Our highly qualified, specialist staff teach an extensive and exciting curriculum which encourages pupils to be curious, creative and original.
Specialist Teaching
One of the differences between St Peter's and other schools in York is that our children have access to specialist teachers at a much younger age, and in a broader range of subjects.
In Year 4, pupils will spend around 70% of their time with one of the Year 4 teachers, but the rest of the time they will be taught by specialist teachers. By Year 6, the top year in primary school, the children still have a main form teacher who teaches them for English and some of the humanities subjects, but they will move from teacher to teacher just like they would at a secondary school.
We feel it is important that we give our pupils more freedom and responsibility than is found in other schools, because they rise to the challenge. They need to be pushed, stimulated and stretched.
The curriculum expands and develops throughout the five St Peter's 8-13 years with subjects being added and new methods introduced, thus preparing pupils for the more formalised study routines of the Senior School.
Year 4 to Year 8 Curriculum
Modern Foreign Languages
Language learning is great fun and enables us to explore the wider world whilst learning a really useful life skill. We are fortunate here at St Peter's 8-13 to be able to offer pupils the opportunity to study French, German and Spanish. Modern foreign language lessons are exciting, creative and focused learning environments where pupils practise their skills through drama, art, role play, games, music, creative writing and a whole range of diverse activities.
Overview of Modern Foreign Languages at St Peter's 8-13
In J1 and J2 (Years 4 and 5) pupils are taught French, German and Spanish as part of the Language Awareness programme. In J3 (Year 6) pupils follow a course entitled ‘Language & Culture’. Modules of eight weeks of French, German and Spanish are taught. Pupils are then invited to choose any two of the languages, which they will then study in Years 7, 8 (J4 and J5) and also Third Form (Year 9) when they move on to St Peter’s 13-18. At present pupils at St Peter’s 13-18 are required to study a minimum of one language to GCSE level.
Language Awareness – J1 and J2 (Years 4 and 5)
The J1 and J2 (Years 4 and 5) language awareness course is designed to build pupil confidence with speaking in a new language through fun and lively lessons. Pupils study a term each of German, French and Spanish. Language games, singing, drama, animations and crafts are all used to engage pupils in this new area of study. Each term a central story provides inspiration for the vocabulary and language covered. For example, the ‘Three Little Pigs’ storybook enjoyed in Spanish in J1 offers the opportunity to learn family vocabulary and rooms in the house. Similarly, the storybook ‘Herzlichen Glückwunsch lieber Mond’ offers a great way to learn about birthdays, environment vocabulary and months in J2 German. The French courses in both J1 and J2 also have a particular phonics focus in order to tackle this key skill from an early stage.
Language and Culture – J3 (Year 5)
The Language and Culture course is very much about offering pupils a real context for their language studies. The first two weeks and the final five weeks of the course involve an introductory study of linguistics. Pupils look at types of communication, the evolution of language and they compare features of different languages across the globe. Between these two units, pupils explore French, German and Spanish and this is done through the study of a range of cultural elements. These will vary from language to language, but may include: study of a region, a popular festival, current music trends, a famous artist, film or sport. Pupils will also have the opportunity to practise useful transactional vocabulary (ordering food/shopping) through role play to build confidence with using their new languages when travelling abroad. The first half of the summer term is designed to enable pupils to choose a particular area of personal interest from the course to explore in greater detail, through independent learning and research.
Modern Foreign Languages – J4 and J5 (Years 6 and 7)
From the beginning of J4 pupils will study two foreign languages chosen from German, French and Spanish. This scheme has been introduced to give parity to the languages. French, German and Spanish have the same amount of curriculum time: two lessons of each language per week in J4 and three lessons in J5.
Across all three languages, the emphasis is initially very much on oral and aural skills, using games, role play and ICT to enhance language learning. The essence of language is communication and the children are taught in mixed ability groups in J4 and J5. The key aim is that each child is comfortable and confident using their newly acquired skills. Reading skills are developed using authentic materials wherever possible, with extension resources available for pupils to access independently. Writing is gradually introduced throughout the course and there is an annual spelling bee for J4 pupils to showcase their emerging spelling skills and to consolidate common items of vocabulary. In J5 all pupils take part in a reading competition in each language studied, to celebrate their developing accent and pronunciation skills.
French follows the Dynamo 1 course; German is structured around Stimmt 1 and Spanish uses the Viva 1 course.
Teaching Assistants
We are fortunate to have three foreign language assistants, one assistant for each of the languages. They work with pupils on an individual basis, in groups, or with the teacher in class. The assistants bring a valuable insight into their country and culture.
Resources
We enjoy using a range of online websites and applications, including Activelearn, language-gym.com and sentencebuilders.com for independent learning on iPads. Pupils routinely access Microsoft Teams for teaching and learning materials, homework tasks, revision resources and extra opportunities for further practice.
Clubs
There are also regular opportunities for all pupils to come along and enjoy their languages in a more informal setting at ‘International Club’. Here we watch films (usually with subtitles!), listen to current music from around the world, play international board games, prepare (and eat!) international food and enjoy a little bit of craft and drama too.
The Languages Club is another great opportunity for pupils and it takes place two lunchtimes each week offering homework support, iPads for Duolingo practice, independent MFL library access and a range of other activities.
Sport and Physical Education
Sport is an integral part of life at St Peter's 8-13, with all pupils receiving at least four and half hours of Physical Education and sport per week. Within the lessons, a broad range of activities are taught. We believe it is important that young people enjoy physical exercise and understand the physical and mental health benefits of being active. We want all pupils to enjoy being physically active and to develop the ability to collaborate with others, demonstrate resilience and to do so, displaying dignity and respect.
