Home Learning
Across Key Stage 3, pupils develop key skills in studies of both literature and language to help prepare them for Key Stage 4. The lessons, which follow, are in line with the curriculum they are studying this term. In some cases, pupils may be using literature to develop language skills, particularly when looking at new genres. The focus for each unit of work that pupils are studying this term is outlined below.
Year 7 - Term 3
Year 7 are currently studying Shakespeare’s sonnets and are developing their analysis skills.
Introduction to Sonnets
In this lesson we will look at the history of the sonnet form. We will also start to look at the structure of a sonnet in preparation for lesson 2.
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/introduction-to-sonnets-71hkjc
The Features of a Shakespearean Sonnet
In this lesson, we will learn about some of the features of the Shakespearean sonnet.
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/the-features-of-a-shakespearean-sonnet-6rr64t
Iambic Pentameter
In this lesson, we will learn how to recognise iambic pentameter in sonnets. https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/iambic-pentameter-74v6ce
Sonnet 18: 4 lessons
This section contains 4 lessons focusing on Sonnet 18. These include:
- The Shakespearean Sonnet
- Language
- Structure
- Writing about Sonnet 18
https://classroom.thenational.academy/units/sonnet-18-shakespeare-8cea
Year 7 - Term 4
Viewpoint writing: what is it?
In this lesson, we will begin to look at the features of viewpoint or discursive writing. Today we will begin with a statement - 'All sports should be fun, fair and open to everyone. It is the taking part not the winning that matters'. Then, we will have a look at a student response to see how someone else has tackled this statement and begin to understand the features of viewpoint writing.
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/viewpoint-writing-what-is-it-c9jk4d
Planning techniques: Logos, pathos and ethos
In this lesson, we will be looking at planning techniques that will help us generate ideas as well as produce a balanced and thoughtful viewpoint essay plan. We will do this by looking to the Greeks and learning about 'logos', 'ethos,' 'pathos' and 'kairos'. You will then have an opportunity to start creating a plan, using a framework to help sequence your ideas.
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/planning-techniques-logos-pathos-and-ethos-6mwk0c
What makes an effective introduction and conclusion?
In this lesson, we will be working with our plans and looking at the relationship between the introduction and the conclusion. We will start by reviewing the model answer and considering how the introduction works. We'll then look at how sentence level choices have been used to add meaning with a skills review. Then, we will look at the model response again to consider how 'Ethos' is used in the conclusion. By the end of the lesson, you will have drafted out your introduction and conclusion.
Rhetorical devices: Designing the main body of your essay
In this lesson, we will be looking at the main body of our essay, before piecing everything together. Firstly, we will return to our essay plan and look at how to build the main body of our response, thinking about the function of the paragraph, the desired effect on the reader and the types of rhetorical devices that might be best to choose. We'll do this as a slow write to give you time to think about your options. At the end of the lesson, we'll critique our writing and compare to the model answer for fluency and control.
Year 8 - Term 3
Year 8 are studying a series of short stories. They are also focusing on writing skills as well as analytical skills.
Writing accurate, correctly punctuated and paragraphed dialogue, using personal pronouns:
These lessons focus on accuracy:
- Punctuating speech correctly
- Varying punctuation
- Moving dialogue tags and using pronouns
- Breaking up direct speech with dialogue tags
- Breaking up direct speech with dialogue tags and introducing additional speakers
- Punctuating speech correctly: Applying the rules when writing creatively
Language Skills- Fiction – Reading
Developing analysis skills through unseen fiction:
https://classroom.thenational.academy/units/language-skills-fiction-reading-52c6
- Approaching unseen fiction texts
- Considering structural choices
- Analysing the writer’s use of language
- Developing a personal response
Year 8 - Term 4
Year 8 are studying The Romantic Period of poetry and Speeches Across Time. In this unit they will be looking at rhetoric and the use of persuasive language.
The Romantic Period
Romantic poetry and paired texts: Romanticism and Nature
The Life and Times of William Wordsworth
In this lesson, we will be introduced to William Wordsworth and what happened in his life which might have influenced his writing. We will explore the form of lyric poetry, before reading and beginning to analyse one of his most famous poems.
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/the-life-and-times-of-william-wordsworth-75j36t
Language in 'I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud'
In this lesson, we will look at the difference between metaphor, simile and personification. We will then find examples of these types of figurative language in Wordsworth's poem and write about the effect that they might have on a reader.
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/language-in-i-wandered-lonely-as-a-cloud-71jk4e
Nature in 'I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud'
In this lesson, we will explore why nature was such an important and commonly used theme in Romantic writing. Afterwards, we will analyse how Wordsworth explores his own perceptions of nature and expresses how it makes him feel.
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/nature-in-i-wandered-lonely-as-a-cloud-cgv30e
Speeches Across Time
Viewpoint writing: What is it?
