ENGLISH

Year 7: For the past few weeks, Year 7 has been learning about how to conduct online research. In a world where information is merely at the touch of a button (or a few typed words into a search engine), it is vital that we teach our students how to filter all the information available to them effectively. We have been learning about biased and unbiased information, and we have been reflecting upon how to evaluate the source of the information too. This culminated in a mini-project that the Year 7s did collectively, presenting on topics regarding the future and technology.

Year 8: Year 8 has also been learning how to research effectively too. They have been learning how to take notes by paraphrasing the information they have read. They have then attempted to prove their newfound understanding by writing succinct, coherent, and clear summaries on the topic they have been researching. They too were then expected to put together a presentation. This resulted in some interesting discussions regarding AI in film and media, genetic engineering, and 3D food printing. We all learned a lot together!

Year 9: This term, Year 9 has been learning all about advertising and persuasive writing. They spent the first few weeks learning about the methods employed by advertisers to promote a product's unique selling point or to connect with a particular target audience. This led to the students studying McDonald's advertising. In groups, they were provided with a unique demographic, and they had to devise a marketing campaign and produce a print advertisement to attract this demographic. They then presented their pitch to the group!

Year 10: Year 10 has been continuing to develop the skills needed to succeed in the Language Paper 1 of the English Language GCSE. By going through past papers, the students have become more familiar with the expectations of each question. They have also worked with marking criteria and mark schemes. The hope is that by knowing exactly what the examiner is looking for, they can ensure that they meet the standard expected. After the break, we will start on our next text: A Streetcar Named Desire!

Year 11: Year 11 spent the first few weeks of the term completing their mock examinations. We were all so pleased with their efforts! The second half of the term was spent going through each exam in turn, and then recognising how each one of them could have improved. The term finished fantastically with the Year 11s getting to hot seat the characters from the travelling play: Purple Hibiscus. The students got to question the characters' feelings, motives, and reflections. We hope this interesting approach will help them with their revision too.