Elevate your students’ reading comprehension skills with our meticulously crafted scheme of work focusing on non-fiction texts. This resource includes ten detailed lessons designed to develop essential GCSE skills, including information retrieval, synthesis, comparison, and analysis of writers’ techniques. Each lesson targets specific learning outcomes aligned with GCSE assessment objectives, ensuring students progress from basic information retrieval to sophisticated analysis of the writer’s craft. What’s Included: • Lesson 1: Information Retrieval - Students learn to extract key details from a text about giant pandas, using bullet points and mini-quotations. • Lesson 2: Text Analysis - Focus on the Tower of London; students practice drawing inferences and commenting on the writer’s choices. • Lesson 3: Persuasion Techniques - Analysis of texts on the benefits of breakfast and health benefits of carrots, emphasizing persuasive language. • Lesson 4: Critical Evaluation - Examination of energy drinks’ health impacts, teaching students to critique and evaluate text. • Lesson 5: Historical Context - Learning about pyramids and the presentation of historical information, developing analytical paragraphs. • Lesson 6: Engaging with Historical Non-Fiction - Detailed reading on Vikings, highlighting the importance of contextual understanding. • Lesson 7: Comparative Reading - Comparing two texts on the use of highlighters in study practices to identify differing viewpoints. • Lesson 8: Review and Synthesis - Analysing promotional materials and reviews, focusing on synthesis and evaluation of two contrasting perspectives. • Lesson 9: Responsibility and Ethics - Discussing texts on parental accountability for children’s behavior and consequences of actions. • Lesson 10: Public Performance Reviews - Comparison of historical and contemporary performance reviews, focusing on effective argumentation. Skills Developed: • Critical thinking and analysis • Effective information retrieval • Synthesis of multiple texts • Comparative analysis • Persuasive writing Why Buy This Resource: This comprehensive resource will equip your students with the skills needed for GCSE success, making it an invaluable addition to any secondary English curriculum. • Aligned with GCSE assessment objectives • Detailed, ready-to-use lessons • Enhances critical reading and writing skills • Suitable for a range of abilities • Comprehensive coverage of non-fiction texts Invest in your students’ future success with this essential non-fiction reading scheme of work, designed by experienced educators to deliver results.

This six-week scheme of work delves into the powerful world of protest poetry, guiding students through an exploration of how poets use their craft to voice dissent, challenge injustices, and inspire change. The selected poems cover a range of themes including racial discrimination, environmental concerns, and existential reflections on human conditions. Each week focuses on a different poem, encouraging students to analyse and interpret the language, structure, tone, and underlying messages. Week 1: “No Problem” by Benjamin Zephaniah Focus: Understanding racial prejudice and the impact of stereotypes. • Activities: Annotate key phrases and discuss Zephaniah’s use of dialect. • Explore the poet’s background and his role in contemporary British poetry. • Group discussions on personal experiences with stereotypes and racism. Week 2: “Remember” by Christina Rossetti Focus: Reflecting on memory and loss. • Activities: • Analyse the language and imagery used by Rossetti to convey themes of remembrance and grief. • Creative writing: students compose their own poems inspired by the theme of remembrance. • Class discussion on how memory shapes personal and collective identity. Week 3: “Nothing to Be Said” by Philip Larkin Focus: Examining existential themes and societal reflections. • Activities: • Close reading of the poem with an emphasis on tone and structure. • Research and present on the historical and cultural context of Larkin’s work. • Debate on the relevance of Larkin’s existential themes in today’s society. Week 4: “One World Down the Drain” by Simon Rae • Focus: Addressing environmental issues and climate change. • Activities: • Analyse the poem’s tone and the use of satire to critique environmental neglect. • Group project on current environmental issues and their portrayal in media and literature. • Class discussion on individual responsibility and collective action for environmental preservation. Week 5: “Zero Hour” by Sweeney Focus: Exploring themes of urgency and crisis. • Activities: • Annotate and discuss key quotations to understand the poet’s message about global crises. • Creative project: students create visual art or multimedia presentations based on the poem’s themes. • Class debate on the effectiveness of protest poetry in inciting action.

