GCSE Revision Guides

 

Reading | Writing

 

 

Year 7

Students are taught to write in a variety of ways, using different styles to suit specific audiences. They are helped to develop their ability to use “the writing process”, from planning to editing, rewriting and proof-reading their work. We encourage students to become enthusiastic, confident and accurate writers.

 

Students will read and study a range of texts, sometimes as a class, sometimes in groups and sometimes independently. A wide variety of texts will be used and regular reading is an important part of the Year 7 course. Parents can help by encouraging reading of all sorts at home, by having books around the house, by visiting the local library or book shop.

 

English lessons involve a detailed study of texts, from both a reader’s and writer’s point of view. Students will develop the skills of analysis through a close study of various aspects of language, for example sentence construction, conventions used in different texts, spelling etc.

 

English is about communication. As well as reading and written work, all students will be helped to become fluent and articulate speakers and sympathetic, attentive listeners. These are skills which can also be practised at home. Some students will benefit from reading out loud to parents on a regular basis. Book lists are available to guide student choice.

 

 

Year 8

As in year 7, students will read widely and regularly. Class texts, shared group texts and individually chosen books will be used. Students are helped to read, understand and respond to many types of text and these responses will be communicated through speech and writing.

 

Students build on their drafting and editing skills to produce written work in a range of styles. They will produce more extended work than in Year 7 and are helped to use a wider range of words and expressions. Students are taught to become more sensitive, accurate and critical writers. Students will be helped to consolidate skills gained in Year 7.

 

Students will develop their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills and are expected to show more maturity and detail in their responses. As with Year 7, lessons will deal with detailed study and analyses of texts from both reader’s and writer’s points of view. Accurate use of spelling, punctuation and grammar will be developed alongside creativity and response work. This involves looking at a range of text types in detail.

 

 

Year 9

During this last year of Key Stage 3 students will continue to work on all aspects of language and communication skills. Students will be helped to acquire a solid grounding in all reading and writing skills as well as oral and listening skills so that as active communicators and readers they can look forward to the Key Stage 4 course with real confidence.

 

Students will work on pre-1900 texts, including a play by Shakespeare. They will also study aspects of genre, poetry, drama and the novel, together with non-literary and media texts.

SATS Examinations take place in May

 

All students are expected to be self-disciplined in their approach to tasks, many of which will require extended pieces of work. Regular reading and a structured approach to the writing process are essential.As you might expect, students are helped to show greater sophistication and control in their language choices than in Years 7 & 8.