KS3 at Brighouse High School

English
Year 8 Curriculum Overview

Topic title Topic programme of study

o Students will read a novel from a set-text list including, but not
restricted to: Stone Cold, The Hobbit and The Boy in the
Striped Pyjamas, in order to determine their understanding of
Term 1 Prose Study plot, theme, character, language and narrative structure, as
well as any moral, social or spiritual issues which arise as a
result of studying the text.

o Students will read and respond to a variety of transactional,

functional pieces of non-fiction from a variety of sources
Term 2 Non fiction and including: websites, journals, leaflets and travel writing.
transactional Writing o They will also be required to write transactional, functional
texts, such as: formal and informal letters, reviews, articles and
speeches.
o Students will study a dramatic play in order to be able to
comment critically and personally on character, theme,
Term 3 Drama Study writer’s ideas and attitudes and language/structure, as well as
considering any moral, social or spiritual issues which arise as a
result of studying the text.

o Students will read a variety of short stories from a set text list
Short Fiction and to show they understand structure, language, and the use of
Narrative Writing textual reference to prove personal opinions.
Term 4 o They will also be required to write a piece of short fiction from
a list of five possible titles.
o Students will read a variety of poetic texts, in order to
Poetry study determine understanding of content, language, structure and
Term 5 tone, as well as formulating a personal response.
o By Year 8, students will be expected to be able to compare
these aspects across at least two poems.
o There will also be the opportunity for students to write their
own poetry.
o Students will read a Shakespeare play, either Romeo and Juliet
Term 6 Shakespeare Study or Much Ado about Nothing in order to understand plot, theme
and character, alongside Shakespeare’s use of language and
influence on the literary canon.

KS3 Curriculum Overview 2018 to 2019