English Curriculum KS3
Overview
The new English programme of study for KS3 has been written in line with the aims and ethos of the new National Curriculum and sequenced to best prepare our students for the rigors of the new GCSE qualifications.
Our curriculum introduces students to a wide variety of challenging texts throughout KS3, developing their understanding of literature through a fun but formal approach, rooted in our ten topical themes. Students are taught how to develop their reading, writing, and spoken language skills through the study of canonical British texts and seminal texts from world literature. Students are taught key grammatical concepts explicitly and these are reinforced through the scheme of work to ensure students can analyse their use and effect, replicating them accurately and creatively in their own work.
Students will be encouraged to develop their wider reading through a selection of linked texts for each unit. Throughout the key stage, students are taught how to analyse a range of non-fiction texts which are integrated into the content of each unit. Students will complete weekly quizzes to support and develop their knowledge and understanding.
Key Stage Three curriculum has been designed to engender a passion for the subject through study of a range of fiction and non-fiction to promote the independence and resilience needed for further learning and future life. Students are taught to develop an appreciation and love of reading, and read and understand increasingly challenging material independently. Students are taught to write accurately, fluently, effectively and at length for pleasure and information. Students plan, draft, edit and proof-read their work. Students consolidate and build on their knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. Students are taught to speak confidently and effectively.
Year 7
Lessons will focus on the explicit teaching of reading, writing and oracy skills linked with by thematic approach, vocabulary and grammar development.
- Term One - Students will have an introduction to Gothic Literature and gothic writing conventions.
- Term Two - Students will study the reading and writing skills with a focus on the novel Rat by Patrice Lawrence
- Term Three - Students will study reading and oracy skills through a Treasure Island adaptation by Bryony Lavery
Year 8
Lessons will focus on the explicit teaching of reading, writing and oracy skills linked with by thematic approach, vocabulary and grammar development.
- Term One - Students will study reading and writing skills through extracts focused on Women in Literature
- Term Two - Students will study reading and writing skills through the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare
- Term Three - Students will study reading and oracy skills the musical Blood Brothers by Willy Russell
Year 9
Lessons will focus on the explicit teaching of reading, writing and oracy skills linked with by thematic approach, vocabulary and grammar development.
- Term One - Students will study reading and writing skills through extracts focused on Diversity in Literature
- Term Two - Students will study a range of contemporary and literary heritage poems, exploring how poems are constructed and using the subject of the poems for whole class debates
- Term Three - Students will study reading and writing skills through Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Key contact
Mrs K Traves