KS1 & KS2 English curriculum

This unit uses and builds on the Year 6 unit 'Beowulf': narrative writing', in which pupils built up techniques for increasing and maintaining tension in a build-up and describing powerful action in a climax. Here, pupils finesse their writing of a build-up and climax by learning to switch between tenses to move from third person narrative prose to internal monologue and to indicate a flashback. These sophisticated techniques allow pupils to write with creative authorial flair. This unit's outcomes can be used for pupils' KS2 writing portfolios as they demonstrate all taught cohesive devices.

1. Understanding the historical context of the Scottish witch trials
2. Exploring Addie's character
3. Using drama to explore a character 'low'
4. Adopting different perspectives
5. Planning the build-up of 'A Kind of Spark' including switches in perspective
6. Writing the first half of the build-up of 'A Kind of Spark'
7. Writing the second half of the build-up of 'A Kind of Spark'
8. Self-editing the build-up of 'A Kind of Spark'
9. Exploring a historical scenario linked to ‘A Kind of Spark’
10. Exploring Addie's speech in the climax of 'A Kind of Spark'
11. Planning the climax of 'A Kind of Spark' including flashbacks
12. Writing the first section of the climax of 'A Kind of Spark'
13. Writing the next two sections of the climax, including a flashback
14. Writing the final sections of the climax, including a flashback
15. Self-editing the climax of 'A Kind of Spark'

• 'A Kind of Spark' was written by Elle McNicoll.
• Elle McNicoll is autistic.
• Autism is a lifelong neurological disorder that affects verbal and non-verbal communication and social interaction.
• Autism is a spectrum disorder.
• The protagonist of 'A Kind of Spark' is Addie, an autistic 11-year-old.
• 'A Kind of Spark' is set in contemporary Juniper close to Edinburgh, Scotland.
• Addie advocates for understanding and acceptance in her community.
• Witches have been portrayed throughout history as individuals, mainly women, who possess supernatural powers.
• Accusations of witchcraft and witch trials have occurred in various cultures and time periods.
• This writing unit is predicated on an understanding of the whole text of 'A Kind of Spark'.