Years 7 & 8 Curriculum - English

Half Term   Detail Assessment
Autumn 1 Myths and Legends
Introduction to Accelerated Reader		 We begin by studying poetry and the epic narrative poem, ‘Beowulf’. The emphasis is on the imagination and the techniques writers use to bring stories to life. Star Reader Assessment

Reading response to ‘Beowulf’
Autumn 2 ‘Oliver Twist’ Following the study of theatre through the ages, students read a scripted version of Dickens’s classic tale, ‘Oliver Twist’. Students will research the historical context and learn more about Charles Dickens. They will consider how the techniques used by the authors of both prose and drama bring texts to life. Literature response to ‘Oliver Twist’

Star Reader Assessment
Spring 1 The Art of Rhetoric Having read ‘Oliver Twist’, students are then challenged to argue that the character of Fagin is either a victim or a villain. The focus is on structuring a coherent argument and making effective use of rhetorical devices. Spoken language: delivery of a speech

 

Writing: argue and persuade
Spring 2 Novel Study

 

 Each class will study a modern novel. During the half term, they will explore the writer’s style by considering, language choices, characterisation, setting and structure. They will be encouraged to respond at both a personal and analytical level. On-going reading response
Summer 1 Opening doors to other worlds Students will read a range of extracts and consider visual images in an imaginative exploration of the symbolism of doors. The focus will be on developing narrative and descriptive writing skills. Descriptive/Narrative writing
Summer 2 Shakespeare and ‘The Tempest’ The reading exam will involve comprehension and analysis of an unseen text. Students will be expected to demonstrate the skills that they have developed throughout the year.

In the final weeks of Year 7, we focus on a Shakespeare text and the students prepare for a celebration of ‘The Tempest’ in our annual Shakespeare Festival.		 Year 7 Exam: Reading

Star Reader Assessment

 

Year 8

By the beginning of Year 8, students are familiar with how to respond to literature texts and how to secure knowledge using a range of strategies such as self-quizzing. Students are confident with developing and discussing ideas and are becoming more accomplished with their writing. The aim in Year 8 is to develop students’ understanding of a range of literary genres and styles of writing through reading together and independently and through studying and imitating professional writers.

Half Term   Detail Assessment
Autumn 1 Mystery and Detective Stories We begin by reading ‘The Hitchhiker’ by Anthony Horowitz and analysing the techniques used to build suspense. This is followed by the study of a range of mystery and detective stories including ‘The Speckled Band’ by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Narrative and descriptive writing
Autumn 2 Novel Study: Animal Farm All classes read ‘Animal Farm’ and develop their understanding of the text as allegory. During the half term, they will explore the writer’s style by considering, language choices, characterisation, setting and structure. They will be encouraged to respond at both a personal and analytical level. Literature response to ‘Animal Farm’
Spring 1 The Art of Rhetoric Building on their experience in Year 7, students develop their understanding of rhetorical devices and are challenged to research and write a speech about an environmental issue of their choice. The focus is on structuring a coherent argument and making effective use of rhetorical devices. Spoken language: delivery of a speech

Writing: argue and persuade
Spring 2 Gothic Literature Students will read a range of extracts and consider visual images in an imaginative exploration of the Gothic genre. The focus will be on understanding the writer’s craft and developing creative writing skills. Narrative and descriptive writing

Reading Assessment
Summer 1 Poetry The half term begins with the reading and performance of a range of poems and poetic forms. Later, students will focus their attention on ‘The Charge of the Light Brigade’ by Lord Tennyson. They will research context, analyse language, structure and form and will endeavour to learn the poem by heart. On-going formative assessment
Summer 2 Shakespeare and ‘Romeo and Juliet’ The literature exam will involve a critical response to the poem, ‘The Charge of the Light Brigade’. Students will be expected to demonstrate the analytical skills that they have developed throughout the year. In the final weeks of Year 8, we focus on a Shakespeare text and the students prepare for a celebration of ‘Romeo and Juliet in our annual Shakespeare Festival. Year 8 Exam: Literature