English

Curriculum Information for Key Stage 3 students

Welcome to the English department

Aim:
Our curriculum aims to instil in our learners a love and appreciation of literature and of all other written media, and to produce skilled analysts who can respond to texts in a thoughtful, mature and critical manner, as though they are literary experts.

Overview:
In the English department we are committed to excellence and we uphold the highest expectations of all learners of all abilities, providing the best possible quality first teaching to our learners with the belief that all can and will achieve highly and fulfil their potential. A fundamental aim is also to educate our learners about the wider world and beyond ‘English’, encouraging our young people to respect all others and themselves, demonstrating tolerance and community spirit. Our curriculum seeks to provide exposure to a range of rich language, building knowledge and skill, and striking the balance between being enjoyable yet challenging, diverse and engaging.

What topics will I study in KS3 (years 7, 8 & 9):

Autumn 1

Autumn 2

Spring 1

Spring 2

Summer 1

Summer 2

Year7

Topic:

Amazing People and Writing Skills. Introductory Unit

Assessment: Formative:

Written analysis of text.

Summative: Creative writing

Topic:

Novel study Private Peaceful

Assessment: Formative:

Written analysis of text.

Summative: Written analysis of text.

Topic:

Poetry Masters

Assessment: Formative:

Written analysis of text.

Summative: Written analysis of text.

Topic:

Short Story study: The Signalman

Assessment:

Formative:

Written analysis of text.

Summative: Creative writing – Opening to a story.

Topic:

Shakespeare Study: The Tempest

Assessment: Formative:

Written analysis of text.

Summative: Written analysis of text.

Topic:

My Big Voice

Assessment:

Formative:

Creative writing.

Summative: Creative writing – Powerful speeh.

Year 8

Topic:

19^th Century Fiction

Assessment: Formative:

Written analysis of text.

Summative: Written analysis of text.

Topic:

Of Mice & Men Novel study

Assessment: Formative:

Written analysis of text.

Summative: Creative writing, emulating Steinbeck’s style.

Topic:

What’s in the news?

Assessment: Formative:

Writing an article for a broadsheet.

Summative: Writing an article responding to a statement.

Topic:

Shakespeare Study: Romeo & Juliet

Assessment: Formative:

Written analysis of text.

Summative: Written analysis of text.

Topic:

Media Unit: Jaws and Blackfish

Assessment:

Formative:

Written analysis of text.

Summative: Writing an argument based on environmental issues.

Topic:

World Poetry

Assessment:

Formative:

Written analysis.

Summative: Written analysis.

Year 9

Topic:

Pre-1900 poetry

Assessment: Formative:

Written analysis of text.

Summative: Written analysis of text.

Topic:

English Language skills

Assessment: Formative:

Written analysis of text.

Summative: Written analysis of text.

Topic:

Victorian Literature study

Assessment: Formative:

Written analysis of text.

Summative: Written analysis of text.

Topic:

Modern Play – Blood brothers

Assessment: Formative:

Written analysis of text.

Summative: Written analysis of text.

Topic:

Language skills mastery

Assessment: Formative:

Written analysis of text.

Summative: Written analysis of text.

Topic:

Non-fiction writing skills and spoken language

Assessment: Formative:

Creative writing in style of language paper.

Summative: Spoken language about a topic of students choice.

Can I study this at KS4?
English is a compulsory subject. You will continue to study both Language and Literature as well as Spoken Language at KS4.

Are there any enrichment opportunities in school?
The English Department offer a range of extra-curricular activities including creative writing club, debating club, KS4 critical thinking booster sessions to name a few. We also run theatre trips where possible which tie into plays and novels which we are studying.

What could I do/read at home to help myself or where could I visit to help my learning?
Ensuring you are getting the basics right is a really important starting point. Being equipped with pens, pencils and highlighters (ideally two, different colours) is a minimum expectation; you should have your books with you every day and ensure your home learning is completed on time, and to a good standard. Furthermore, talking to somebody at home – a parent or relative – about what you are studying. You will study a number of units of learning which are based on news and current affairs – so a lot of what they are learning about is current and by discussing this with somebody can help you to be even better informed on these topics.

In addition, as you move on to study the GCSE set texts (Macbeth, A Christmas Carol, An Inspector Calls, and the Power and Conflict cluster of poems), study guides are helpful.

Useful websites:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zt3rkqt

https://www.educationquizzes.com/ks3/

https://www.senecalearning.com/