ENGLISH - Year 8
The course is divided into half-termly modules allowing for exploration of a wide range of language and literature. Pupils build on the skills developed in year 7 while continuing to address the crucial literacy skills that they need for progression in all subjects.
During the year, pupils will experience a variety of activities for speaking and listening including individual, pair and group work as well as dramatic role play. They will continue to read a wide variety of challenging, lively and relevant texts and will begin to adopt a more analytical approach to reading enabling them to start exploring the range of techniques used by writers in their work. Indeed, pupils will also develop their own use of the written word and start to draw inspiration from the writers that they read as they develop their ability to write for a range of purposes and audience.
Homework Requirements:
Pupils are set one homework task per week. This may take the form of reading, research, writing tasks, drafting and planning or longer term projects. Pupils are also expected to continue reading regularly at home.
Pupils are continuously assessed throughout the year in line with the Assessing Pupils' Progress (APP) strategy. Pupils receive a range of levels to allow for close monitoring of progress in a variety of specific English skills. These fall under the three Attainment Targets: Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing
At the end of each term, pupils are awarded a National Curriculum level for each of the Attainment Targets. However, more importantly, pupils are given regular feedback throughout the year that relates to progress and targets in the full range of Assessment Foci. These levels are then stored on a central database and noted in pupils' exercise books in order to map achievement and progression throughout the key stage. Pupils are given individual targets for progression and this is monitored carefully by the class teacher to ensure that every pupil achieves his or her full potential.