in decimal divisions and learn to express very large or very small numbers using standard form, a vital skill for both Maths and Science.
How you can help at home: Ask your child to explain the rule for a negative index to you. Teaching a concept is a great way to solidify it. You can also look for examples of standard form in science articles or space trivia, such as the distance from the Earth to the Sun, to show its real-world application.
Science
Pupils study three science topics this half-term: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. These include plants, energy changes, and the particle model of matter. They learn about plant structure, photosynthesis and hormones, investigate exothermic and endothermic reactions and energy transfers, and explore how particles behave when energy is transferred. Practical investigations help pupils develop their scientific knowledge and analytical skills.
How you can help at home: Encourage your child to complete their Sparx Science homework and use their Meeting Mats to revise key knowledge before assessments.
Art and Design
Pupils respond to the theme of the art of science by looking at various cell structures and how artists can be inspired by science and the natural world. They view the work of UK artist and research scientist Katherine Gravett. Experimental outcomes include a clay relief, slab-rolled cell structure, and designing and making a 2D mixed media drawing by layering Brusho inks, coffee, salt and pen patterns.
How you can help at home: Encourage your child to complete the related independent learning tasks listed by their teacher on ClassCharts.
Design Technology
Engineering: Pupils develop CAD/CAM skills by designing and manufacturing a ruler using Techsoft and a laser cutter. They also create an aluminium tealight holder, learning metalworking techniques including shaping, joining and finishing. Pupils respond to a design brief while considering customer needs and product aesthetics.
Food Preparation and Nutrition: Pupils continue developing practical cooking skills through the theme of food commodities, including eggs, dairy, cereals and poultry. They explore nutrition, provenance and food choices while preparing a range of dishes. The module ends with a practical assessment where pupils design and make their own filled pastry product.
Product Design: Pupils design and manufacture an acoustic phone amplifier, developing their creativity and independent design skills. They learn how to respond to a client brief, analyse existing products and refine their ideas. Building on prior woodworking skills, pupils accurately shape, assemble and finish a high-quality final product.
Drama
Pupils begin the half term by reviewing the first draft of their original podcast. They design and create sound effects, known as Foley, and record, edit and present their completed episode. Pupils learn how to plan, organise, meet deadlines, share and accept responsibility and work collaboratively.
How you can help at home: Read through the podcast script with your child. Listen to other dramatic podcasts together and experiment with creating sound effects at home.
Geography
Pupils explore what makes cities sustainable and design their own future city using the three pillars of sustainability: social, economic and environmental. They also investigate energy in greater depth, considering how it powers modern life and supports sustainable development.
How you can help at home: Encourage discussions about sustainable features they notice in their local area and encourage pupils to think about how cities can become greener, fairer and more efficient. You could also assess how sustainable your home is and discuss strategies that could be implemented to improve it.
History
Pupils are studying climate change from a historical perspective, asking whether it should be understood as a history topic as well as a geographical one. Guided by the ideas of Peter Frankopan, pupils explore how environmental change has shaped key events, often more than kings or battles. They revisit well-known historical stories to consider the role climate and environment played in shaping outcomes. The unit also encourages pupils to reflect on how past human actions have contributed to climate change, and how understanding history can help us make more informed, responsible choices for the future.
How you can help at home: Encourage your child to use their knowledge organiser regularly to revise key vocabulary, historical interpretations and summaries of lessons. Short, frequent review is far more effective than last-minute cramming. It is also helpful to talk with them about what they have been learning each week in History. Asking simple but probing “why” questions can deepen their understanding and help them explain their ideas more clearly. If your child is going on to study GCSE History, please look out for a recommended reading and watching list that will be published on ClassCharts to help prepare them for the start of the GCSE course.
MFL: French
This half-term, Year 9 pupils study the topic of occupations in French. They learn how to talk about chores, holidays and future plans, while developing their use of the immediate future and perfect tense to describe experiences and ambitions. To enrich their learning, pupils explore the life and achievements of Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix, helping them connect language learning with culture and real-world experiences.
How you can help at home: Encourage your child to complete the Linguists for Life challenges in their Knowledge Organiser, ask them to teach you the vocabulary they have learnt, and regularly test them by saying the English so they can respond in French.
MFL: Spanish
Pupils study the topic of occupations in Spanish. They learn how to talk about chores, holidays and responsibilities, while developing their use of tener que in different tenses and the preterite tense to describe past experiences and obligations. To enrich their learning, pupils explore the life of Thiago Messi, helping them connect language learning with Spanish-speaking culture.
How you can help at home: Encourage your child to complete the Linguists for Life challenges in their Knowledge Organiser, ask them to teach you the vocabulary they have learnt, and regularly test them by saying the English so they can respond in Spanish.
Music
Pupils work as a band to rehearse, perform and capture a live recording of a chosen song using recording equipment and software. Across the unit, they develop ensemble skills, musical decision-making and music technology competence, culminating in a final recorded performance.
How you can help at home: Encourage listening to live band performances on TV, online or at a venue, and discuss musician collaboration. Ask about their band role and rehearsal decisions. If home instruments or technology are available, support regular practice, material organisation and confidence to develop ensemble, recording and teamwork skills.
Physical Education
Pupils participate in summer sports and focus on the following concepts in their lessons: sporting values, redefining competition, problem solving and the power of positivity. They do this through athletics, cricket, tennis, rounders and softball.
How you can help at home: Speak to your child about what they did in PE. Can they attend an after-school club this summer term? PE Instagram encourages our tag lines #fitforlife and #sportforall. Parents/carers and pupils can follow us on Instagram @swanmoresport.
Religious Education
Pupils continue to study Buddhism as an academic subject, focusing on the Eightfold Path, meditation and karma. They explore how these concepts are understood within Buddhism and how they guide ethical living and personal development. Pupils examine different interpretations and consider how these ideas may influence behaviour and decision-making, without promoting any particular belief system.
How you can help at home: Test your child on key ideas and vocabulary, discuss how beliefs influence actions, and reflect on different perspectives about living a balanced and ethical life.