Teachers and coaches
Sport is taught by experienced, passionate, and well-qualified staff. These include PE (Physical Education) teachers, academic staff, and specialist coaches. This ensures that all levels of ability are supported to achieve effective progress throughout their time at St Peter’s.
Matches and competitions
We aim to ensure that all students are given the opportunity to represent the school in competitive fixtures, at a level which is accessible to them. Pupils regularly compete in national competitions, and we also aim to enter a range of local tournaments and competitions. We believe these tournaments and fixtures enable students to develop confidence and resilience, whilst also providing valuable opportunities to develop collaborative, sportspersonship and leadership skills.
For most fixtures in Year 4 and Year 5, teams are selected at random. From Year 6 onwards, teams are selected on the appropriateness of the opposition and are based upon ability to ensure that matches are competitive and that pupils gain appropriate and positive experiences. Our fixture list is extensive and involves travelling to various locations in the North and Midlands; we travel to places such as Newcastle, Hull, Leeds, and Sheffield to ensure a competitive fixture programme. Parents are welcome to come and support their children at both home and away matches.
Games sessions
In Games sessions we cover hockey, tennis, athletics and cricket (girls and boys), plus rugby for the boys and netball for the girls. We also compete in swimming galas both locally and nationally. Pupils compete in House competitions in various sports; including the annual Swimming Gala and Sports Day.
Music
Music-making at St Peter's 8-13 contributes a sense of vitality and energy to the life of the school and plays an important part in helping children to feel part of the school community. Every child learns music with a specialist each week; Year 4 have 3 lessons a week, Year 5 and 6 have 2 lessons a week, and Years 7 and 8 have one lesson a week.
In Year 4 one of three class music lessons per week is devoted to learning a brass, string or woodwind instrument. This is an extension to the class instrumental scheme which starts in Year 3 at St Peter's 2-8 and helps to identify pupils who may be suited to a particular instrument for individual study.
Individual Lessons
In a thriving department of 28 visiting specialist teachers, over two thirds of the school receive tuition on individual instruments in purpose-built rooms in our large music school. When appropriate, pupils are entered for the graded exams of the ABRSM, Trinity and RockSchool boards, with over 70% achieving Merit or Distinction. However, taking exams is not the be all and end all, and we have a system whereby children can take exams if they would like to, but they don’t have to. Similarly, after an exam, there is always at least a term where no exam pieces are learnt, but repertoire and technique are developed, leading to an all-round musician who has experience of playing all sorts of genres of music.
Co-curricular
Music is also a thriving co-curricular activity at St Peter’s and we are proud to be the Choir School for York Minster, responsible for educating York Minster’s girl and boy choristers. There are many co-curricular opportunities catering for all levels of ability including Wind Band, Mini Jazz Band, String Orchestra, Breakfast Strings (for beginner string players), Junior and Senior String Quartets, 2 Cello Groups, Wind Ensembles, 3 Guitar Ensemble and Rock Band as well as lunchtime theory classes to help prepare pupils for graded exams. In addition to this, we have two orchestras, Sinfonia and Sinfonietta, which cater for pupils at every standard – from being able to play 2 notes, to being post-Grade 8 standard! All pupils audition for our Chapel Choir at the end of Year 5 and there is also a Jukebox Choir which is for anyone who would like to come and sing.
Concerts
School concerts take place at the end of each term in our purpose-built concert hall. We also make us of the Memorial Hall at 13-18, the Barbican and York Minster. Each week we have a lunchtime concert ‘Virtualosity’. Pupils perform to a small, informal audience of friends and staff, and this is recorded and put onto a private YouTube link which is then emailed to parents. Our carol service, led by Chapel Choir is in York Minster.
House Singing
The House Singing competition gives further opportunities for pupils to take part in group music-making in an informal and enjoyable setting, instilling confidence in our young performers and a sense of identity and pride in their achievements.
PSHEE
Personal, Social, Health & Economic Education (PSHEE) is an important subject taught weekly at all ages. We have developed our own PSHEE syllabus focused on three core themes: Health and Wellbeing, Relationships and Living in the Wider World. The syllabus promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
Through the syllabus, we seek to develop key skills including self-management, interpersonal skills and skills of enquiry. Our PSHEE programme is delivered through a weekly 40 minute timetabled lesson taught by the class teacher in Year 4 to Year 6 and by more specialist teachers in Year 7 and Year 8.
Life Skills and Wellbeing
We have a Life Skills and Wellbeing programme to prepare our pupils for life beyond school. This involves a range of activities for each year group, with a different activity each half term throughout the year. The activities are designed to promote collaboration, physical and mental wellbeing, resilience and other important life skills. Activities include cooking, first aid and mindfulness.
Library
Each class also has a weekly lesson in our very well-stocked library, run by a full time, qualified librarian. We have a dedicated Library for pupils in Year 4 to Year 8, providing an impressive stock of resources housed in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Centrally-located, the Library is spacious, well lit, and conducive to quiet reading and study.
All pupils receive an induction session at the beginning of the year, and pupils in Year 6 to Year 8 are trained in how to issue and return books, and how to search the computerised library catalogue.
The library is managed by our full-time Librarian and always opens during school hours.
Art
In the Art Department at St Peter's 8-13 we aim to provide a stimulating, broad based curriculum geared towards the confident and aspiring artist as well as the less assured. In providing a wide range of possibilities in media and projects, we aim to open up art to all of our pupils, catering for all interests, disciplines and abilities.
Over the years, pupils may explore (in addition to the more traditional curriculum of drawing and painting), printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, textiles. The curriculum framework allows for adaptations in the expression of particular disciplines year on year, responding to the needs and interests of pupils as well as the influences of what is happening in the art world and the world around us.
