English KS3

English (KS3):

In year 7, the emphasis is on reinforcing and developing skills learnt at KS2. Directed group reading is an important aspect of this year. Units of work provide the students with the opportunity to develop their reading and writing skills. Discursive and imaginative writing is an essential part of these units of work, and students are taught to become more critical of their own writing. Drama activities take place, and one in five lessons is spent in the ICT suite.

The emphasis in year 8 is on Speaking and Listening. Increasing emphasis is placed on accurate writing and therefore word and sentence level work is extremely important.

Students continue to develop reading skills in year 9 through a study of more complex texts. They are made aware of the importance of careful research, planning and drafting. In preparation for the kS3 tests, they study a Shakespeare text in detail. The emphasis in this year is that the students read and write a wide range of different genres, both literary and non-literary. This is not only excellent preparation for their tests, but it is also very useful for their GCSE course.