United Kingdom · National Curriculum Attainment Targets
Year 8 English
This course explores how writers use language to challenge authority and shape identity across diverse genres. Students will analyze complex texts and craft sophisticated arguments to develop their own critical voice and stylistic flair.
The Art of the Gothic
An exploration of 19th and 20th century Gothic literature focusing on atmosphere, suspense, and the sublime.
Analyzing how authors use pathetic fallacy and sensory imagery to establish a sense of dread.
Examining the archetypes of the brooding protagonist and the supernatural or human antagonist.
Applying Gothic conventions to original creative writing pieces.
Rhetoric and Rebellion
A study of non-fiction texts and speeches that have shaped social movements and political change.
Analyzing the use of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos in historical and contemporary speeches.
Comparing how different activists use language to demand social justice.
Evaluating the neutrality and influence of digital journalism and social media commentary.
Shakespearean Conflict
An in-depth look at tragedy and power dynamics in a major Shakespearean play.
Investigating how Shakespeare reveals the inner workings of a character's mind.
Tracing the development of central themes throughout the play's structure.
Exploring how different directorial choices alter the meaning of a scene.
Poetry of the World
A global survey of poetic forms and voices focusing on identity and culture.
Analyzing how different poetic structures like sonnets, haikus, and free verse impact meaning.
Exploring how poets use imagery to describe their heritage and personal experiences.
Focusing on the oral tradition of poetry and the impact of performance.
Dystopian Futures
Examining the conventions of dystopian fiction and its reflection of societal anxieties.
Analyzing the conflict between personal freedom and government control in dystopian novels.
Exploring how writers construct believable future worlds through descriptive detail.
Drafting original dystopian openings and world-building guides.
The Art of the Argument
Refining speaking and listening skills through formal debate and presentation.
Learning how to organize points logically to maximize impact during a presentation.
Developing the ability to listen critically and respond effectively to opposing views.
Participating in a formal classroom debate on a contemporary ethical issue.