English

Autumn Term

Reading: Kick by Mitch Johnson and Room 13 by Robert Swindells

• These engaging texts are studied in order to help pupils develop key VIPERS skills and develop in confidence at answering reading comprehension questions.

Writing: ‘Rose Blanche/Anne Frank’ and ‘Hansel and Gretel’

• Through studying the texts mentioned above, pupils will produce a diary entry, speech and narrative in conjunction with learning the key spelling, grammar and punctuation knowledge that is relevant to each of these text types.

Spring Term

Reading: Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone by JK Rowling

• Pupils will read the novel across the full spring term and further enhance their reading skills by answering VIPERS questions that are directly linked to the text.

Writing: Origin of the Species/Shackleton’s Journey

• Through studying the texts mentioned above, pupils will produce a narrative and a non-fiction explanation piece in conjunction with learning the key spelling, grammar and punctuation knowledge that is relevant to each of these text types.

Summer Term

Reading: Revision Unit and A World of Stories

• At the beginning of the summer term, pupils will revise, and practise key reading comprehension skills required to be successful in the SATS. Once the SATS are completed, pupils will work through a transition unit where they will be introduced to several texts from different cultures. They will begin to analyse these texts using the skills required for KS3.

Writing: Editing Unit

• In the final term, pupils will be provided with the opportunity to edit, redraft and rewrite earlier pieces of writing so that they include the range of SPaG knowledge acquired since the beginning of the academic year.

Autumn Term

Holes by Louis Sachar

• Through studying the novel, pupils develop their reading skills by using the ‘What, How, Why?’ structure to analyse the characters, plot, setting and themes of the story. Pupils will also get the opportunity to discuss issues raised in the story such as racism and capital punishment.

Gothic Horror

• Pupils further develop the SPaG skills acquired in KS2 to write an effective gothic horror story. Pupils use the 5-part-plan to create a story filled with effective description and moments of high tension.

Spring Term

Natural World Poetry

• Pupils use poetic terminology and their analytical skills to explore the language and themes of a range of poetry related to the natural world.

Ghost Boys

• Pupils develop their language skills through the study of the powerful novel ‘Ghost Boys’. They will also have an opportunity to practise their oracy through whole class debates that are centred around key issues and themes raised in the novel e.g. racism, unconscious bias etc.

Summer Term

World of Persuasion

• Pupils will examine a range of non-fiction texts and unpick persuasive devices that are used to influence the audience. With this knowledge, pupils will then produce their own pieces of writing (speech, leaflet) and aim to include the aforementioned techniques to persuade their audience.

An Introduction to Shakespeare

• Pupils will be introduced to the life, times and works of Shakespeare during this short unit of work. They will learn about Elizabethan England, The Globe Theatre and several of Shakespeare’s most famous plays: Macbeth, Hamlet and Othello to name a few. This will aid the transition to studying King Lear at the end of Y8.

Autumn Term

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

• Pupils study the social and historical context of the novella and analyse the way John Steinbeck uses language to present plot, character, theme and setting. Pupils will learn how to further enhance the ‘What, How, Why’ structure so that more detail is included about author’s intentions and the reader’s response in the answers they produce.

Non-Fiction Unit

• Pupils will study a range of non-fiction texts and practise answering the different types of English Language questions (retrieval, explain, evaluate) so that they are prepared for year 9 and beyond. Pupils will also learn about how to structure particular text types and independently produce their own pieces of non-fiction writing.

Spring Term

Journey’s End by RC Sheriff

• Through the study of this early 20th century play, pupils will learn about the historical context of the time – World War One and life in the trenches. They will learn about the structure of a playscript (the importance of stage directions) and have the opportunity to read a role in the play with expression. Underpinning this unit of work, is the further practise of answering literature-style questions that are succinct and include the necessary detail.

Twisted Tales

• Pupils will understand how conventions can be manipulated to create a different, but effective, take on a classic fairytale. Through creative imitation of famous authors such as Philip Pullman, the pupils will plan and construct their own twisted tale that will include precise, descriptive detail, moments of tension and suspense and well-considered, original characters.

Summer Term

The Woman in Black by Susan Hill

• Pupils will have the chance to read this more challenging text and examine the ways in which the author has used imagery and structural elements to create a frightening, traditional ghost story. Pupils will use the reading skills they have acquired and developed throughout middle school to answer more complex questions relating to the novel.

King Lear by William Shakespeare

• The final unit of the year will give students the chance to perform key scenes from the play ‘King Lear’ and revise the knowledge they were taught at the end of year 7 about the life and times of William Shakespeare. The study of this play will aid with the transition to high school where they will study plays such as Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet, both of which, like King Lear, have conflict as a central theme.