Our curriculum is devised so that year on year pupils will tackle projects which are incrementally more challenging, and which build on previous learning, knowledge and experience.
Pupils can then choose to develop the work in a more individual and creative way to reflect their interests. Pupils generally work individually, but there are opportunities for collaboration in small groups and, on occasion, as a whole class.
We aim to provide an environment where all pupils feel valued for the work they produce and for their thoughts and opinions on artistic endeavour. We pride ourselves on building confident learners, who have assurance in the practical expression of their ideas, and who are able to express themselves in two and three dimensions as well as to evaluate it verbally; pupils who can talk about their own work and that of others, as well as expressing their opinions on the work of established artists.
Design Technology
Design Technology at St Peter's 8-13 provides a broad learning experience for pupils across the age range. Right from their beginning in Year 4, pupils get involved in the design process and become fully immersed in both the theoretical and practical aspects of the subject.
Although much of the Design Technology programme is based around hands-on activities, where knowledge and understanding are acquired through modelling and trialling design ideas and through experiencing both success and failure, pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their work and their learning, and a good deal of emphasis is placed on the development of other transferable skills such as teamwork, task organisation and time management.
Each year, the incrementally more challenging project-based curriculum enables pupils to develop and improve their skills and to become more adept at workshop processes, whilst building on their technical knowledge and understanding.
The three-stranded approach to Design Technology in the junior school (involving Resistant Materials, Electronics and Textiles) reflects the subject’s GCSE options available in the senior school, which means that, as well as providing more subject breadth, it secures a solid foundation for those who might wish to continue the subject later on.
Drama
At St Peter's 8-13 we value the skills, confidence and independent opinions that are built through drama. As a result, each year group receives a forty-minute lesson per week. Drama truly provides a joy and liberation for many children, leaving behind pencils and paper and allowing their communication, negotiating and evaluative skills to be put to the test. Pupils are encouraged to work with limited amounts of text and explore ideas, with all interpretations being celebrated and feedback being given by their peers in a supportive and informed manner.
Productions
We recognise that performance is an integral part of the subject and, to this end, pupils in Years 4 and 6 are involved in a musical production which incorporates the whole year group. By Year 8 the performance element incorporates the Shakespeare School Festival which enables pupils to opt into a cast who then perform at a professional theatre in front of a fee-paying audience and alongside other schools involved in the project. On top of these more ‘formal’ productions there are opportunities in almost every lesson for pupils to ‘share’ work produced, within the safe environment of their peers.
At times drama is also used to enhance the English curriculum, especially during the teaching of Shakespeare, which allows pupils the opportunity to explore characters and motives beyond the realms of the classroom.
Live Theatre
Live theatre adds yet another dimension to the subject and we are blessed being within striking distance of so many incredible theatres – York itself but also Leeds, Manchester and Bradford, with both Sheffield and Newcastle relatively accessible. Appropriate groups are offered opportunities to take part in these visits as they arise. Naturally, programmes are constantly changing, which gives this subject its exciting, contemporary and evolving feel.
Upon leaving St Peter's 8-13, pupils can continue drama in Year 9, with the possibility of taking the subject on at GCSE in Year 10 and above.
English
At the heart of the English curriculum at St Peter's 8-13 is reading.
Throughout their five years here all pupils have a dedicated weekly library session purely for encouraging reading for pleasure; they learn to appreciate a range of literature and gradually develop personal taste. They discuss novels, recommend titles to one another and are encouraged to branch out and try new and exciting literature as it hits our library shelves on a weekly basis. We are very fortunate in having a full-time librarian who works in the library and recommends reads, stocks the library and runs a range of exciting initiatives including York Book Award for the pupils. In addition to this, all year groups explore language through literature, using the novel as a vehicle to access our curriculum tasks. These novels change over time, with a focus on supporting cross curricular links between subjects, where possible.
Written tasks complement the chosen literature, whilst ensuring a wide range of appropriate writing genre are taught and revisited during the five years at St Peter's 8-13. Emphasis is on teaching pupils how to write effectively, using presentational features and language appropriate to the audience. A fundamental aspect of writing is the editing process, and, throughout St Peter's 8-13, pupils learn that their ‘best’ work is unlikely to be their first draft. From Year 4 onwards pupils evaluate their own work and comment on the work of others; they do this with increasing skill during their time here.
Spelling, handwriting and grammar are also valued as key elements of the English curriculum. These skills taught and are then embedded in real writing tasks within the scheme of work.
At Key Stage 3 we look ahead into the requirements for iGCSE. Before our pupils embark upon that course, we aim to give them breadth of study with a constantly updated curriculum that supports tradition coupled with modern literature. Years 7 and 8 pupils study a Shakespearian text. In addition to this Y7 and 8 explore a range of poetry and novels. Theatre opportunities are taken whenever relevant so that pupils can see work on stage, enhancing understanding. Each year we aim to ensure our pupils have experienced live theatre. J1 and 2 often visit Leeds Playhouse in January and In J4 and J5 we have altered our curriculum in order to incorporate performances as they arise.
English is a compulsory subject. Our overriding aim is that pupils grow to enjoy English and leave St Peter's 8-13 with the knowledge that they can form personal responses to literature, grounded in clear understanding and to have the ability to write for a range of audiences.
Geography
Geography is about developing an understanding of our world, primarily through experience, investigation and learning from a range of sources. At St Peter's 8-13 we want to create a fascination about our interactions with the planet and generate a natural curiosity in young people.
Over the course of five years, we look at the place mankind has in the world in terms of settlement location, economic activities and our far too often destructive relationship with the environment. In gaining this understanding, our children are enabled to take responsibility for their role in society, which in turn, can be employed for the benefit of themselves and also for the fellow human beings, animals, and plants with which we share the planet.
