Finding My Voice - A Full SoW on Speeches and Spoken Word for Y8-9

This unit aims to develop key reading skills with KS3 students in preparation for the new 9-1 English Language exam. Students will read a wide range of speeches from famous speakers the world over, looking at how writers use language, structure and form to send a clear message to those listening. They will develop their exam skills and there is a mark point in the latter half based on an exam-style language and structure question. They will also look at crafting their own speeches, presenting to the class their own speech about something they'd like to banish to Room 101 - there is a week devoted to developing cue cards, practising their delivery and peer assessing.

The unit looks at:
- Emma Watson's He for She speech to the UN;
- MLK's "I Have a Dream";
- Churchill's "We Shall Fight Them on the Beaches";
- Clint Smith's Open Letter to My Future Black Son;
- Sarah Kay's "If I Should Have a Daughter";
- Malala's speech to the UN;
- JFK's "We Choose to Go to the Moon";
- The POTUS' speech after MLK is assassinated;
- Shia LeBoeuf's "Just Do It"

Students look at how writers manipulate language and structure to engage and interest readers; they also work on developing their confidence and paralinguistic skills in order to present an exciting and engaging piece.