This resource is a meticulously organised scheme of work designed to immerse secondary school students in the rich tapestry of poetry from various cultures. It is structured into thematic folders, each containing detailed lesson plans, activities, and assessments. Here’s a breakdown of the contents: Introduction • This offers introductory materials to set the stage for the scheme of work. It includes background information, objectives, and an overview of the cultural significance of the selected poems. Limbo • Featuring “Limbo” by Edward Kamau Brathwaite, this section provides lesson plans and activities that explore the historical and cultural themes of the poem. Night of the Scorpion • This delves into “Night of the Scorpion” by Nissim Ezekiel. It includes comprehensive lesson plans, discussion points, and activities to enhance students’ understanding of the poem’s narrative and cultural background. Nothing’s Changed • Focused on “Nothing’s Changed” by Tatamkhulu Afrika, this section includes lesson plans and resources to discuss themes of apartheid, social justice, and change. Presents from My Aunts • Featuring “Presents from My Aunts in Pakistan” by Moniza Alvi, this folder offers materials to explore themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the immigrant experience. Two Scavengers • This section focuses on “Two Scavengers in a Truck, Two Beautiful People in a Mercedes” by Lawrence Ferlinghetti. It includes lesson plans and activities to discuss social class and disparity. Unrelated Incidents • Including Tom Leonard’s “Unrelated Incidents,” this folder provides resources to examine dialect, language, and identity within cultural contexts. Assessment (Blessing) • Focused on the poem “Blessing” by Imtiaz Dharker, this includes assessment materials to evaluate students’ understanding and appreciation of the poem’s cultural context and themes.

This scheme of work is designed to support the reading and analysis of Eva Ibbotson’s novel “Journey to the River Sea.” It includes a detailed breakdown of each chapter, engaging activities, and accompanying PowerPoint presentations. The scheme aims to enhance students’ understanding and enjoyment of the text while developing their literacy and critical thinking skills. Structure Introduction to the Novel PowerPoint Presentation: Overview of the author, historical context, and themes. Activity: Pre-reading discussion on students’ expectations and prior knowledge about the Amazon and colonialism. Chapter-by-Chapter Breakdown Each chapter will include: Summary: Key events and characters introduced. Vocabulary: List of challenging words and their definitions. Comprehension Questions: To ensure understanding of the text. Discussion Questions: To encourage deeper thinking and personal connections. Activities: Varied tasks including creative writing, role-playing, and research projects. Key Themes and Character Analysis PowerPoint Presentation: Detailed look at major themes such as bravery, friendship, and the clash of cultures. Activity: Character maps and theme tracking throughout the novel. Literary Devices and Language PowerPoint Presentation: Explanation of literary devices used in the novel (e.g., imagery, metaphor, simile). Activity: Identification and analysis of literary devices in selected passages. Cultural and Geographical Context PowerPoint Presentation: Exploration of the Amazon rainforest, its biodiversity, and the cultural backdrop of the story. Activity: Research project on the Amazon, its flora and fauna, and indigenous tribes. Creative Projects PowerPoint Presentation: Instructions and examples of creative projects (e.g., diorama of a scene, illustrated travel journal). Activity: Group projects to create visual or digital presentations related to the novel’s setting and themes. Assessment and Evaluation PowerPoint Presentation: Guidelines for formative and summative assessments. Activity: Essay prompts, creative writing tasks, and comprehension tests.

A Day to Remember Description: This comprehensive homework project guides students through a creative and engaging narrative experience over a half-term period. Each week, students explore different aspects of a day out through tasks like drawing characters, designing flyers, and writing recounts from varied perspectives. This booklet is perfect for enhancing descriptive writing, persuasive language, and formal letter composition skills. The Grand Opening Description: Focused on a new local leisure centre, this project spans a half-term and encourages students to engage with real-world scenarios. Tasks include creating promotional posters, writing diary entries, composing formal letters of complaint, and delivering persuasive speeches. This resource is ideal for developing persuasive writing, formal letter structure, and balanced argumentation. Stars in Your Eyes Description: This exciting project transforms students into stars, guiding them through tasks that develop promotional posters, diary entries, motivational speeches, and newspaper articles. Over seven weeks, students explore imaginative scenarios, perfect for enhancing creative writing, formal invitations, and biography composition skills. A Day in Your Life Description: This half-term project invites students to plan and recount an educational visit, covering tasks from designing posters and writing formal letters to diary entries and newspaper articles. Through these weekly activities, students will improve their descriptive, persuasive, and narrative writing skills, making it a comprehensive literacy development resource. The Mystery of the Missing… Description: In this thrilling detective-themed project, students assume the role of a chief inspector solving a high-profile case. Weekly tasks include creating police posters, conducting interviews, drawing plans, and writing formal letters and newspaper articles. This project is excellent for developing skills in investigative reporting, formal writing, and logical reasoning.