In this lesson we will begin to look at the features of viewpoint or discursive writing. Today we will begin with a statement - “All sports should be fun, fair and open to everyone. It is the taking part not the winning that matters.” Then, we will have a look at a student response to see how someone else has tackled this statement and begin to understand the features of viewpoint writing. At the end of the lesson, there will be a quiz to recap on our learning.
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/viewpoint-writing-what-is-it-c9jk4d
Planning techniques: Logos, pathos and ethos
In this lesson, we will be looking at planning techniques that will help us generate ideas as well as produce a balanced and thoughtful viewpoint essay plan. We will do this by looking to the Greeks and learning about ‘logos’, ‘ethos,’ ‘pathos’ and ‘kairos’. You will then have an opportunity to start creating a plan, using a framework to help sequence your ideas. At the end of the lesson, there will be a quiz to recap on our learning.
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/planning-techniques-logos-pathos-and-ethos-6mwk0c
Year 9 - Term 3
Year 9 are studying Dystopian extracts and war poetry. These units focus on narrative writing skills and analysis.
Fiction: Reading and Descriptive Writing
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/an-introduction-to-rhetoric-ethos-6mr3er
- Approaches to reading unseen fiction texts
- Character types and function
- Analysing language: selecting evidence
- Analysing language: analytical writing
- Examining structural choices
- Unseen fiction texts: pre1900
- Mary/ Eve Dichotomy
- Thinking about space: Where do women belong?
- Responding to evaluation questions
- Evaluation: writing it up
- Reading skills: unseen fiction Cold Mountain
- Journeys in literature: Cold Mountain
- Descriptive detail: close analysis
- Descriptive writing: planning techniques
- Descriptive writing: Slow write
Year 9 - Term 4
Year 9 are studying Dystopian extracts and war poetry. These units focus on narrative writing skills and analysis.
Fiction: Reading and Descriptive Writing
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/an-introduction-to-rhetoric-ethos-6mr3er
- Approaches to reading unseen fiction texts
- Character types and function
- Analysing language: selecting evidence
- Analysing language: analytical writing
- Examining structural choices
- Unseen fiction texts: pre1900
- Mary/ Eve Dichotomy
- Thinking about space: Where do women belong?
- Responding to evaluation questions
- Evaluation: writing it up
- Reading skills: unseen fiction Cold Mountain
- Journeys in literature: Cold Mountain
- Descriptive detail: close analysis
- Descriptive writing: planning techniques
- Descriptive writing: Slow write
All KS3 Pupils
Paragraphing narratives for clarity, using possessive pronouns, using apostrophes accurately, structuring, writing and editing genre-specific narratives
Lessons:
Crafting Creative Writing
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/crafting-creative-writing-6rrkcr
Creating a Story Opening
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/creating-a-story-opening-75j34d
Introducing a Character
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/introducing-a-character-c5hp8c
Revealing a Problem
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/revealing-a-problem-6hk34c
The Quest
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/the-quest-cngpce
The Climactic Moment
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/the-climactic-moment-6dh64d
The Ending
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/the-ending-60vpce
Year 10
This term, students are studying either A Shakespeare play, either Macbeth or Much Ado about Nothing. Pupils should complete the following lessons for the play they are studying.
Macbeth
Lesson 1 – Historical context, James I and witchcraft
Lesson 2- The Witches
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/the-witches-65h3ed
Lesson 3- Shakespeare’s tragedy and the Tragic Hero
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/shakespeare-tragedy-and-the-tragic-hero-74uket
Lesson 4- The Witches and the Tragic Hero
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/the-witches-and-the-tragic-hero-68rkge
Lesson 5- Meeting Macbeth
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/meeting-macbeth-6rup4r
Lesson 6- Macbeth meets the Witches
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/macbeth-meets-the-witches-cgrp2r
Much Ado about Nothing
If students are studying Much Ado About Nothing as their Shakespeare play, they should complete the following lessons:
Year 11
This term, students are preparing for their mock examinations in March and revising for their final examinations. Pupils should revise for the Shakespeare essay question completing the following lessons.
Macbeth
Lesson 1- The Natural Order (Part 1)
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/the-natural-order-part-1of-2-cgv6ct
Lesson 2- The Natural Order (Part 2)
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/the-natural-order-part-22-6tjpct
Lesson 3- The Supernatural (Part1)
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/the-supernatural-part-12-crrkct
Lesson 4- The Supernatural (Part 2)
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/the-supernatural-part-22-6mwkat
Lesson 5- The Tragic Hero (Part 1)
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/the-tragic-hero-part-12-68v66c
Lesson 6- The Tragic Hero (Part 2)
https://classroom.thenational.academy/lessons/the-tragic-hero-part-22-68r32t
Much Ado about Nothing
Years 12 and 13
Please note that bespoke work will be set by the subject teachers and emailed to students.