We also believe that out in the field is where young people really see and learn, hence the number of field trips stretching from Headingly Water Works to Flamborough Head.
History
Studying history inspires curiosity about the past and how the world came to be as it is; it combines fascinating stories with challenging ideas and encourages pupils to think for themselves and develop the habits of an enquiring mind.
The curriculum balances local and British history with the history of the wider world and spans five thousand years. The aim is to give students a strong sense of chronology and to teach them to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement. Throughout the curriculum we will focus on the big themes of ordinary life, power, ideas and beliefs, conflict, and empire.
ICT
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is interwoven with almost every aspect of our social and business lives today. As such, its planning, implementation and management across the three schools are key factors in its success.
An important objective for the management of ICT is to be able to establish a seamless continuity for pupils from the ages of 4 and 5 years, where they are starting out with keyboard, mouse and touch-screen skills, up to 18 years where students integrate ICT based research and presentation into their examination courses.
At St Peter's 8-13 we aim to equip pupils with the necessary skills and judgement required to use the technology effectively, efficiently and safely across their subjects, both now and in years to come. In addition to core applications including word processing and spreadsheets, the syllabus in the senior end of the school focuses on programming and computing concepts which are vital for a changing workplace in which computing skills are sought after.
Pupils are taught to become adept at choosing the appropriate application for a particular task and encouraged to experiment and share their experiences and ideas when using computers. They are shown how to use computers as problem solving devices, programming them effectively to gain desired outcomes. Safe and sensible Internet use is achieved partly through the school’s filtering system, but also by encouraging pupils to adopt a responsible and informed approach to their on-line activities. Programming skills are developed through the years, starting with block-based languages then moving on to text-based programming.
Pupils in St Peter's 8-13 have access to two computer suites, smaller computer clusters in various subject departments and mobile technology in the form of iPads which are gradually coming into use. The ICT and computing department also make use of other technologies including electronics, robotics and simulations to link understanding of programming and computational thinking to real life experiences. Extra-curricular sessions are available for those pupils who wish to further their experience and knowledge of computer programming and games development. All pupils in J4 (Year 7) take part in the Bebras Computing challenge and pupils in J4 and J5 (Years 7 and 8) can opt to take part in the Astro Pi challenge where they could get code running on the International Space Station.
Latin
Gone are the days of declining endless nouns and studying fusty topics from dust covered textbooks! We aim to develop a knowledge and understanding of Classical Greece and Rome through an enjoyable study of their language, literature, history, art and ideas, thus fostering analytical and linguistic skills along with perceptions of a culture which has given us so much of what we take for granted today.
Pupils take up the Cambridge Latin Course in Year 7 then begin the Cullen and Taylor course in Year 8 until the end of Third Form, when both Classics and Latin are put into the option pool. With such an early grounding and stimulating material, it is not surprising that take up in Fourth Form is excellent.
We aim to enhance the curriculum with a wide variety of extra activities both in and out of school. Author visits, reading competitions, and a Classics Quiz all provide pupils with knowledge of the classical world beyond the classroom. Various vocabulary learning apps and websites, along with the excellent Cambridge e–learning course have also helped to bring the study of the Romans into the 21st century.
Maths
The mathematics department at St Peter's 8-13 seeks to:
- Develop confidence, understanding and enthusiasm for mathematics.
- Develop a wide range of mathematical skills and to use them to solve a wide range of problems in a wide range of situations.
- Think and communicate mathematically in written, spoken and graphical form.
- To attain a high standard of numeracy.
- Work both independently and co-operatively.
- Investigate mathematical ideas to think creatively.
- Work to the limits of their abilities and beyond.
- Acquire the foundation necessary for the further study of mathematics and other curriculum areas.
- Recognise situations where the use of IT is appropriate i.e. calculators and computers.
Pupils are encouraged to think creatively and to develop independent learning skills. They are also encouraged to use critical thinking and to produce independent work such as posters and investigations.
Pupils enjoy the vigour of maths competition: in school, regionally and nationally. Pupils can work individually, in pairs and in group situations.
Religious Studies and Philosophy
At its heart, Religious Studies and Philosophy at St Peter’s 8-13 explores what it means to be human. It gives pupils valuable insights into the diverse beliefs & opinions held by people today. It helps with their own personal development & supports an understanding of the spiritual, moral, social & cultural questions that surface again & again in their lives. St Peter’s School has an Anglican heritage and we are proud of our strong links with York Minster. Nevertheless, we very much welcome pupils from other Christian denominations, other faiths and those of none.
Religious studies and Philosophy at St Peter’s 8-13 are very much about explaining the views of others, showing respect to believers and belief systems, and one where teacher’s views are left outside the classroom. Where this is not the case is when the issue is clearly one of right and wrong, in such cases teachers take the moral lead. Our classrooms are places where respectful questioning and thinking through issues are very much valued and encouraged and pupils are taught to respect and value difference. Many of the writing and analytical skills developed in RS prepare pupils for the senior school not only in RS but also for academic study in general.
In Years 4 and 5 pupils have separate RS and Philosophy lessons. Philosophy follows a philosophy for children (P4C) approach and enhances children's thinking and communication skills, boosts their self-esteem, and improves their academic attainment.
In Years 6,7 and 8 the subjects are taught together.
Science
At St Peter's 8-13 our aim is to inspire students to develop a lifelong interest in science by introducing them to an exciting and engaging syllabus. Students will follow a wide-ranging syllabus based on the National Curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to be curious, well-motivated learners. Their science lessons will allow them to think for themselves, solve problems and develop an interest in our ever-changing environment.
