Year 8 English Curriculum
| Topic | Further details about the topic | |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | ||
| 1 | The Island project – you invent your own land, extending what you have learned about etymology in year 7 to place names. |
This will encompass and develop various writing skills |
| 2 | Various pieces of writing linked to this invented island to develop writing skills. | Students will engage with and respond to a range of non-fiction texts. |
| Spring Term | ||
| 1 | A formal letter |
This may be linked to your current reader. |
| 2 |
Greek Mythology – a research based project encompassing a wealth of reading and writing skills. This knowledge proves indispensable in the study of poetry at GCSE and A level. |
|
| Summer Term | ||
| 1 |
Detective Charts – investigating famous sleuths |
|
| 2 | A detective story |
|
Assessment
Apart from the initial writing exercise to establish realistic writing levels, boys will be assessed each term on reading (which includes a vocabulary and grammar element) and writing. There is also a separate grammar test which is sent home to be pre-prepared. For the reading tests we have selected passages that we hope will engage the students’ interest to such an extent that they will wish to read the books from which they are taken.
| Topic | Type of Assessment | |
|---|---|---|
| CAT 1 | Short writing task to reassess after six week holiday! | Written assessment |
| CAT 2 |
Reading |
End of Year Exam |
Main Resources
| Resource | Details | Term |
|---|---|---|
| Readers – you will study three books which might include some of the following. |
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Sue Townsend Cue for Treason Geoffrey Trease A Wizard of Earthsea Ursula Le Guin Sherlock Holmes Arthur Conan-Doyle A Midsummer Night’s Dream Shakespeare The Odyssey adapted by David Calcutt |
All |
| Equipment | Writing pen, glue, scissors and highlighters. |
Enrichment opportunities
| Activity or trip | Day and time or term |
|---|---|
|
Theatre visits, visiting authors, and attending poetry readings are dependent on what is available when. |
As appropriate |
|
Extra English Sessions are available. Please speak with your class teacher to find out details. |
As appropriate |
|
For KS3 there are reading mentors to help those who are under-confident in reading aloud. |
Daily |
| There are opportunities to take part in public speaking and mock trials competitions |
