Key Stage 3 - English

Pupils follow thematic units of work, which are designed to develop all their English skills. Literature is studied alongside and, where appropriate, as part of each unit of work. Whenever possible the pupils’ work is designed for a wider audience than simply the teacher; publication and display are seen as being crucial to developing good writing and effective communicators.

Reading:

We aim to develop an appreciation and love of reading and include a wide range of fiction and non-fiction in our courses from whole books, short stories, poems and plays from a variety of genres, historical periods, forms and authors. Students will study:

• English literature, pre-1914 and contemporary, including prose, poetry and drama
• Shakespeare
• Seminal world literature

Writing:

In their written work, students are supported to write accurately, fluently, effectively and at length, for a range of purposes and audiences, including:

• Essays
• Stories, scripts, poetry and other imaginative writing
• Notes and scripts for talks and presentations
• A range of other texts, including arguments, and personal and formal letters.

Grammar and vocabulary:

In KS3, students consolidate their knowledge of the grammar and vocabulary through the following approaches to learning.

• Analysing more challenging texts
• Identifying grammatical features of texts
• Acquiring new vocabulary and grammatical tools from literature and texts
• Understanding the differences between written and spoken English
• Using standard English in written and spoken work
• Using linguistic and literary terminology to discuss texts

Speaking:

Students are supported to speak confidently and effectively. They are expected to use standard English confidently in a range of contexts, including classroom discussions, speeches, and presentations.

Student progress is measured by both formative and summative assessments. Formative assessment takes place regularly and in a variety of formats ranging from group discussion and collaboration, written tasks, quizzes, and presentations. Students complete one summative assessment each half-term in which they are required to demonstrate their skills and understanding in a sustained and independent written or spoken activity.

• Genre and narrative: gothic literature
• Characters and archetype: Sherlock Holmes
• Conflict: war poetry