Science in Year 4 and Year 5
In Year 4 and Year 5, students will have four periods of science per week. Science lessons will be in classrooms but with as much practical and investigative work as possible.
Science in Year 6
In Year 6, students will have four periods of science per week. Most lessons will be in our laboratories with an emphasis on investigative, practical work.
Science in Year 7 and Year 8
In Year 7 and Year 8, pupils will study chemistry, physics and biology as separate disciplines. Each subject is allocated a double period per week in purpose built, fully equipped science laboratories. Emphasis is placed upon the development of independent learning skills, a practical approach to learning and a sound grasp of basic scientific concepts.
Language learning is great fun and enables us to explore the wider world whilst learning a really useful life skill. We are fortunate here at St Peter's 8-13 to be able to offer pupils the opportunity to study French, German and Spanish. Modern foreign language lessons are exciting, creative and focused learning environments where pupils practise their skills through drama, art, role play, games, music, creative writing and a whole range of diverse activities.
Overview of Modern Foreign Languages at St Peter's 8-13
In J1 and J2 (Years 4 and 5) pupils are taught French, German and Spanish as part of the Language Awareness programme. In J3 (Year 6) pupils follow a course entitled ‘Language & Culture’. Modules of eight weeks of French, German and Spanish are taught. Pupils are then invited to choose any two of the languages, which they will then study in Years 7, 8 (J4 and J5) and also Third Form (Year 9) when they move on to St Peter’s 13-18. At present pupils at St Peter’s 13-18 are required to study a minimum of one language to GCSE level.
Language Awareness – J1 and J2 (Years 4 and 5)
The J1 and J2 (Years 4 and 5) language awareness course is designed to build pupil confidence with speaking in a new language through fun and lively lessons. Pupils study a term each of German, French and Spanish. Language games, singing, drama, animations and crafts are all used to engage pupils in this new area of study. Each term a central story provides inspiration for the vocabulary and language covered. For example, the ‘Three Little Pigs’ storybook enjoyed in Spanish in J1 offers the opportunity to learn family vocabulary and rooms in the house. Similarly, the storybook ‘Herzlichen Glückwunsch lieber Mond’ offers a great way to learn about birthdays, environment vocabulary and months in J2 German. The French courses in both J1 and J2 also have a particular phonics focus in order to tackle this key skill from an early stage.
Language and Culture – J3 (Year 5)
The Language and Culture course is very much about offering pupils a real context for their language studies. The first two weeks and the final five weeks of the course involve an introductory study of linguistics. Pupils look at types of communication, the evolution of language and they compare features of different languages across the globe. Between these two units, pupils explore French, German and Spanish and this is done through the study of a range of cultural elements. These will vary from language to language, but may include: study of a region, a popular festival, current music trends, a famous artist, film or sport. Pupils will also have the opportunity to practise useful transactional vocabulary (ordering food/shopping) through role play to build confidence with using their new languages when travelling abroad. The first half of the summer term is designed to enable pupils to choose a particular area of personal interest from the course to explore in greater detail, through independent learning and research.
Modern Foreign Languages – J4 and J5 (Years 6 and 7)
From the beginning of J4 pupils will study two foreign languages chosen from German, French and Spanish. This scheme has been introduced to give parity to the languages. French, German and Spanish have the same amount of curriculum time: two lessons of each language per week in J4 and three lessons in J5.
Across all three languages, the emphasis is initially very much on oral and aural skills, using games, role play and ICT to enhance language learning. The essence of language is communication and the children are taught in mixed ability groups in J4 and J5. The key aim is that each child is comfortable and confident using their newly acquired skills. Reading skills are developed using authentic materials wherever possible, with extension resources available for pupils to access independently. Writing is gradually introduced throughout the course and there is an annual spelling bee for J4 pupils to showcase their emerging spelling skills and to consolidate common items of vocabulary. In J5 all pupils take part in a reading competition in each language studied, to celebrate their developing accent and pronunciation skills.
French follows the Dynamo 1 course; German is structured around Stimmt 1 and Spanish uses the Viva 1 course.
Teaching Assistants
We are fortunate to have three foreign language assistants, one assistant for each of the languages. They work with pupils on an individual basis, in groups, or with the teacher in class. The assistants bring a valuable insight into their country and culture.
Resources
We enjoy using a range of online websites and applications, including Activelearn, language-gym.com and sentencebuilders.com for independent learning on iPads. Pupils routinely access Microsoft Teams for teaching and learning materials, homework tasks, revision resources and extra opportunities for further practice.
Clubs
There are also regular opportunities for all pupils to come along and enjoy their languages in a more informal setting at ‘International Club’. Here we watch films (usually with subtitles!), listen to current music from around the world, play international board games, prepare (and eat!) international food and enjoy a little bit of craft and drama too.
The Languages Club is another great opportunity for pupils and it takes place two lunchtimes each week offering homework support, iPads for Duolingo practice, independent MFL library access and a range of other activities.
Sport is an integral part of life at St Peter's 8-13, with all pupils receiving at least four and half hours of Physical Education and sport per week. Within the lessons, a broad range of activities are taught. We believe it is important that young people enjoy physical exercise and understand the physical and mental health benefits of being active. We want all pupils to enjoy being physically active and to develop the ability to collaborate with others, demonstrate resilience and to do so, displaying dignity and respect.
Teachers and coaches
Sport is taught by experienced, passionate, and well-qualified staff. These include PE (Physical Education) teachers, academic staff, and specialist coaches. This ensures that all levels of ability are supported to achieve effective progress throughout their time at St Peter’s.
