Writing Revision and Science Fiction
After completing the e-asTTle testing it was necessary for both Years 8 and 9 to revise the various language tools needed with particular relation to writing. This included different aspects such as word classes, sentence structure including learning about dependent and independent clauses, the use of conjunctions, how to use the Oxford comma, using apostrophes to show possession (and as a contraction), and direct speech.
This week the Year 9 students have been exploring a Science Fiction story entitled “There Will be Soft Rains”. It is a haunting story, written in the 1950s by Ray Bradbury, exploring the decimation caused after a potential nuclear bomb. The students are tracking the time period over the story and deeply analysing what was ordinary at particular times and what was unusual; frankly, it turns out to be everything!
Cambridge English Begins for Years 9 and 10
Year 9s are building annotation and active reading skills. Year 10s are exploring the difference between Language and Literature in the Cambridge two-year programme.
Close Reading in Years 7 and 8 English
Year 7s are making inferences from their setwork novel Wonder. Year 8s are analysing voice and style in texts including Richard Branson’s autobiography and I Am Malala.
English Update PATs, Summarising, and Shakespeare Study
Students sat PATs and explored summarising, essay skills, and Shakespeare texts across Years 7 to 9.
Finding the Main Idea with Turtles
Students used an information text about turtles to find main ideas and write clear summary sentences.
Recounts, Shakespeare, and Stagecraft
Excerpt: Year 7 explored Shackleton and NZ forestry. Year 8 and 9 studied Shakespeare’s comedies, tragedies, and stagecraft.
Persuasion and Performance in English
Year 7 mastered persuasive ads, while Years 8 and 9 explored Shakespeare’s worlds—A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Othello.
Designing Logos and Finding Voice
Year 7 built reading skills then designed logos using font, colour and layout. Year 8 and 9 studied I Am Malala, brown girl dreaming to prep essays.
Strengthening Writing Skills Across Years 7–9
From targeted writing pathways to poetry and novel studies, students are developing their skills in structure, vocabulary, and literary analysis.
Exploring Sustainability, Memoirs and Verse
Years 7–9 English students begin Term 3 by exploring sustainability, memoirs and verse narratives. They develop writing strategies through focused lessons.
Exploring Poetic Technique and Close Reading
Students explored poetic structure and literary devices in depth this fortnight, with a special nod to Joseph’s imaginative and skilful writing under assessment conditions.
