KS3
KS3 English
The English course for Years 7 to 9 follows the National Curriculum orders for English at Key Stage 3. It aims to develop competence in the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. Students develop their ability to actively listen and speak with confidence in a wide range of contexts. They read and respond to a range of texts, both literary and non-literary, including novels, plays and poetry, as well as pre-twentieth century texts and literature from other countries. They are also encouraged to read their own choice of novel. Students develop their ability to write in a range of forms for different audiences, using a more formal style where appropriate. They are encouraged to draft and develop their writing and check it for spelling and technical accuracy. Throughout the course students will be familiarised with the relevant assessment criteria against which their work is marked and will engage in peer and self-assessment.
Some typical English modules undertaken by all students at KS3 are:
Language then and now: a critical analysis of how the English Language has changed and developed across time, along with the major literary figures who helped shape it.
Narrative Writing: how to employ a range of sophisticated narrative devices in our creative writing to improve its quality, and make it more engaging for the reader.
Poetry: students analyse and practise using a range of poetic devices; culminating in the production of their own Poetry Anthologies.
War Poetry: Along with others, students read and analyse the war poems of Sassoon and Owen, reflecting upon the events and experiences of the World Wars.
Shakespeare: in Years 7 and 8, students will be given Shakespeare taster modules, aimed at instilling an early awareness and familiarity with his works.
Newspapers: a critical analysis of both tabloid and broadsheet newspapers.
Advertising: students deconstruct and analyse the conventions of a range of advertisements, before attempting to create their own fully-integrated advertising campaigns.
Travel Writing: students study the conventions of travel writing, before producing their own examples to share and peer assess.
In addition, students can expect a heavy focus throughout Year 9 on their NCT (SATS) exam, which comprises Reading, Writing and Shakespearean components. On completion of their SATS exams in May, students will typically then go onto study GCSE materials for the remainder of the academic year in English.