Matches and competitions
We aim to ensure that all students are given the opportunity to represent the school in competitive fixtures, at a level which is accessible to them. Pupils regularly compete in national competitions, and we also aim to enter a range of local tournaments and competitions. We believe these tournaments and fixtures enable students to develop confidence and resilience, whilst also providing valuable opportunities to develop collaborative, sportspersonship and leadership skills.
For most fixtures in Year 4 and Year 5, teams are selected at random. From Year 6 onwards, teams are selected on the appropriateness of the opposition and are based upon ability to ensure that matches are competitive and that pupils gain appropriate and positive experiences. Our fixture list is extensive and involves travelling to various locations in the North and Midlands; we travel to places such as Newcastle, Hull, Leeds, and Sheffield to ensure a competitive fixture programme. Parents are welcome to come and support their children at both home and away matches.
Games sessions
In Games sessions we cover hockey, tennis, athletics and cricket (girls and boys), plus rugby for the boys and netball for the girls. We also compete in swimming galas both locally and nationally. Pupils compete in House competitions in various sports; including the annual Swimming Gala and Sports Day.
Music-making at St Peter's 8-13 contributes a sense of vitality and energy to the life of the school and plays an important part in helping children to feel part of the school community. Every child learns music with a specialist each week; Year 4 have 3 lessons a week, Year 5 and 6 have 2 lessons a week, and Years 7 and 8 have one lesson a week.
In Year 4 one of three class music lessons per week is devoted to learning a brass, string or woodwind instrument. This is an extension to the class instrumental scheme which starts in Year 3 at St Peter's 2-8 and helps to identify pupils who may be suited to a particular instrument for individual study.
Individual Lessons
In a thriving department of 28 visiting specialist teachers, over two thirds of the school receive tuition on individual instruments in purpose-built rooms in our large music school. When appropriate, pupils are entered for the graded exams of the ABRSM, Trinity and RockSchool boards, with over 70% achieving Merit or Distinction. However, taking exams is not the be all and end all, and we have a system whereby children can take exams if they would like to, but they don’t have to. Similarly, after an exam, there is always at least a term where no exam pieces are learnt, but repertoire and technique are developed, leading to an all-round musician who has experience of playing all sorts of genres of music.
Co-curricular
Music is also a thriving co-curricular activity at St Peter’s and we are proud to be the Choir School for York Minster, responsible for educating York Minster’s girl and boy choristers. There are many co-curricular opportunities catering for all levels of ability including Wind Band, Mini Jazz Band, String Orchestra, Breakfast Strings (for beginner string players), Junior and Senior String Quartets, 2 Cello Groups, Wind Ensembles, 3 Guitar Ensemble and Rock Band as well as lunchtime theory classes to help prepare pupils for graded exams. In addition to this, we have two orchestras, Sinfonia and Sinfonietta, which cater for pupils at every standard – from being able to play 2 notes, to being post-Grade 8 standard! All pupils audition for our Chapel Choir at the end of Year 5 and there is also a Jukebox Choir which is for anyone who would like to come and sing.
Concerts
School concerts take place at the end of each term in our purpose-built concert hall. We also make us of the Memorial Hall at 13-18, the Barbican and York Minster. Each week we have a lunchtime concert ‘Virtualosity’. Pupils perform to a small, informal audience of friends and staff, and this is recorded and put onto a private YouTube link which is then emailed to parents. Our carol service, led by Chapel Choir is in York Minster.
House Singing
The House Singing competition gives further opportunities for pupils to take part in group music-making in an informal and enjoyable setting, instilling confidence in our young performers and a sense of identity and pride in their achievements.
Personal, Social, Health & Economic Education (PSHEE) is an important subject taught weekly at all ages. We have developed our own PSHEE syllabus focused on three core themes: Health and Wellbeing, Relationships and Living in the Wider World. The syllabus promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
Through the syllabus, we seek to develop key skills including self-management, interpersonal skills and skills of enquiry. Our PSHEE programme is delivered through a weekly 40 minute timetabled lesson taught by the class teacher in Year 4 to Year 6 and by more specialist teachers in Year 7 and Year 8.
We have a Life Skills and Wellbeing programme to prepare our pupils for life beyond school. This involves a range of activities for each year group, with a different activity each half term throughout the year. The activities are designed to promote collaboration, physical and mental wellbeing, resilience and other important life skills. Activities include cooking, first aid and mindfulness.
Each class also has a weekly lesson in our very well-stocked library, run by a full time, qualified librarian. We have a dedicated Library for pupils in Year 4 to Year 8, providing an impressive stock of resources housed in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Centrally-located, the Library is spacious, well lit, and conducive to quiet reading and study.
All pupils receive an induction session at the beginning of the year, and pupils in Year 6 to Year 8 are trained in how to issue and return books, and how to search the computerised library catalogue.
The library is managed by our full-time Librarian and always opens during school hours.
In the Art Department at St Peter's 8-13 we aim to provide a stimulating, broad based curriculum geared towards the confident and aspiring artist as well as the less assured. In providing a wide range of possibilities in media and projects, we aim to open up art to all of our pupils, catering for all interests, disciplines and abilities.
Over the years, pupils may explore (in addition to the more traditional curriculum of drawing and painting), printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, textiles. The curriculum framework allows for adaptations in the expression of particular disciplines year on year, responding to the needs and interests of pupils as well as the influences of what is happening in the art world and the world around us.
Our curriculum is devised so that year on year pupils will tackle projects which are incrementally more challenging, and which build on previous learning, knowledge and experience.
Pupils can then choose to develop the work in a more individual and creative way to reflect their interests. Pupils generally work individually, but there are opportunities for collaboration in small groups and, on occasion, as a whole class.
