Sitora Learning Academy of Excellence · Year 8 · Autumn 1
Half-term assessment
Knowing yourself and thinking clearlyInstructions
- Answer every question and show all mathematical working.
- Use complete sentences where an explanation is requested.
- Complete the paper independently unless an access arrangement is recorded.
- Check your answers before finishing.
English
SourceThe path narrowed as Mara reached the abandoned glasshouse. Rain tapped against the broken panes, though the trees around her were perfectly still. On the bench lay a warm brass key. She looked back towards the house. One upstairs curtain moved, then stopped.
List two details that make the setting seem unusual.
[4 marks]How does the writer create tension? Analyse two language or structural choices.
[9 marks]Continue the mystery for 250–350 words. Control viewpoint, paragraphing and suspense.
[12 marks]Mathematics
Put −7, 3.5, −2 and 0.4 in ascending order. Then calculate 18 − 3 × 4 + 2.
[8 marks]A recipe uses flour and oats in the ratio 5:2. It uses 350 g of flour. Find the oats and the total mixture mass.
[10 marks]A £64 jacket is reduced by 15%. Find the reduction and sale price. Explain one check.
[12 marks]Science
Name the cell structures that control cell activities, release energy and control movement of substances. Give one specialised-cell adaptation.
[8 marks]Explain how the digestive and circulatory systems work together after a meal.
[8 marks]Plan a fair test of how one minute of exercise affects pulse rate.
[9 marks]AI, digital and engineering
Explain the difference between a rule-based program and a machine-learning system. Give one risk when using generative AI for homework.
[10 marks]A paper tower falls sideways during testing. Propose two evidence-led design changes and explain how each could improve stability.
[10 marks]