English - KS3

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Students at SJB study English because it defines our reality – from the way that we think, to the words that we speak, to the way that we write. Language enriches students’ minds with an understanding, respect and empathy for different voices from across time and cultures. By studying English, students will engage with the world outside of the classroom, become more confident in their self-expression, and develop an appreciation of language in all its forms.

Below you can find the key documents that we share with students.  These provide an overview of what we study, when in the key stage and how we assess students.

English Curriculum Map 

Catholic Social Teaching Principles in English

Year 7 Assessment Framework English

Year 8 Assessment Framework English 

Year 9 Assessment Framework English 

Please click below to find out more about what our students learn in each year group.

In Year 7  students explore the origins and impact of storytelling while developing key analytical skills through a range of classic and modern texts, building on and developing the skills learnt at KS2.

Unit 1 - Novel - The Girl of Ink and Stars by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

Unit 2 - Play - The Tempest by William Shakespeare 

Unit 3 - Poetry through time

Unit 4 - Telling Non-Fiction Stories (Summer 1) Telling Fictional Stories (Summer 2)

In Year 8, students study power and conflict through a range of texts, exploring how these themes affect characters and shape stories. They develop skills in analysing language, structure and viewpoint while considering different perspectives relating to power struggles and authority.

Unit 1 - Novel - Ghost Boys - Jewell Parker Rhodes

Unit 2 - Novel - A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens

Unit 3 - Play - Frankenstein - Mary Shelley adapted by Philip Pullman

Unit 4 - Non fiction - Language and Power

Unit 5 - Play - Macbeth - William Shakespeare

Unit 6 - War Poetry

In Year 9, students explore identity through various texts, analysing how characters backgrounds and experiences shape who they are. They develop skills in interpreting language and themes while reflecting on their own sense of self, before beginning their GCSE English Literature with 'Romeo and Juliet' in the summer term. 

Unit 1 - Novel - Boys Don't Cry - Malorie Blackman 

Unit 2 - Gothic Writing

Unit 3 - Worlds and Lives Poetry

Unit 4 - Autobiography (Michelle Obama and Angela Davis)

Unit 5 - Play - Romeo and Juliet  - William Shakespeare

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