We aim to provide an environment where all pupils feel valued for the work they produce and for their thoughts and opinions on artistic endeavour. We pride ourselves on building confident learners, who have assurance in the practical expression of their ideas, and who are able to express themselves in two and three dimensions as well as to evaluate it verbally; pupils who can talk about their own work and that of others, as well as expressing their opinions on the work of established artists.
Design Technology at St Peter's 8-13 provides a broad learning experience for pupils across the age range. Right from their beginning in Year 4, pupils get involved in the design process and become fully immersed in both the theoretical and practical aspects of the subject.
Although much of the Design Technology programme is based around hands-on activities, where knowledge and understanding are acquired through modelling and trialling design ideas and through experiencing both success and failure, pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their work and their learning, and a good deal of emphasis is placed on the development of other transferable skills such as teamwork, task organisation and time management.
Each year, the incrementally more challenging project-based curriculum enables pupils to develop and improve their skills and to become more adept at workshop processes, whilst building on their technical knowledge and understanding.
The three-stranded approach to Design Technology in the junior school (involving Resistant Materials, Electronics and Textiles) reflects the subject’s GCSE options available in the senior school, which means that, as well as providing more subject breadth, it secures a solid foundation for those who might wish to continue the subject later on.
At St Peter's 8-13 we value the skills, confidence and independent opinions that are built through drama. As a result, each year group receives a forty-minute lesson per week. Drama truly provides a joy and liberation for many children, leaving behind pencils and paper and allowing their communication, negotiating and evaluative skills to be put to the test. Pupils are encouraged to work with limited amounts of text and explore ideas, with all interpretations being celebrated and feedback being given by their peers in a supportive and informed manner.
Productions
We recognise that performance is an integral part of the subject and, to this end, pupils in Years 4 and 6 are involved in a musical production which incorporates the whole year group. By Year 8 the performance element incorporates the Shakespeare School Festival which enables pupils to opt into a cast who then perform at a professional theatre in front of a fee-paying audience and alongside other schools involved in the project. On top of these more ‘formal’ productions there are opportunities in almost every lesson for pupils to ‘share’ work produced, within the safe environment of their peers.
At times drama is also used to enhance the English curriculum, especially during the teaching of Shakespeare, which allows pupils the opportunity to explore characters and motives beyond the realms of the classroom.
Live Theatre
Live theatre adds yet another dimension to the subject and we are blessed being within striking distance of so many incredible theatres – York itself but also Leeds, Manchester and Bradford, with both Sheffield and Newcastle relatively accessible. Appropriate groups are offered opportunities to take part in these visits as they arise. Naturally, programmes are constantly changing, which gives this subject its exciting, contemporary and evolving feel.
Upon leaving St Peter's 8-13, pupils can continue drama in Year 9, with the possibility of taking the subject on at GCSE in Year 10 and above.
At the heart of the English curriculum at St Peter's 8-13 is reading.
Throughout their five years here all pupils have a dedicated weekly library session purely for encouraging reading for pleasure; they learn to appreciate a range of literature and gradually develop personal taste. They discuss novels, recommend titles to one another and are encouraged to branch out and try new and exciting literature as it hits our library shelves on a weekly basis. We are very fortunate in having a full-time librarian who works in the library and recommends reads, stocks the library and runs a range of exciting initiatives including York Book Award for the pupils. In addition to this, all year groups explore language through literature, using the novel as a vehicle to access our curriculum tasks. These novels change over time, with a focus on supporting cross curricular links between subjects, where possible.
Written tasks complement the chosen literature, whilst ensuring a wide range of appropriate writing genre are taught and revisited during the five years at St Peter's 8-13. Emphasis is on teaching pupils how to write effectively, using presentational features and language appropriate to the audience. A fundamental aspect of writing is the editing process, and, throughout St Peter's 8-13, pupils learn that their ‘best’ work is unlikely to be their first draft. From Year 4 onwards pupils evaluate their own work and comment on the work of others; they do this with increasing skill during their time here.
Spelling, handwriting and grammar are also valued as key elements of the English curriculum. These skills taught and are then embedded in real writing tasks within the scheme of work.
At Key Stage 3 we look ahead into the requirements for iGCSE. Before our pupils embark upon that course, we aim to give them breadth of study with a constantly updated curriculum that supports tradition coupled with modern literature. Years 7 and 8 pupils study a Shakespearian text. In addition to this Y7 and 8 explore a range of poetry and novels. Theatre opportunities are taken whenever relevant so that pupils can see work on stage, enhancing understanding. Each year we aim to ensure our pupils have experienced live theatre. J1 and 2 often visit Leeds Playhouse in January and In J4 and J5 we have altered our curriculum in order to incorporate performances as they arise.
English is a compulsory subject. Our overriding aim is that pupils grow to enjoy English and leave St Peter's 8-13 with the knowledge that they can form personal responses to literature, grounded in clear understanding and to have the ability to write for a range of audiences.
Geography is about developing an understanding of our world, primarily through experience, investigation and learning from a range of sources. At St Peter's 8-13 we want to create a fascination about our interactions with the planet and generate a natural curiosity in young people.
Over the course of five years, we look at the place mankind has in the world in terms of settlement location, economic activities and our far too often destructive relationship with the environment. In gaining this understanding, our children are enabled to take responsibility for their role in society, which in turn, can be employed for the benefit of themselves and also for the fellow human beings, animals, and plants with which we share the planet.
We also believe that out in the field is where young people really see and learn, hence the number of field trips stretching from Headingly Water Works to Flamborough Head.
Studying history inspires curiosity about the past and how the world came to be as it is; it combines fascinating stories with challenging ideas and encourages pupils to think for themselves and develop the habits of an enquiring mind.
The curriculum balances local and British history with the history of the wider world and spans five thousand years. The aim is to give students a strong sense of chronology and to teach them to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement. Throughout the curriculum we will focus on the big themes of ordinary life, power, ideas and beliefs, conflict, and empire.
