Journey 7 is a subject unique to Willows High School. In J7, pupils experience an integrated approach to Geography, History, RE, Art and Drama, through topic work spread over six units. This approach mirrors that of primary school, as does the continuity of the having the same teacher for up to one fifth of their lesson time. We have found this aids what can sometimes be a difficult transition period from KS2 to KS3 for pupils and helps them to adjust to high school and the rules, routines and expectations of Willows High School pupils.
The units pupils study include the following:
Welcome to Willows – In this unit we reinforce the rules, roles and expectations of both pupils and teachers and work on getting to know as much as we can about our new pupils. We also focus on wellbeing and mental health, which is central to their learning and achievement in any setting.
The World of Work – In this unit we look at what life was like for young people in the Victorian Era, but in particular the jobs they did. We also look at the options our pupils may have after they leave Willows, whether this is further education, an apprenticeship of work.
Welsh Culture and Heritage – In this unit we look at Cardiff and the surrounding area and various places of interest. We also look at the myths and legends that are central to Welsh culture and the many symbols associated with Welsh heritage.
The Environment – In this unit pupils learn about the many ways in which our planet is being polluted and harmed. They look at an in-depth study of the River Ganges in India and the problems it faces as one of the most polluted rivers in the world. Pupils also look at the weather and climate.
Persecution, Discrimination and Acceptance – In this unit pupils study the origins of Christianity and the rise of the Christian faith during the Roman Empire. They learn about the discrimination of Emperor Nero and the persecution faced by Early Christians. They also look at the way people discriminate against others in the 21st century and how this can be overcome.
Inspirational People – In this unit pupils investigate what qualities inspirational people posses and write a biography of someone who has inspired them. They also look at their own future hopes and aspirations and how they can plan a pathway to achieve these.
As well as the aforementioned curriculum areas, we also reinforce basic literacy skills in the form of handwriting, weekly spelling tests and homework and based around punctuation, grammar and parts of speech. With a good foundation in these skills, pupils are then able to apply them in all areas of the curriculum.
Our commitment to delivering a holistic, cross-curricular approach to learning enables pupils to become resilient, independent learners who will have the experiences, knowledge and skills needed in the world of work, for lifelong learning and to become active citizens. We encourage working in a variety of different ways, from individual study and research projects, to group work and discussion. We aim to incorporate rich literacy and ICT-based tasks to enable pupils to apply their skills and become confident and able members of the Willows High School community.