English
Head of Department: L. Lewis
Exam Board: Excel
English – Year 7
Year 7 builds on students’ Key Stage 2 literacy foundations and introduces them to a diverse range of texts. The curriculum is designed to foster a love of reading, increase confidence, and strengthen the core skills of analytical, narrative, and rhetorical writing.
What will students study in Year 7?
| Term | Content | Assessment Focus | Topics for Revision |
| Autumn 1 | Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes | Analytical Writing | What? / How? / Why?; writing structure; topic key words |
| Autumn 2 | Sherlock Holmes – Detective Fiction | Narrative Writing | Narrative structure; character and setting techniques |
| Spring 1 | New Year Writing Masterclass | Rhetorical Writing | Grammar; punctuation; sentence construction; persuasive techniques |
| Spring 2 | Birmingham, Britain and Beyond | Analytical Writing | Structure; viewpoint; topic vocabulary |
| Summer 1 | A Midsummer Night’s Dream | Analytical Writing | Shakespearean language; character; theme |
| Summer 2 | Migration Poetry | Analytical Writing | Poetic techniques; language choices |
How is your child assessed?
Assessment focuses on:
- Narrative Writing
- Analytical Writing
- Rhetorical Writing
- Oracy, assessed at KS3 through structured discussions, prepared presentations, and spoken responses that demonstrate clarity, reasoning, and accurate use of subject vocabulary
Students also sit biannual Sparx reading age assessments to inform teaching and intervention.
How might you help at home?
- Ensure your child completes a minimum of 30 minutes of Sparx Reader each week.
- Support Knowledge Organiser revision, especially topic key words.
- Discuss what they are studying to strengthen understanding.
- Encourage reading for pleasure and engage them with cultural experiences such as drama, museums or local history.
English – Year 8
Year 8 deepens and broadens the skills established in Year 7. Students explore ambitious texts, strengthen their analytical thinking, and further refine their narrative and rhetorical writing. The curriculum builds the foundations for the more demanding study in Year 9 and beyond.
What will students study in Year 8?
| Term | Content | Assessment Focus | Topics for Revision |
| Autumn 1 | Romeo and Juliet | Analytical Writing | Conflict; themes; language analysis |
| Autumn 2 | Animal Farm | Rhetorical Writing | Power; purpose; persuasive techniques |
| Spring 1 | Women in Literature | Analytical Writing | Representation; viewpoint; themes |
| Spring 2 | Crafting Malevolent Characters | Narrative Writing | Character creation; narrative structure |
| Summer 1 | Romantic Poetry | Analytical Writing | Poetic devices; comparison |
| Summer 2 | Noughts and Crosses (play) by Malorie Blackman | Rhetorical Writing | Speeches; letters; editorial writing |
How is your child assessed?
Assessment focuses on:
- Narrative Writing
- Analytical Writing
- Rhetorical Writing
- Oracy, assessed at KS3 through structured debate, spoken analysis, and prepared presentations
Students also complete a biannual Sparx reading age test to ensure accurate tracking of reading progress.
How might you help at home?
- Encourage completion of a minimum of 30 minutes per week on Sparx Reader.
- Support revision of Knowledge Organiser content and key vocabulary.
- Promote wide reading across fiction, non-fiction and poetry.
- Discuss key themes, characters and ideas encountered in class.
English – Year 9
Year 9 consolidates learning from Key Stage 3 and prepares students for the demands of GCSE study. Students explore increasingly complex texts and refine analytical, narrative, and rhetorical skills, developing independence and cultural understanding.
What will students study in Year 9?
| Term | Content | Assessment Focus | Topics for Revision |
| Autumn 1 | Gothic Literature | Analytical Writing | Atmosphere; themes; language choices |
| Autumn 2 | The Power of Rhetoric | Rhetorical Writing | Persuasive techniques; structure |
| Spring 1 | The Tempest | Analytical Writing | Shakespearean language; theme; context |
| Spring 2 | Dystopian Stories | Narrative & Analytical Writing | Structure; world-building; key terms |
| Summer 1 | Protest Poetry | Analytical Writing | Poetical devices; comparison |
| Summer 2 | Crossing the Line by Tia Fisher | Oracy Assessment | Spoken delivery; clarity; structure; vocabulary |
How is your child assessed?
Assessment focuses on:
- Narrative Writing
- Analytical Writing
- Rhetorical Writing
- Oracy, assessed through structured presentations, spoken interpretations, and formal spoken responses
Students undertake biannual Sparx reading age tests to track progress and tailor support.
How might you help at home?
- Ensure your child completes at least 30 minutes of Sparx Reader weekly.
- Support revision of the Knowledge Organiser and key vocabulary for each unit.
- Encourage reading for pleasure, including more challenging texts.
- Discuss the themes and questions raised by the literature they study.