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is interwoven with almost every aspect of our social and business lives today. As such, its planning, implementation and management across the three schools are key factors in its success.
An important objective for the management of ICT is to be able to establish a seamless continuity for pupils from the ages of 4 and 5 years, where they are starting out with keyboard, mouse and touch-screen skills, up to 18 years where students integrate ICT based research and presentation into their examination courses.
At St Peter's 8-13 we aim to equip pupils with the necessary skills and judgement required to use the technology effectively, efficiently and safely across their subjects, both now and in years to come. In addition to core applications including word processing and spreadsheets, the syllabus in the senior end of the school focuses on programming and computing concepts which are vital for a changing workplace in which computing skills are sought after.
Pupils are taught to become adept at choosing the appropriate application for a particular task and encouraged to experiment and share their experiences and ideas when using computers. They are shown how to use computers as problem solving devices, programming them effectively to gain desired outcomes. Safe and sensible Internet use is achieved partly through the school’s filtering system, but also by encouraging pupils to adopt a responsible and informed approach to their on-line activities. Programming skills are developed through the years, starting with block-based languages then moving on to text-based programming.
Pupils in St Peter's 8-13 have access to two computer suites, smaller computer clusters in various subject departments and mobile technology in the form of iPads which are gradually coming into use. The ICT and computing department also make use of other technologies including electronics, robotics and simulations to link understanding of programming and computational thinking to real life experiences. Extra-curricular sessions are available for those pupils who wish to further their experience and knowledge of computer programming and games development. All pupils in J4 (Year 7) take part in the Bebras Computing challenge and pupils in J4 and J5 (Years 7 and 8) can opt to take part in the Astro Pi challenge where they could get code running on the International Space Station.
Gone are the days of declining endless nouns and studying fusty topics from dust covered textbooks! We aim to develop a knowledge and understanding of Classical Greece and Rome through an enjoyable study of their language, literature, history, art and ideas, thus fostering analytical and linguistic skills along with perceptions of a culture which has given us so much of what we take for granted today.
Pupils take up the Cambridge Latin Course in Year 7 then begin the Cullen and Taylor course in Year 8 until the end of Third Form, when both Classics and Latin are put into the option pool. With such an early grounding and stimulating material, it is not surprising that take up in Fourth Form is excellent.
We aim to enhance the curriculum with a wide variety of extra activities both in and out of school. Author visits, reading competitions, and a Classics Quiz all provide pupils with knowledge of the classical world beyond the classroom. Various vocabulary learning apps and websites, along with the excellent Cambridge e–learning course have also helped to bring the study of the Romans into the 21st century.
The mathematics department at St Peter's 8-13 seeks to:
- Develop confidence, understanding and enthusiasm for mathematics.
- Develop a wide range of mathematical skills and to use them to solve a wide range of problems in a wide range of situations.
- Think and communicate mathematically in written, spoken and graphical form.
- To attain a high standard of numeracy.
- Work both independently and co-operatively.
- Investigate mathematical ideas to think creatively.
- Work to the limits of their abilities and beyond.
- Acquire the foundation necessary for the further study of mathematics and other curriculum areas.
- Recognise situations where the use of IT is appropriate i.e. calculators and computers.
Pupils are encouraged to think creatively and to develop independent learning skills. They are also encouraged to use critical thinking and to produce independent work such as posters and investigations.
Pupils enjoy the vigour of maths competition: in school, regionally and nationally. Pupils can work individually, in pairs and in group situations.
At its heart, Religious Studies and Philosophy at St Peter’s 8-13 explores what it means to be human. It gives pupils valuable insights into the diverse beliefs & opinions held by people today. It helps with their own personal development & supports an understanding of the spiritual, moral, social & cultural questions that surface again & again in their lives. St Peter’s School has an Anglican heritage and we are proud of our strong links with York Minster. Nevertheless, we very much welcome pupils from other Christian denominations, other faiths and those of none.
Religious studies and Philosophy at St Peter’s 8-13 are very much about explaining the views of others, showing respect to believers and belief systems, and one where teacher’s views are left outside the classroom. Where this is not the case is when the issue is clearly one of right and wrong, in such cases teachers take the moral lead. Our classrooms are places where respectful questioning and thinking through issues are very much valued and encouraged and pupils are taught to respect and value difference. Many of the writing and analytical skills developed in RS prepare pupils for the senior school not only in RS but also for academic study in general.
In Years 4 and 5 pupils have separate RS and Philosophy lessons. Philosophy follows a philosophy for children (P4C) approach and enhances children's thinking and communication skills, boosts their self-esteem, and improves their academic attainment.
In Years 6,7 and 8 the subjects are taught together.
At St Peter's 8-13 our aim is to inspire students to develop a lifelong interest in science by introducing them to an exciting and engaging syllabus. Students will follow a wide-ranging syllabus based on the National Curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to be curious, well-motivated learners. Their science lessons will allow them to think for themselves, solve problems and develop an interest in our ever-changing environment.
Science in Year 4 and Year 5
In Year 4 and Year 5, students will have four periods of science per week. Science lessons will be in classrooms but with as much practical and investigative work as possible.
Science in Year 6
In Year 6, students will have four periods of science per week. Most lessons will be in our laboratories with an emphasis on investigative, practical work.
Science in Year 7 and Year 8
In Year 7 and Year 8, pupils will study chemistry, physics and biology as separate disciplines. Each subject is allocated a double period per week in purpose built, fully equipped science laboratories. Emphasis is placed upon the development of independent learning skills, a practical approach to learning and a sound grasp of basic scientific concepts.