Modern Author Study: Steinbeck or Miller
Developing understanding of 20th century prose fiction in preparation for GCSE Language and Literature: explicit exploration of ideas around prejudice; expressing ideas around feelings and attitudes; continuing to develop awareness of themes and writers’ contexts; explicit teaching of GCSE skills, including research, analysis, planning and writing creatively with a stimulus text. Ongoing formative assessment of analytical reading skills.
Creative Reading and Writing: Dystopian Texts
Developing awareness of genre and context: focus on range of texts from 19th, 20th and 21st Centuries; creative writing opportunities are offered, writing with a specific imaginative concept in mind. Universal Writing Assessment with links to dystopian texts and/or modern writers.
Non-Fiction Viewpoints and Perspectives
Focus on how non-fiction writers use language and structure differently to fiction writers; emphasis on comparing ideas and viewpoints in preparation for GCSE English Language. Ongoing formative assessment of analytical reading skills and creative writing.
Relationships Poetry
In depth poetry analysis, exploring and comparing poems that consider the breadth of human relationship: developing skills in preparation for GCSE English Literature; in addition, some focus on writing skills, enabling students to learn how to create analytical essay plans. Formative Assessment: Reading – Analysis of an unseen text.
Looking for Adventure
Extending engagement with non-fiction texts, with some cross-curricular links to History and reference to pre-1900 texts, this module allows pupils to engage with exploration, considering the adventures of others, and imagining their own; there is a strong emphasis on evaluating purpose and viewpoint, in preparation for GCSE English Language. Ongoing formative assessment of analytical reading skills and creative writing.
Shakespearean Tragedy
In preparation for GCSE English Literature, pupils explore the characters, perspectives and themes that drive one of Shakespeare’s best–known tragedies; pupils view and study an entire abridged work in performance; an introduction to Cornell notetaking is offered, in preparation for GCSE. Formative Assessments: Walking Talking mock, GCSE Paper 1. Key focus: the GCSE exam experience. End of Year Literacy assessment.
Grammar and core skills
Grammar and core skills for writing are taught throughout all units, with discrete lessons focussing upon elements at germane points in the curriculum; especial focus on shaping individual responses for analysis and self-expression; use of colons and semi colons is considered; an introduction to discourse markers is given. Ongoing formative assessment of spelling, punctuation and grammar, along with targets given to hone core skills.