This extensive collection of educational resources is meticulously designed to support a comprehensive reciprocal reading scheme of work for Year 7, Year 8, and Year 9 students. The materials include a variety of PowerPoint presentations and Word documents tailored to engage students and enhance their critical reading skills through a structured and diverse curriculum. Year 7 Reciprocal Reading: Content and Topics: “I’m A Celebrity” - Engages students with popular culture references. “Sponsorship of Cricket by KP Snacks” - Explores the intersection of sports and commercial sponsorship. “Harambe the Gorilla” - Discusses animal conservation and media portrayal. “Alice Coachman Davis” - Highlights the achievements of a notable historical figure in athletics. “Storm Ciara” - Examines natural disasters and their impact. Formats Available: PowerPoint presentations for interactive lessons. Text-only documents for focused reading activities. Goals: Enhance comprehension and critical thinking skills. Encourage discussion and analysis of diverse topics. Year 8 Reciprocal Reading: Content and Topics: “Protect Your Brain” - Focuses on mental health and neuroscience. “Barbie: Are They Tough Enough?” - Challenges societal expectations and stereotypes. “Athletes on the Brink” - Looks at the pressures faced by athletes. “Alan Turing” - Celebrates the contributions of a pioneering mathematician and codebreaker. Formats Available: Editable presentations for customised lessons. Text-only documents for in-depth reading. Goals: Develop higher-order thinking skills. Foster a deeper understanding of complex issues. Year 9 Reciprocal Reading: Content and Topics: “The American Dream and Poverty” - Explores socio-economic themes. “What Really Happened to Madeleine McCann” - Encourages critical analysis of a high-profile case. “Recycled Fibres: Are They Really Sustainable?” - Discusses sustainability and environmental impact. “Thwaites Glacier: Text Only” - Provides insights into climate change and geography. Formats Available: Comprehensive PowerPoint presentations. Detailed Word documents for thorough reading exercises. Goals: Prepare students for advanced critical reading and writing tasks. Cultivate an awareness of global and environmental issues.

Black Voices in History: An Empowering Educational Journey is a comprehensive scheme of work designed for secondary schools in the UK. This carefully curated curriculum aims to enrich students’ understanding of the contributions and experiences of Black individuals throughout history, ensuring a diverse and inclusive educational experience. The scheme is structured around a series of lessons, each focusing on significant Black figures and pivotal historical events. It includes a variety of resources, from primary sources to literary works, to engage students in critical thinking and discussion. Key Components: Glossary and Terms: A detailed glossary to support students’ understanding of key terms and concepts related to Black history. Lesson 1 - Olive Morris: An insightful article exploring the life and activism of Olive Morris, a prominent figure in the UK’s civil rights movement. Lesson 2 - Langston Hughes: Analysis of “The Weary Blues,” a poem by Langston Hughes, highlighting the Harlem Renaissance and the cultural impact of African American literature. Lesson 3 - Mary Seacole: An article detailing the contributions of Mary Seacole, a pioneering nurse who cared for soldiers during the Crimean War. Lesson 4 - Fanny Eaton: Two resources focusing on Fanny Eaton, a model of mixed Jamaican heritage who was influential in the Pre-Raphaelite art movement. Includes an article and an art critic worksheet. Lesson 5 - The Red Summer of 1919: An article examining the racial violence and social upheaval during the summer of 1919 in the United States. Lesson 6 - Claude McKay: Analysis of the poem “If We Must Die” by Claude McKay, a rallying cry against racial oppression. Lesson 7 - Martin Luther King Jr.: Speeches from Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on his powerful rhetoric and enduring legacy. Available in both Word and PDF formats. Lesson 8 - Malcolm X: An article delving into the life and impact of Malcolm X, a key figure in the American civil rights movement. Lesson 9 - Lilian Bader: An article celebrating Lilian Bader, one of the first Black women to serve in the Royal Air Force during World War II. Lesson 10 - Audre Lorde: Study of “Coal,” a poem by Audre Lorde, exploring themes of identity, race, and empowerment. This scheme of work not only provides students with historical knowledge but also encourages them to reflect on the ongoing struggles for equality and justice. It is an invaluable resource for fostering a more inclusive and empathetic understanding of history.

