LISTON COLLEGE

ENGLISH
DEPARTMENT
Year 8

Student Course Information Booklet

2017

Introduction
Welcome to your second year at Liston College.
You have just completed a big year at school and are ready for the next
step in gaining more literacy strategies and skills in English.
A good foundation in English, particularly in reading and writing from Year
8 onwards, is essential for future study at Levels 1 3 NCEA or to pursue
tertiary study at either a polytechnic or university. This year, just as in
Year 7, there will be a focus on WRITING. You will complete journal entries
and spelling tests to ensure your writing is at the highest standard for Year
9 onwards.

Book work
Your book will be checked regularly by your teacher so it is
important that you keep it tidy and up-to-date. Write clearly and
neatly and date every new lessons work. Use black or blue pen
ONLY.
BYOD
You will be using your device in class this year for some class and
homework activities. Your teacher will tell you when devices are to
be used and when an activity does not require the use of your
device.
Homework
Homework will be set regularly and must be noted down in your
student diary. It is important you complete homework and submit it
on time. Students can expect between 15 and 20 minutes of
homework on the day that they are timetabled to have English.
Studying for tests is on top of this.
Library lessons
You will have one library lesson each fortnight as part of your
English study, during which you may select up to three books. The
librarian will give the class an introduction to the library and how to
access books and other resources, and she is always available to
assist you with finding something of interest to you. You must have
a book to bring to school for Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) on
Thursday and Friday afternoons during form periods.
If you have any questions or queries, please ask your
teacher or see
Mr. Houlahan HOD English, or Ms. Mather Assistant HOD
English.
3

Expectations
The English Department wishes all students in its department a
successful year. In order to get the best out of this year, please
remember the following points:

Do not interfere with the teachers ability to deliver the

curriculum effectively - ensure that you follow the teachers
instructions.

Every student has the right to learn unimpeded do not

interfere with another students right to learn.

Be well organized - arrive at class on time with the correct

equipment and be prepared to work as soon as possible.

Produce your best work - complete all work to the highest

possible standard and ensure that all homework is completed
on time.

Be committed to success you may have to make some

sacrifices, but it will be worth it in the long run.

Follow the Non-Negotiable Classroom Rules.

Assessment Statement
Details of the assessment topics are given in the year planner in this
document. Additional assessments may be added. Marks and
weightings (as set down in school policy) will determine class
placings and the awarding of prizes.
Common assessment tests (CATs)will be given to all class at the
conclusion of a unit of work. The form of these assessments will
vary and may include a written test or giving a presentation.
Students will be notified in advance of assessment dates and
content.
You are required to hand in work on the due date. There will be
consequences and penalties for handing in work late. If there is a
serious reason why you cannot complete work by the due date you
should bring a letter from your caregiver explaining these reasons.
AsTTle results, combined with other assessments, are a key
indicator of student progress and may be used to determine class
groupings.
If a student performs below his current ability in tests or submits
homework or assignments that are below what he is capable of due
to poor effort, he will be issued with a departmental detention.
Detentions are on Tuesday afternoons 15:30-16:30, and an English
teacher will be available to provide assistance in completing work.

National Standards
4

You will be assessed against the National Standards in reading and

writing. Work will be continually monitored and class work, CATs and
AsTTle results as well as the mid-year and end-of-year examinations
will be used to make overall teacher judgements. To ensure that you
are working at the National Standard, constant monitoring and help
at home is essential. Reading and discussion about what you have
watched on the news will help you with your comprehension.

Year 8 Units
Description
Term One

Short Stories by Roald Dahl

Feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand up as you read about
Mary Malone in Lamb to the Slaughter and the horrible fate
awaiting Billy Weaver in The Landlady.
You may have enjoyed some of Roald Dahls popular childrens
novels such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or James and the
Giant Peach.
Now be prepared to be scared by his gruesome, spine-chilling short
tales!

Escape from Kraznir

Let your imagination run wild in this creative writing unit where you
get to decide how the characters escape from Kraznir and what
perils and dangers await them on their journey.
Term Two

Novel study: Blood Oath or a novel of your choice

Roman Britain, north of Hadrian's Wall, 180AD. A teenage boy has
witnessed the killing of his father by a savage warrior from a rival tribe.
Blind with rage and grief he swears vengeance. When the chance comes to
train as a Roman legionary he jumps at it, desperate to learn. He is a
natural fighter, but can he acquire the self-control he will need to become a
true warrior and defeat his sworn enemy? And just how far will his
conscience allow him to take the fight against the tribe?

Film Study: Shrek

Many of you will have seen this popular movie or one of its sequels.
In this unit you will learn about cinematic techniques, explore the
world of movie sound and dialogue, analyse themes and settings
within this visual text, and much more.
Term Three

Term Four

Graphic novel study: Make your own comic book!

What makes a hero? Is it strength, kindness, or a big, big gun? In
this unit you will create your own superhero, super villain and a
superhero city to protect! Good luck!

Year 8 Year Plan

2017
Term

ONE

FOU

Topic /
Standard /
Teaching
Programme
Administration
days

Jan 30

Feb 06

All About Me
intro. task

Feb 13

Feb 20

UNIT 1: Short
Stories: Roald Dahl
Short Stories:
Inaugural Mass
Roald Dahl
Mon. 20th

Feb 27 Short Stories: Roald Dahl

6
7

Mar 06 Short Stories: Roald Dahl

Mar 13 Short Stories: Roald Dahl
Short Stories: Begin planning and drafting
Mar 20
newspaper task
Mar 27 CAT 1: Newspaper Task DUE
Apr 03 UNIT 2: Escape from Kraznir Task 1: Short Story
Apr 10 Kraznir Task 2: Poem

9
10
11

THR
EE

Beginning
Monday

TW
O

Week

May 01

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

May 8
May 15
May 22
May 29
Jun 5
Jun 12
Jun 19
Jun 26

10

Jul 3

Jul 24

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Jul 31
Aug 7
Aug 14
Aug 21
Aug 28
Sept 4
Sept 11
Sept 18
Sept 25

Key Dates

Waitangi Day Mon.

6TH
Ash Wed. Liturgy
Wed. 8th
Athletics Days

Kraznir Task 3: Script

Kraznir Task 4: Letter
Kraznir Select best two pieces to polish
CAT 2: Kraznir 2 BEST PIECES DUE
UNIT 3: Film Study Shrek
Shrek: Genre / techniques of satire
Shrek: Film language and techniques
Shrek: Film language and techniques
Shrek: Analysis of characters/themes
CAT 3: Shrek Test Film Techniques and Close
Reading
Holiday

Liston Day 19th May

Queens Birthday 5th June

Film: Students create their own short film

Film: Students create their own short film
UNIT 4: Novel Study: Blood Oath or own choice
Novel Study
Novel Study
Novel Study
Novel Study
Novel Study: Essay writing skills. PEEL
Novel Study: Planning and drafting essay.
CAT 4: Structured Essay DUE

Oct 16 UNIT 5: Key language writing skills: workbook

activities
2

Oct 23 Workbook activities

3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Oct 30
Nov 06
Nov 13
Nov 20
Nov 27
Dec 11
Oct 16

Labour Day Mon. 23rd

Oct

Creative writing task

Creative writing task
END-OF-YEAR EXAMS
UNIT 6: Superheroes. Research NZ heroes.
Superheroes: write own comic strip
Superheroes: write own comic strip
Superheroes: write own comic strip