ENGLISH

During the year, opportunities will be given to write in a variety of different forms - poetry, stories, letters, instructions, summaries, leaflets, imaginative and analytical writing on literature - for different purposes: to explain, entertain, persuade, inform, explore, analyse. Punctuation, spelling and grammar rules are revised, and further good language practice is taught.

Classes study at least one fiction class reader every half term; written tasks and oral work will often arise from this reading. Poetry, plays and non-fiction material are also studied, and writers’ techniques analysed. The language of persuasion is often a particular focus in Year 9. A play by Shakespeare will be read, and written work on it will require an ability to discuss parts of the text in some detail, and relate those parts to the whole. Existing knowledge about language is consolidated and extended.

Pupils at this level will take part in whole class and small group discussion, learn the conventions of debating, develop their skills in reading aloud, and plan and deliver short oral presentations, either individually or in groups.