This engaging and comprehensive Reciprocal Reading Scheme of Work for secondary school students takes readers on a 33-week exploration of various non-fiction topics, fostering critical thinking, comprehension, and discussion skills. Each week focuses on a different subject, encouraging students to delve into diverse and intriguing themes, from historical figures and scientific discoveries to contemporary issues and cultural stories. The scheme promotes collaborative learning through structured reading, questioning, summarising, clarifying, and predicting activities, making reading an interactive and enriching experience. Weekly Breakdown: • Week 1: Harambe the Gorilla Explore the life and impact of Harambe, discussing animal conservation and ethics. • Week 2: Alice Coachman Davis Learn about the first African-American woman to win an Olympic gold medal and her legacy. • Week 3: Barbie and Looking After Dogs Examine the cultural impact of Barbie and the responsibilities of dog care. • Week 4: Agbo Discover the story of Agbo and its significance in its cultural context. • Week 5: Newspaper Article and Cinder-Block the Cat Analyse a newspaper article and the viral story of Cinder-Block, the exercising cat. • Week 6-10: Gardening Engage in a five-week gardening project, understanding plant biology, sustainability, and the benefits of gardening. • Week 11: Knut and Jam Sandwich Boy Delve into the tale of Knut the polar bear and the charming story of the Jam Sandwich Boy. • Week 12: Smallest Dinosaur Investigate the discovery of the smallest dinosaur and its implications for paleontology. • Week 13: I’m a Celeb Explore the phenomenon of reality TV through the lens of “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” • Week 14: Bug Leaflet and Banning Mobile Phones in Classrooms Create an informative bug leaflet and debate the pros and cons of banning mobile phones in classrooms. • Week 15: Corkers and Describing a Person Engage with humorous anecdotes (corkers) and practice descriptive writing skills. • Week 16: Sophie Sees the BFG and Writing a Scary Paragraph Reflect on a reading of “The BFG” and craft a suspenseful, scary paragraph. • Week 17: Booza – Stretchy Ice-Cream Discover the science and history behind Booza, the stretchy ice-cream. • Week 18: Dangerous Waters and Report on a School Canteen Examine the challenges of dangerous waters and conduct a report on the school canteen’s food offerings. • Week 19: Poor Tom the 1800s Chimney Sweep and Acrostic Poem Learn about the life of chimney sweeps in the 1800s and create an acrostic poem.

Unlock the full potential of your narrative writing with our comprehensive resource, “Enhance Your Narrative Writing: Descriptive Writing Tasks.” This PowerPoint presentation is designed to help students master the art of descriptive writing, a crucial skill for crafting engaging and realistic narratives. Key Features: Importance of Description: Understand why descriptive writing is vital for creating immersive and believable stories. Learn how detailed descriptions can transport readers to the scene and breathe life into characters. Writing Techniques: Discover practical tips for incorporating description into your writing. From spelling and punctuation to maintaining tense and proofreading, this resource covers all the basics. Vocabulary Enhancement: Expand your vocabulary and learn how to use precise language to add depth and realism to your narratives. Detailed Examples: Explore rich examples of descriptive writing that illustrate the effective use of sensory details. See how to describe scenes, actions, and characters vividly. Interactive Exercises: Engage with interactive tasks that encourage you to apply what you’ve learned. Describe scenes from provided images, focusing on small details and realistic actions. Character Interaction: Think about character behaviours and dialogue, and learn how to depict interactions in a detailed, step-by-step manner. Proofreading Tips: Get essential advice on proofreading your work to ensure it is polished and professional. Whether you are a student aiming to improve your narrative writing skills or an educator seeking effective teaching tools, “Enhance Your Narrative Writing: Descriptive Writing Tasks” offers valuable guidance and practical exercises to elevate your writing to the next level.

