Purpose

The Key Stage 3 English curriculum aims to foster a love of reading through exciting texts (including poetry, prose, drama and media) that also allow students to practise the writing skills required for GCSE English Language and Literature, and to encourage empathy and open students' eyes to range of cultures and backgrounds. We also develop students' oracy skills through presentations, classroom discussions and peer assessment. Feedback is designed to help students identify areas of improvement (such as spelling and grammar, critical thinking, essay structure etc) and to gain greater confidence in expressing their ideas though the written word.

Content

In Year 8 English, students will develop their descriptive and transactional writing skills through the theme of travel, writing for a range of purposes and audiences.

They will explore poetry and prose from the gothic genre, studying its conventions and historical context whilst developing their skills in textual analysis.

The curriculum also examines themes of identity and diversity through the study of novels and media texts (such as short films), encouraging students to reflect on society and write creatively and comparatively, as well as building on their empathy writing skills from Year 7.

Last but not least, students will participate in the annual Shakespeare festival, where they will study a play in depth and then, in partnership with the Drama department, bring it to life through an exciting class performance that is always a highlight of the school calendar, where friends and family are invited to come and watch.

Beyond the classroom

Shakespeare Festival, Creative Writing Club, KS3 Reading Group, Author visits