KS3 Myths and Legends

Students will develop key skills in reading and writing from a range of texts about myths, legends, folktales and folklore. They will gain an understanding of how stories were created and adapted over time.

Week 1 introduces students to religious and ancient Greek Gods in poetry; characterisation is also explored. This week tests students’ knowledge on pre-existing terminology, whilst introducing students to new forms of literary terms such as free and blank verse poetry.

Week 2 reinforces mythical beings through monsters such as the Kraken and Grendel’s Mother (Beowulf); again focusing on poetry and language development and change. The assessment will be focuses on a simple comparative work which introduces students to transition phrases and linking words in order to develop their comparative skills.

Week 3 students will learn about heroes and heroism through literary texts as well as textual and visual media such as the Mis-en-Scene and the Comic Book. This week focuses on students analysing how language and visual presentational devices impacts the reader.

Week 4 introduces students to C20th icons and non-fiction texts that were inspired by true events such as Black Panther Party and real people like Al Capone. Students will analyse the art form of speeches and newspaper articles. Writing to inform, explain and argue will be explored; with a S&L assessment aimed at improving their public speaking.

Week 5 & 6 will focus on villainy and the characterisation, plot and narrative devices used in Harry Potter, with sole attention on Lord Voldemort. In these two weeks, students will develop their creative writing skills, helping solidify their understanding of how an effective villain is created. The last week will consist of 2 assessments: a creative writing task and an end of unit analytical task.

By incorporating different stimuli and texts, students will be given the opportunity to develop their own creative, analytical and transactional writing. Students will explore the importance of the literary cannon by exploring different texts from different time periods.

Myths and Legends lessons focuses on developing skills in analytical writing, understanding different cultures and the importance of how language and associated ideas effect the reader and how meaning has changed over time.