Embark on an imaginative journey with the “Stars in Your Eyes” Home Learning Project, designed to spark creativity and enhance various literacy skills in secondary school students. This project engages students in a series of exciting tasks where they envision themselves as famous personalities. Through these activities, students will develop their writing, presentation, and critical thinking skills while having fun. Project Outline: Promotional Poster: • Task: Create a sensational promotional poster for yourself as a famous personality. • Skills: Use of presentational devices, sensational language. Diary Entry: • Task: Write a diary entry detailing a day in your exciting life. • Skills: First-person narrative, chronological writing, use of time connectives. Motivational Speech: • Task: Compose a motivational speech by your agent or mentor to get you focused before a big event. • Skills: Persuasive language, first-person perspective, use of exaggeration. Formal Invitation: • Task: Write a formal invitation to a celebrity ball. • Skills: Layout design, use of formal vocabulary. Playscript Scene: • Task: Imagine and write a scene at the celebrity ball, formatted as a play. • Skills: Scriptwriting, proper layout, stage directions. Newspaper Article: • Task: Write a sensational newspaper article about the celebrity ball. • Skills: Newspaper layout, sensationalism in writing. Celebrity Biography: • Task: Write a biography of your life, highlighting key or exciting events. • Skills: Third-person narrative, chronological order, use of time connectives. This resource provides a structured yet flexible framework that allows students to explore different genres of writing and presentation. It encourages self-expression and the development of literacy skills in a fun, engaging manner. Perfect for home learning, this project will keep students motivated and entertained while enhancing their educational experience.

This extensive scheme of work provides secondary school educators with a rich collection of resources to explore British literature, history, and social issues. From the significant role of the Poet Laureate to the intricacies of the British Monarchy, military history, and the poignant themes in Oscar Wilde’s works, this collection is designed to engage students in deep, critical thinking and creative expression. With a mix of PowerPoint presentations, worksheets, newspaper article assignments, and creative writing exercises, teachers are equipped to deliver a dynamic and interactive learning experience that covers essential historical events and literary masterpieces.

This comprehensive six-week scheme of work, titled “Heroes and Villains,” is designed for Year 9 students, focusing on narrative writing, content organisation, and written accuracy. It includes detailed lesson plans, engaging PowerPoint presentations, and a variety of activities to enhance students’ creative writing skills. Week-by-Week Breakdown: Week 1: Archetypes and Adaptation • Texts: Robin Hood and King Arthur • Activities: Students will explore the archetypes of heroes and villains, focusing on what makes an epic story. They will write their own adaptation of either a Robin Hood or King Arthur story. • Objective: Understand and create epic narratives. Week 2: Children’s Stories • Texts: Jungle Book, Matilda, and Peter Pan • Activities: Students will rewrite a key scene from one of these texts from the villain’s point of view, focusing on narrative perspective. • Objective: Develop skills in shifting narrative perspectives. Weeks 3 & 4: Historical Fiction and Revolution • Texts: Hamilton • Activities: Through mini-writing exercises, students will write letters between Hamilton and Eliza, create a song/rap for a character, and write about the Battle of Yorktown from different perspectives. • Objective: Enhance creativity and engage the reader.

Introducing an expertly crafted, full scheme of work for Year 9 English Literature centred around Barry Hines’ classic novel, “A Kestrel for a Knave.” This resource provides a robust, seven-week unit designed to deepen students’ understanding of the text, its themes, and its historical context. With two lessons per week, this scheme ensures thorough coverage and engagement with the novel. Key Features: Literacy Focus & Assessment Objectives: • Emphasis on developing critical reading, comprehension, and analytical skills. • Alignment with key assessment objectives (AO1, AO3) ensuring targeted learning outcomes. Engaging Weekly Themes: • Week 1: Context and Local History, exploring the novel’s setting and historical background. • Week 2: Language and Dialect, analysing how accent and dialogue contribute to character development. • Week 3: Class and Social Attitudes, examining themes of oppression and discrimination. • Week 4: School Life and Corporal Punishment, comparing past and present educational practices. • Week 5: Personal and Character Analysis, focusing on key characters and their development. • Week 6: Physical Education and Impressions of Mr Sugden, analysing the portrayal of school experiences. • Week 7: Assessment and Reflection, culminating in a comprehensive assessment and class discussions. Varied Lesson Plans: • Context-Based Activities: Utilising images, film trailers, and active reading to introduce the novel’s background. • Interactive Tasks: Turned discussions, translation tasks, and dictionary skills to enhance comprehension. • Creative Homework Projects: Encouraging independent research, artistic expression, and reflective writing. Linked Texts for Comparative Analysis: • Integration of complementary texts such as John Agard’s “Checking Out Me History” and Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise” to draw thematic parallels and enrich understanding. Assessment and Plenary Activities: • Structured tasks to reinforce learning and prepare students for assessments. • Plenary sessions to summarise lessons, encourage reflection, and solidify key concepts. Homework Project: • A comprehensive, multi-faceted project that includes historical research, creative writing, and artistic tasks, with incentives for the best submissions. This scheme of work provides educators with a detailed, step-by-step plan to guide students through “A Kestrel for a Knave,” ensuring a rich and engaging learning experience. The resource is designed to foster critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for literature, making it an invaluable addition to any Year 9 English curriculum.

