Introduction and Aims

Pupils are assessed termly according to the National Curriculum in terms of:

• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking and Listening

Year 8 pupils will read three novels, two plays, a range of poems as well as some fiction and non-fiction extracts using the Nelson Thornes Framework English programme. They will complete twelve key assignments, four per term, to assess their progress. These assignments are identical across KS3 and include a variety of tasks including a short story, a discursive response, a literature essay, analysis of a writer's craft, presentations, debate groups and role play. Key skills are also taught using the NTFE programme to cover essential word, sentence and text level aspects of language.

Term 1

Pupils will read texts from the following list:

• Holes
• Brother in the Land
• Abela
• Macbeth
• Goggle Eyes
• A selection of poems from 'Developing Poetry Skills' (units 4-6).

They will also read some of the fiction and non-fiction extracts in units 1 and 2 from the NTFE programme and cover the language skills included. 

Term 2

Pupils will read texts from the following list:

• Holes
• Brother in the Land
• Abela
• Macbeth
• Goggle Eyes
• A selection of poems from 'Developing Poetry Skills' (units 4-6)

They will also read some of the fiction and non-fiction extracts in units 3 and 4 from the NTFE programme and cover the language skills included.

Term 3

Pupils will read texts from the following list:

• Holes
• Brother in the Land
• Abela
• Macbeth
• Goggle Eyes
• A selection of poems from 'Developing Poetry Skills' (units 4-6)

They will also read some of the fiction and non-fiction extracts in units 5 and 6 from the NTFE programme and cover the language skills included. Pupils will sit an end of year content-free examination.

Assessment Information

Pupils are assessed using National Curriculum Levels and can achieve merits for work of a high standard. Self assessment and target setting is integral to our practice

Other Information

Pupils and parents must also realise the importance of reinforcing their English outside school through reading, through speaking and through television and film, for example.

Pupils should read books of their own choice when not reading a prose text in class as part of their weekly reading H/W