Years 7 & 8

Throughout Years 7 & 8 pupils build upon the foundations they have made in this subject, whilst also being introduced to the process of becoming independent, proactive learners. High standards are set both in and out of the classroom, where pupils are encouraged to enter poetry competitions, write articles for school publications and take part in debating and public speaking competitions.

From Year 7, pupils are working towards either the Common Entrance exams, or for the more able, Scholarship papers. Both syllabuses are broad, providing pupils with a wide variety of English experience through a large selection of prose, non-fiction, poetry and plays. Pupils are taught how to evaluate and comment on both the impact and success of techniques and language used by professional writers, through the use of carefully selected quotes and their own detailed responses. These skills dovetail with the demands of both the Scholarship paper and Common Entrance ‘Reading ‘paper 1.

	Writing relating to the study of 'Journey's End'

As well as continuing to enjoy and develop their own personal reading of fiction, all pupils are encouraged to read and become accustomed to non-fiction texts through newspapers, magazines and leaflets, identifying the types and purposes of language used and making judgements on the content. In turn this enables pupils to develop their own ability to write in a variety of genres.

Creativity through independent writing lies at the heart of English at Ranby House School. Pupils are introduced to five separate strands of writing styles: narrative; personal; descriptive; persuasive and discursive, all of which are tested in the Common Entrance ‘Writing’ paper 2, for transfer to senior school.. This second exam also requires pupils to produce an extended themed essay on a studied class text, which currently focuses on ‘relationships.’

The papers at scholarship level are extremely demanding and designed to challenge the most able pupils at this age. The ability to analyse, compare and provide an imaginative interpretation of a passage requires a maturity of insight and understanding beyond that normally expected of a twelve or thirteen year old. Accordingly our scholars are stretched to develop their understanding and appreciation of literature as well as to express their opinions in a logical, structured and comprehensive manner.

Mrs T L Wilkinson Head of English (Years 7 & 8)