This unit of work aims to develop students’ reading skills and develops their ability to respond to GCSE style questions for English language. Students will develop their select and retrieve skills (English Language AO1). Students will learn how to select accurate evidence from the text and will practise writing up their responses in a timely manner. Explaining the effect of the writer’s choices will be another key focus throughout the unit, with an emphasis on creating ‘quality comments’, allowing students to gain higher marks for AO2 style ‘how’ questions. Students will also be taught how to analyse the author’s choices of language using accurate subject terminology. Students will be introduced to a range of non-fiction texts and how to evaluate a writer’s viewpoint as presented in a text (English Language AO4). Students will also be given the opportunity to develop their narrative and transactional writing skills, with the focus being on developing depth and detail in their writing.

Unlock the potential of your Year 9 students with this comprehensive non-fiction reading scheme of work. This expertly designed programme includes a series of engaging lessons focused on key skills such as information retrieval, the craft of the writer, synthesis, and comparison. Each lesson is meticulously planned to foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of non-fiction texts. Key Features: • Detailed Lesson Plans: A sequence of 10 structured lessons, each with clear learning objectives and outcomes. • Interactive Activities: Diverse starter activities like search and find, synthesis, and comparison tasks to captivate students’ interest. • PowerPoint Presentations: Visually appealing slides for each lesson to guide teaching and enhance learning. • Worksheets: Comprehensive and differentiated worksheets to support students’ practice and assessment. • Assessment Focus: ARE (Age-Related Expectations) aligned activities and assessments to monitor and track student progress. Highlights of the Scheme: Information Retrieval: Teach students how to effectively locate and record key information from texts. Craft of the Writer: Develop students’ ability to analyse and understand the techniques writers use to persuade and engage readers. Synthesis and Comparison: Equip students with skills to summarise information and compare viewpoints from different texts. Persuasive Writing: Guide students through the process of identifying and evaluating persuasive techniques in writing. Lesson Overview: • Lesson 1: Introduction to information retrieval through a search and find activity focusing on effective bullet-point use and sentence writing. • Lesson 2: Craft of the writer analysis, examining how language and structure are used to present information. • Lesson 3: Persuasive writing techniques, exploring how writers influence readers’ opinions. • Lesson 4: Detailed examination of argumentative texts, identifying key persuasive language. • Lesson 5: Analytical paragraph construction, focusing on evidence and comment techniques. • Lesson 6: Assessment of understanding through a crafted writer analysis task. • Lesson 7: Introduction to synthesis, comparing different texts’ viewpoints. • Lesson 8: Practising synthesis and comparison, focusing on summarising and contrasting main points. • Lesson 9: Advanced comparison tasks, integrating skills from previous lessons. • Lesson 10: Final assessment on synthesis and comparison, applying learned techniques to new texts. This scheme of work is designed to not only improve students’ reading and analytical skills but also to make non-fiction texts engaging and accessible. Perfect for secondary school educators aiming to enhance their English curriculum and boost student outcomes.

This comprehensive scheme of work for Year 9 explores the fascinating topic of crime through historical and modern lenses. It is designed to engage students with a variety of activities, media, and collaborative projects, ensuring a rich and immersive learning experience. Overview and Activities: Week 1: Victorian Crime - A Study in Scarlet (Abridged Version) • Objective: Explore character introduction and tension-building techniques. • Activity: Students read and analyse the abridged version of Arthur Conan Doyle’s A Study in Scarlet, focusing on how characters are introduced and how the author creates tension and highlights important clues. • Resources: Printed copies of A Study in Scarlet. Week 2: Victorian Crime - Modern Adaptation • Objective: Compare and contrast the original story with its modern adaptation. • Activity: Watch the BBC adaptation A Study in Pink and discuss how the essence of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson is captured for a modern audience. Analyse similar skills and techniques used in both versions. • Resources: BBC’s A Study in Pink video. Week 3: Victorian Crime - Jack the Ripper • Objective: Understand the impact of Jack the Ripper’s letters on public fear and perception. • Activity: Study the infamous Jack the Ripper letters to explore the creation of fear and the portrayal of a disturbed character. Students create a speech aimed at reassuring the Victorian public about their safety. • Assessment: AO5 and AO6 (speech writing and spoken language skills). Week 4: Victorian Crime - Sir Robert Peel • Objective: Evaluate the legacy of Sir Robert Peel. • Activity: Discuss and debate the statement, “Sir Robert Peel was a man to be admired.” Students will use evidence and historical context to form their arguments. • Assessment: AO4 (evaluation skills). Week 5: Sensationalist Criminals - The Krays and The Real Peaky Blinders • Objective: Critique the glamorisation of violence in media. • Activity: Read about the Krays and the Peaky Blinders, focusing on how writers persuade readers that glamorising violence is irresponsible. • Assessment: AO2 (analytical skills).

