Year 7

Aims of Course
The English course is designed to develop the ability of students to communicate effectively in speech and writing, to listen with understanding and to be enthusiastic, responsive and knowledgeable readers.

Assessment
Students are assessed throughout the year as units of work are completed. Work is regularly given a National Curriculum level in one or more of the areas of Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing. Sometimes students will assess each others’ work as a valuable means of gaining insight into the learning process.

Homework
Homework is set regularly to encourage independent study and methods of working, and to reinforce what has been done in class. Homework may consist of a short written assignment, research and preparation for a presentation, or a grammar exercise.

How Parents/Carers can help
Encourage your child to read regularly both fiction and non-fiction. Help your child’s handwriting by equipping them with a good quality pen (and spare!) in blue or black ink.

Equipment required
In addition to a good quality pen (see above), it will be useful for your child to bring to each lesson a pencil, rubber, ruler, coloured pencils, and a highlighter. The School Planner is of course obligatory for all subjects.

Contact: Subject Leader – Mrs S J Todd

Course Content
Students follow the Key Stage 3 National Curriculum, a combined programme of reading, writing, speaking and listening. The course is fully integrated with the National Literacy Framework and builds upon Key Stage 2 skills in spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Students study a variety of texts across a range of genres including poetry, prose, drama and media. As well as studying contemporary texts, students are introduced to pre-twentieth century texts from the Literary Heritage, such as Beowulf and Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. They also study poetry and produce a Shakespeare project focusing on a major play.

Year 8

Aims of Course
Students in Year 8 build upon the good practice established in Year 7 and continue to follow the Key Stage 3 Programmes of Study for the National Curriculum and the Literacy Framework.

Course Content
Students focus more acutely on the craft of writing and the way in which language is used successfully and for effect. They develop the methods of analysis required for end of Key Stage 3, SATS and GCSE examinations.

Students investigate the history and development of the English language and study The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer. Students continue a programme of study on Shakespeare.

Year 9

Aims of Course
Students in Year 9 build upon the good practice established in Year 8 and continue to follow the Key Stage 3 Programmes of Study for the National Curriculum and the Literacy Framework. In addition, the principal aim of the course is to prepare students for National Curriculum Tests at the end of Key Stage 3.

Course Content
Preparation for National Curriculum Tests includes the analysis of fiction and media texts and the study of a play by Shakespeare. Having completed Key Stage 3, students are introduced to challenging texts from the GCSE English/English Literature and GCSE Media Studies Syllabi. They plan and prepare an initial piece of GCSE coursework.

Text book
We do not use one particular text book but we do recommend the KS3 revision guide published by Lonsdale. Details will be given out later in the year.