Great Learning - Some Examples
We're really proud of the work our secondary school students produce. To give you an idea of the standard of their homework and classwork we'll be adding examples here during the year. See also great work by our primary phase students.
Maths (Year 12) - Kinematics
Our first Mechanics lesson was kinematics and Sammi really enjoyed this topic. Kinematics is a blend of Physics and Mathematics. Sammi was able to recognise when the use of the constant acceleration equations is appropriate and was able to solve kinematics problems using the constant acceleration equations. Download Sammi's work.
Maths (Year 12) - trigonometry function and identity
When we asked Viktorija which piece of work she was most proud of, she chose trigonometry function and identity. In this lesson, Viktorija learnt two new identities and was able to solve problem using this new-found knowledge. Download Viktorija's work.
Maths (Year 12) - sketching quadratic function
In their Maths lesson, our Year 12 students were learning how to sketch quadratic function. Although they have seen sketch graphs at GCSE, in Year 12 they have to learn the square of function where the coefficient of x2 is greater than 1. Cheng was able to recall mathematical knowledge from KS4 and because of this was able to make excellent progress in the lesson. Download Cheng's work.
Character Days
We asked Year 8 to reflect on the three Character Days they have experienced so far. Find out more about Character Education at Harris Garrard Academy.
- “The Character Days were really helpful as they taught me many important things that will help us develop a better character in young teenagers.” Filip, Year 8. Read Filip’s Character Day diary.
- “I benefitted most from [the sessions on] social media and mental health as they could teach me how to be aware of how long I’m on social media and of the consequences of having an addiction to your phone.” Gloria, Year 8. Read Gloria’s Character Day diary.
- “Today I learnt how to revise in many ways such as making revision flash cards, using initials to remember something and watching tutorials on it.” Rio, Year 8. Read Rio’s Character Day diary.
‘Does a higher concentration increase the rate of a reaction?’
In Science, Shay is testing out his theory ‘Does a higher concentration increase the rate of a reaction?’ Shay's work proved that it definitely does. Well done Shay!
This picture shows Shay and his lab partner, Favour, double-checking their results, and making sure they follow the science safety rules by having bags and chairs at the edge of the room, for safe practicals to be carried out.
All GCSE pupils need to complete required practicals for Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
"I hate this world. I can't choose who I am"
Creative writing from Lola, Year 7. Her vocabulary is outstanding and her use of emotive language very effective. Well done, Lola. Download Lola's work.
Here are a few more examples from last year too.
English (Year 7)
In their English lessons, our Year 7s recently wrote travel articles about Messina, the Italian city on the Island of Sicily. They had to research the area themselves and create an article persuading others to visit (see Aimee's lovely work below). Having a feel for this sunny destination helps students to understand the atmosphere that Shakespeare wanted to create in his play Much Ado About Nothing, which is set in Messina. Read more about our Messina project.
Science (Year 11)
We asked Year 11 to describe a detailed method to investigate how pH affects enzyme action. Read Simran’s method, which we loved because it is detailed and includes all measurements and units.
Science (Year 7)
For homework we asked Year 7 students to create their own posters about safety in science lessons. Kaden made a massive effort to include entertaining images to catch people’s eyes, as well as practical advice. Well done Kaden!
Maths (Year 7)
We asked students to use coordinates to draw 2D shapes on the x and y axis. Here's Gerald's very carefully drawn work.
Food Preparation and Nutrition (Year 9)
Chloe shows her fantastic breadmaking skills. Chloe made an assortment of breads during a one hour lesson where students demonstrated the use of microorganisms in food production. She increased the nutritive value of the breads by adding seeds, mozzerella cheese, dried fruits and herbs. Chloe was Star Baker of the Week!
Chloe glazed the breads before baking to improve the finishing.
Art and Design (Year 11)
Produce an A1 painting in the style of the Futurist Movement. Your piece must show your knowledge and understanding of depth, movement, motion and incorporate the human form within it.
Here's Tilly's artwork
And Zoe's artwork.
History (Year 8)
Write a description of slavery. Use examples from ancient and more modern times. Explain how there were different types of slaves in Ancient Rome, giving examples of the work they did and the status they could achieve. What are the two inferences you make about the Middle Passage from this source? Andy's excellent work shows a student’s early progression in a historical topic as well as the depth of the knowledge he has learned elsewhere before being taught the topic.
French (Year 9)
Write a paragraph about a perfect or disastrous night out. Karolina has written this paragraph in the past tense describing the excitement and disappointment of a customer doing her shopping. This work is special as it shows the student’s ability to manipulate the verbs in past tense. This homework is showing the students’ creativity in writing in French using complex sentences.
History (Year 9)
Year 9 students were asked to explain why there was continuity in ideas about the cause of disease during the period 1250-1500. Oliver's answer below shows an excellent understanding of the concept of continuity in ideas, with points well explained and linked to historical evidence.
Design and Technology (Year 7)
Jodie has drawn this pillar drill we used today in class. She has annotated and described clearly all the safety features that we must be aware of and use.
She's made a successful foray into 3D representation, a technique that should be encouraged. The layout shows a good balance between drawn and written elements and colour is sensitively applied. There's good use of higher level words correctly incorporated into sentences (e.g. ‘recessed’, ‘protruding’, ‘differ’). Well done Jodie.
English Literature (Year 10)
Students were asked to complete an essay exploring the concept of evil in the character of Mr Hyde. As a 'stretch' task, students could include ideas from Nietzsche’s Beyond Good and Evil to explore theories of evil during the Victorian era. Caitlin planned and completed her essay incorporating higher order stretch tasks within a one hour lesson. It demonstrates the amount of work that can be completed within a lesson, with perfect presentation and organised learning. Download Caitlin's essay.
