Year 9 English

What is this subject about?

The Year 9 course builds on earlier skills in the three language dimensions: reading, writing, speaking and listening. The emphasis is upon developing those higher order language skills needed in analysis, evaluation and critical appreciation. The literature programme includes the study of novels, film, short stories, poems and a Shakespearean play. Through the detailed study of the set texts, skills in close reading, interpretation and analysis are developed. A sensitive response to language and a sympathetic understanding of characters and their concerns are encouraged. In addition, wide reading is fostered, extending students’ experiences in literature. The writing programme continues to extend proficiency in the use of language through the emphasis upon accuracy in written expression, discrimination in the choice of vocabulary and the development of a more mature prose style.

A range of writing tasks is set, including descriptive, narrative, personal and persuasive writing. In each semester there is a research based project which allows students to pursue individual areas of interest. Oral work in formal and informal contexts includes activities such as prepared talks, role-play, prose and play readings, class and small group discussion. Public Speaking in a formal context provides students with the opportunity to develop and refine their oral communication and presentation skills. To develop research and study skills, students are encouraged to locate and use information from a variety of reference sources including accessing information from print and electronic sources.