They will write their own ballad and produce a piece of writing that identifies and analyses the features of two named ballads. In the second half of the term, pupils will study a modern novel in depth, focusing on style in particular. Where appropriate, film extracts will be used to support study. They will also produce a piece of writing that argues an issue raised by the novel being studied.
Pupils in year 8 will study examples of Shakespearian, Petrachan and modern sonnets, learning to recognise features of these forms. They will use a range of techniques including drama and group discussion to support and develop their understanding of the sonnets studied. Pupils will write their own sonnet and produce a piece of writing that is based on their personal response to one of the sonnets studied. In the second half of the term, pupils will study Gothic Horror, reading and developing their understanding of stories written in this style. Film extracts and audio-tapes will be used where appropriate to support the study. Pupils will learn to identify the main features of Gothic Horror, and opportunities offered will include comparison of two short stories, writing in the style of the author, creating a story in Gothic Horror style and developing digital storytelling skills.