A task to support students with introducing Sherlock Holmes.

Immerse your Key Stage 3 students in the suspenseful world of “The Woman in Black” with this meticulously designed 28-lesson scheme of work. This programme offers a seamless blend of guided reading sessions, analytical exercises, and creative writing activities, ensuring an enriching educational experience. Enhance your curriculum with this resource that not only deepens students’ understanding of Gothic literature but also hones their critical thinking and writing skills. Key Features: • In-depth Guided Reading: Dive into Susan Hill’s chilling novel with structured reading sessions that foster deep comprehension and discussion. • Analytical Skill Development: Equip students with the tools to dissect themes, character development, and narrative techniques. • Creative Expression: Engage students in creative writing tasks that inspire imagination and originality. • Regular Assessments: Monitor progress and understanding with regular, targeted assessments. • Flexible Structure: Adaptable lessons that cater to various teaching styles and classroom needs.

Immerse your Year 8 students in the captivating world of short stories with our detailed and engaging “Short Stories Masterclass.” This scheme of work is meticulously designed to introduce students to a range of short stories, enhance their analytical skills, and prepare them for the GCSE English Language papers. Key Features: • Diverse Literary Exposure: Introduces students to a variety of short stories, fostering a broad appreciation of different narrative styles and genres. • GCSE Preparation: Familiarises students with GCSE English Language question formats and assessment objectives, particularly focusing on AO4. • Analytical Skill Development: Encourages close analysis of key narrative sections, helping students to evaluate texts critically and develop informed personal responses. • Creative and Transactional Writing: Engages students in both creative and transactional writing tasks, enhancing their ability to communicate effectively and imaginatively.

Unlock the imaginative potential of your Key Stage 3 students with our meticulously crafted three-week narrative development programme, “Creative Writing Mastery”. This comprehensive scheme is designed to inspire young writers through the exploration and analysis of captivating literary extracts, leading them to create their own compelling stories. Key Features: • Structured Learning Objectives: Each week focuses on building crucial narrative skills, from language analysis to theme exploration and narrative crafting. • Engaging Extracts: Utilise rich, high-quality extracts from renowned texts such as “Life of Pi,” “Twilight,” and “The Arrival” to enhance language acquisition and comprehension. • Interactive and Independent Activities: A blend of independent reading, proof-reading, and creative tasks ensures active engagement and skill development. • Final Narrative Project: Culminates in the writing of an original story titled “The Departure,” where students apply learned techniques to produce a polished piece of creative writing. • Peer Review and Assessment: Encourage collaborative learning through peer assessments, fostering a supportive classroom environment. Weekly Breakdown: Week 1: Language and Comprehension • Independent reading and comprehension tasks with extracts from “Life of Pi.” • Focus on synonym discovery and comprehension questions to enhance understanding and language use. Week 2: Language Craft and Analysis • Deep dive into language analysis with targeted questions and proof-reading exercises. • Analysis of “Twilight” to understand character relationships and thematic elements. Week 3: Theme Exploration and Narrative Writing • Thematic prediction and inference activities using “The Arrival.” • Narrative planning and writing sessions, guiding students through drafting, revising, and peer assessment. • Final narrative writing task using elements from studied texts to craft their own story, “The Departure.” Enhance your curriculum and ignite the creative spark in your students with “Creative Writing Mastery.” Equip them with the skills to analyse, interpret, and create compelling narratives that showcase their growing proficiency in English literature. Available now for download and classroom implementation. Make your Key Stage 3 English lessons a journey of discovery