9b Timetable 2025/26

World Book Day 2026

March ’26
Reading a book and being able to enjoy a story is one of the most satisfying things you can experience. We try to encourage all students to pick a book up and read!

This year we celebrated World Book Day on 5^th March with a range of different activities. Students chose a book and discussed and encouraged reading for pleasure. Individual staff, across all subjects, created a range of quizzes and tasks.

Science – Separation Techniques

March ’26
Year 9 have been learning about a range of separation techniques, with chromatography proving to be a particular favourite. Pupils have explored methods such as filtration, distillation and chromatography through a series of practical activities. They especially enjoyed investigating how to separate mixtures such as ink and water, as well as how to purify dirty water.

Building on these skills, pupils have also been introduced to the process of fractional distillation. They have begun to understand how crude oil can be separated into different fractions and how these fractions are used to manufacture a wide variety of everyday products. This has helped to deepen their understanding of both scientific processes and real‑world applications.

Computing – Spreadsheet Software

February ’25
This term, 9b have been developing their skills in Microsoft Excel. They are now able to collect, input, and format data within a spreadsheet, as well as create a variety of charts to visually present their information. 9b have also applied conditional formatting to highlight cells based on specific criteria! Well done 9b!

Art – Picasso/African Art and Cubism

January ’26
Year 9 pupils have been learning how Picasso was influenced by African art and how this helped create Cubism. They are experimenting with new ways of showing faces and ideas.

English – Women in Literature

January ’26
This term, 9b will explore how women have been represented in literature across different time periods. We started by researching the challenges women writers encountered throughout different historical periods, including limited social freedoms, restricted access to education, and barriers to publishing.

Maths – Sorting 3D Shapes

Sep ’25
Year 9 have been sorting 3D shapes into pyramids and prisms.

Computing – Python Programming

May ’25
This term, students have been introduced to the basics of text-based programming using Python. Their work has focused on developing an understanding of:

Variables – storing and updating data using meaningful variable names.
Functions – The use of functions to display messages and collect user input.
Arithmetic operators – performing calculations using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
Binary selection (if/else statements) – making decisions in code based on conditions.
Syntax – identifying and correcting mistakes in their code, such as missing colons, incorrect indentation, or misspelled commands.

Pupils have been able to predict what code will do, debug errors, and modify existing scripts. These skills are helping students transition from block-based to text-based programming with confidence. Well done 9b!

Theatre, Stagecraft and Film Project

April ’25
Some of the ACE Year 9 pupils have been working with Chris Beaumont from The Brain Charity on a project incorporating prop making, filming and recording.

Science – Paranormal Activity at ACE

Today, students from classes 9a and 9b participated in an exciting and engaging enrichment activity focused on exploring paranormal activities. The session allowed students to get creative and use a variety of media techniques to design and film their own paranormal scenes.

Activity Overview:

Students began by experimenting with different methods to create supernatural effects. They worked with magnetism to make objects move, utilized fishing wire to create the illusion of moving cups, and experimented with lighting techniques to set the perfect eerie atmosphere. These hands-on activities helped students understand how special effects and props are used in media production to create suspense and mystery.

The highlight of the day was when students collaborated to construct and film a palm reading movie scene. The scene was filled with paranormal occurrences, and the students applied their newfound skills to make it as convincing and thrilling as possible. The use of special effects, combined with lighting and sound, added a truly immersive element to the production.

Skills Developed:

Throughout the activity, students were able to enhance their media skills by:

• Designing and building sets
• Manipulating light and shadow for effect
• Using various props to create movement and surprise
• Collaborating in groups to develop and film a narrative

The activity provided an opportunity for creativity and teamwork, and all students thoroughly enjoyed the process of bringing their ideas to life on film.