Year 9
Mr Catchpole
Year 9 is a pivotal year for students at The King John School. Students will follow a similar curriculum to that in Year 8.
In Year 9 students will begin looking at choosing their pathway of GCSE courses that they will continue through to the end of Year 11. We offer a variety of GCSE pathways for students, and while studying for their GCSEs students will follow the core curriculum and a range of Option subjects chosen through consultation with the school at the end of Year 9. They will have the opportunity to take new courses that they will have not had the opportunity to study before, such as GCSEs in Media, Business and Sociology and vocational courses such as Hair and Beauty. These personalised pathways make learning more engaging for our students, and drive their motivation as they start to navigate where their qualifications will take them in the future.
We actively reward those students who are exceeding our expectations, through our whole school rewards system. Achievement points are given out during lessons but also through their participation in extra-curricular activities and taking on responsibilities around the school. We also celebrate student achievement in termly rewards assemblies, recognising 100% attendance, clear expectations cards, top achievers and tutors will nominate their ‘Student of the Term’. Finally, the Head of Year and Assistant Head of Year award a student their ‘Student of the Term’ where two students are selected from the whole year group in recognition if their achievements.
Despite the strong academic focus in Year 9, the students have a very strong pastoral support system in place as well. We understand that change and new challenges can feel daunting and Year 9 has a dedicated Student Support Officer to help students manage their school lives.
As part of the pastoral support system, each student has a tutor they will see each morning. During tutor time sessions tutors will lead a range of activities, such as Thought for the Week (where students can engage in discussion round important topical issues or national days); as well as ‘housekeeping’ tasks, such as maintaining Records of Achievement and reviewing points obtained throughout the week.
Year 9 student also have the opportunity to take on whole school responsibilities, such as being a form charity representative. This involves coming up with ideas for and putting on charity events for their chosen Year 9 charity. Finally, students can also be part of our Student Voice committee, where they can ‘have their voice heard’ on a matter of important school issues where we welcome student input and opinion. Taking on whole school responsibilities prepares students for the coming year, Year 10, when they will be able to apply for the position of Prefect.
Year 9 have an assembly weekly, this will be led either by the Head of Year or by a guest speaker. This is an invaluable opportunity to raise important issues with the year group, such as expectations of behaviour or uniform, or again to present information related to our Thought for the Week or PAUSE focus. We have high expectations of behaviour and conduct during assemblies, and students understand that this is a formal weekly gathering.
The high expectations of behaviour and attitude continue throughout the school day, from their conduct in lessons to their behaviour during free time. A clear policy of sanctions relating to attendance, punctuality, behaviour, attitude to learning and homework ensure that all students are meeting our expectations without question.
Downloads
Student Information Booklet for Working at Home Y9
KJS Subject Information Booklet 2021
