Year 8 English
Artwork by Rob Gonsalves
Term One
We begin our Year 8 English journey by exploring and analysing Indigenous poetry and song lyrics to deepen our understanding of Indigenous voices. We unpack how these poets use various forms and literary techniques to express viewpoints and ideas about identity, community and the lasting impacts of Colonisation. This exploration will culminate in students writing a poetry analysis to express their own point of view.
We finish this term with an introduction to advertising, focusing on visual and written persuasive strategies.
Term Two
In Term Two, we explore the media through the conceptual lens of communication and perspective. We unpack how media texts use different techniques and approaches to express viewpoints and persuade audiences, with a focus on critical literacy. This exploration will culminate in students analysing media texts, including articles and advertisements.
We then build on our understanding of persuasive strategies and finish the semester with students creating their own rebuttal speech.
Term Three
In Term Three, we continue our study of texts, this time discovering the conventions of short fiction and film. This study will focus on the concept: Stories of Hope and Resilience where students will explore a selection of short fiction texts and a film to consider and investigate the transformative power of hope, even in the darkest times. This unit provides an opportunity for students to be creative as they write their very own ‘story of hope’ at the conclusion of the unit.
Term Four
The year will end with our first extended novel study of the year. This study will focus on the concept of Transformation as we use Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to explore and investigate the power of generosity and compassion. This unit will develop students’ ability to write detailed notes on a text, and introduce them to the valuable skill of essay writing.
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Assessment
Term One
- Poetry analysis
- Visual analysis task
Term Two
- Article analysis task
- Spelling, punctuation & grammar test
- Rebuttal speech
- Workbook
Term Three
- Storyboard task
- Creative response
- Written reflection
Term Four
- Extended analytical response to A Christmas Carol
- ‘The Big Test’
- Spelling, punctuation & grammar test
- Workbook