Year 8 English
Brief summary of the syllabus:
As in Year 7, work will focus on the three National Curriculum assessment objectives of reading, writing and speaking and listening. An extended variety of exercises will be set to meet the demands of the National Curriculum. There will be two class readers each term. The texts are chosen in accordance with the aptitude of each set and to develop the pupils' skill at using spoken and written language sensitively and accurately. Work will also be targeted to: develop powers of comprehension and appreciation in their reading and listening; to focus on whole text, sentence level and word level; to look at differing issues critically; and to develop powers of discrimination. Progress is measured throughout the year by regular half-term tests. All sets take the same tests and are marked by class teachers.
What skills/attributes are being developed and examined?
Reading
- To select the essential points from what is read, using the information to make logical conclusions, identify layers of meaning and comment on their effect.
- To distinguish fact from opinion, bias from fairness.
- To respond personally to what is read, looking beyond the literal level, and to select words and phrases to justify views on language structure and themes.
- To analyse literature using appropriate critical words, phrases and references to the text.
Writing
- To demonstrate an ability to write accurately in a variety of different styles.
- To select appropriate vocabulary, using a dictionary and thesaurus with speed and skill, and spell accurately.
- To develop a more sophisticated sentence construction and demonstrate an ability to vary this for effect.
- To use paragraphs appropriately.
- To plan, draft, redraft, proof-read and present a text showing awareness of audience and purpose.
- To demonstrate the ability to structure a story, maintaining the reader's interest through suitable portrayal of character and plot.
- To use the full range of punctuation appropriately.
- To write legibly.
Speaking & Listening
- To adopt a range of rôles in discussion.
- To sift, summarise and use salient points to construct a persuasive argument.
- To work in a group, in pairs and individually using a variety of styles appropriate for different audiences.
- To answer questions pertinently, drawing on relevant evidence or reasons.
- To use gesture and intonation appropriately.
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What can parents expect to see in classwork and in homework specifically?
Year 8 will be set two pieces of homework each week; one will be a written homework and one reading and preparation. It is departmental policy to insist on the process of drafting and redrafting in accordance with the National Curriculum as this encourages pupils to view their own writing critically.
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What can parents do to help in this subject at this stage?
Parents are still encouraged to read their son's work in the drafting stage and make suggestions about how the work can be improved. Parental aid is highly valued and effective. It is essential however that this help is not excessive. Staff must not have a false impression of a boy's work or he will be unable to target specific weaknesses. Resetting is in accordance with half-term test results, and parents must be aware that too much assistance will jeopardise their son's performance. Parents should encourage pupils to read a wide range of fiction and non-fiction for pleasure.
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Setting and course schedule
Re-assessment of sets will occur at Christmas and in the Summer Term. Setting is based on half-term test scores averaged out and on marks for homework and classwork where necessary.
Tests:
| Autumn | Spring | Summer |
|---|
| Reading: fiction and non-fiction | Comprehension: advert | None |
| Writing: longer task | Speaking and listening: drama based | Reading and response (poetry)
Skills tested: quotation and analysis; inference and deduction of meanings using evidence in the text. |
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Revision:
Revision will be guided by class teachers in relation to each half-term test. English revision focuses on SKILLS rather than knowledge. It is an ongoing process used across the curriculum.
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Pupil target-setting:
Written and oral feedback from tests and examinations highlight particular areas of the curriculum. From these a boy can determine for himself those areas in which he is confident and those in which he is weak. Pupils are then encouraged to formulate action plans (as part of the bespoke tutoring system) which concentrate upon improving weaker areas. Such topics for improvement will be formally reported to parents on the profile.
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What is required for a level 7?
To reach National Curriculum level 7 in speaking and listening you must be able to:
- Adapt your talking to different circumstances with confidence.
- Talk so that you grab the interest of others.
- Use vocabulary precisely and organise your talk.
- Make a significant contribution to discussion, evaluating ideas and being sensitive to others.
- Confidently use Standard English when needed.
To reach National Curriculum level 7 in reading you must be able to:
- Show understanding of different layers of meaning, and comment on the meaning and effect.
- Respond personally and critically to, for example, poetry, referring to the use of language, structure and themes, to justify any view you have.
- Select and synthesise information from different sources.
To reach National Curriculum level 7 in writing you must be able to:
- Write confidently, adapting your style and vocabulary to different needs, including using an impersonal style where appropriate.
- Choose varied words to create effects accurately.
- Use grammar accurately.
- Use paragraphs in a coherent way.
- Spell correctly, including irregular words.
- Use a range of punctuation to make your meaning clear.
- Use attractive presentation.
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