Aims:
We want to encourage and enable all pupils to achieve their potential in English and to develop their creative skills.  We aim to foster an enjoyment of the subject and a pleasure in reading for a range of purposes and for its own sake. We give pupils opportunities to speak with confidence and to listen effectively. We work with students to develop their analytical and critical skills and to express these in spoken and written responses which are clear and accurate. We encourage pupils to write clearly in different forms and for various purposes and audiences.  

Content:
Our focus in Year 9 is on developing the skills students will need when they move on to their GCSE studies.

  
The year begins with an exploration of the conventions of broadsheet and tabloid newspaper writing and presentation. Students’ reading is focused on extracts from a novel or short stories from the Literary Heritage. They also examine ‘The Language of Warfare’, looking at prose and poetry about war. Pupils look at the conventions of formal speech writing and produce their own for assessment. Non-fiction work is focused on writing to advise.

In term two, pupils undertake independent reading of a contemporary novel which is later assessed via a group discussion which focuses on a particular aspect of the novel.  Pupils read ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and also see moving image versions of extracts from the play. Literary essay writing skills are revisited as a comparison of the texts is made. Pupils practise their skills for reading in depth and they examine writing to entertain.

In the final term of Key Stage 3, pupils practise reading and writing skills for the Optional SAT papers they sit in the summer examinations (these are marked by teaching staff). Work in the final part of the term is on a different modern poet, exploring their use of language, structure and form. Students may do some narrative writing and read a twentieth-century Drama text. Students are set a reading challenge for over the summer break which is assessed through a GCSE Speaking and Listening group discussion at the start of Year 10.  

Assessment:
Homework is given once each week and may be reading, writing, research or planning. A reading and a writing task will be set each term which will be the basis of that term’s assessment. Speaking and listening assignments are also assessed during the year. There is an examination of reading and writing in the summer term.

Extra Curricular:
We encourage students to participate in writing competitions, reading quizzes, World Book Day and any other suitable activities. We run the Scholastic Book Club and Year 9 students help with the organisation of our Book Fair (which counts towards their ‘Making a positive contribution’ awards). Where possible, we take students to the theatre if we can find a performance of the texts they are studying.   

Useful Websites:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks3bitesize/