Do you remember your first day at secondary school? The transition to Key Stage 3 English can be somewhat daunting – even if it doesn’t involve moving to a new school – but we can help ensure that this doesn’t dampen your child’s enthusiasm for learning or affect their progress.
The programme of study at Key Stage 3 demands that students develop (to name but a few things) a more in-depth knowledge of grammar, sophisticated & analytical reading skills and the ability to write extensively and in detail…luckily our tutors make it possible to work on all of this in a way that won’t have your child nodding off over their homework.
Key Stage 3 lays the foundations for the GCSE years, but it does not have to mean tackling the syllabus content years in advance (studying the same novel over two key stages is nobody’s idea of fun). Developing the skills and knowledge required to stay a step ahead might include:
- Introducing concepts through wider reading. For example novels set or written in the 1900s or novels linked to set GCSE texts.
- Practising different forms of writing – from micro-fiction to speeches
- Drafting, editing and timed writing challenges
- Writing different forms of poetry and providing a commentary of pieces created
- Reading and discussing articles and reports from across the last century
- Debating ideas and formulating judgements
Sometimes the challenge is simply getting your thoughts onto paper with clarity and accuracy, and our tutors have plenty of SPaG (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar) strategies to support this.
Summary of SPaG Aims at KS3
- Spell complex words accurately
- Use a wide range of punctuation appropriately and for effect
- Recognise and define the function of words and phrases in context
- Recognise person and tense
- Maintain consistency of person/tense in writing
- Write cohesively
English tutors think SPaG is fun. Which helps.
Good To Know…We offer a risk-free trial lesson, so if you are not satisfied you won’t be charged. We’re good like that.
