KS3 & KS4 English curriculum

This unit uses and builds on pupils first introduction to gothic ideas and themes in 'The Twisted Tree'. Pupils now read extracts from some of the most famous gothic texts in history, and analyse more deeply how they have been constructed. They also extend their understanding of fiction and non-fiction writing by deepening their understanding of gothic conventions. This unit prepares pupils for the 'gothic poetry' unit where they will look in more detail at how the Gothic is expressed in different formats.

1. Context for Gothic literature: science and religion in the 19th century
2. Identifying features of the Gothic genre in the plot of ‘Frankenstein’
3. Exploring the character of Victor Frankenstein in Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’
4. Reading an extract from 'Frankenstein': A fateful night
5. Frankenstein's reaction to his creation
6. 'Frankenstein' and the Gothic context
7. Regret in Mary Shelley’s 'Frankenstein'
8. Frankenstein's regret and the scientific revolution
9. Planning a written analysis of 'Frankenstein'
10. A written analysis of 'Frankenstein'
11. An introduction to 'Jane Eyre': Analysing an unseen extract
12. Reading an extract from Charlotte Brontë’s ‘Jane Eyre’
13. Lowood Institution: Gothic settings in 'Jane Eyre'
14. Analysing the atmosphere at Thornfield Hall in ‘Jane Eyre’
15. Using ‘Jane Eyre’ to inspire our use of gothic vocabulary
16. Using semantic fields to create a gothic atmosphere
17. Using figurative language to create a gothic atmosphere
18. Planning a Gothic description inspired by 'A monster within'
19. Organising our gothic writing to build tension
20. Writing a gothic description
21. Editing descriptive writing based on ‘A monster within’
22. Reading 'The Tell-Tale Heart'
23. The creation of suspense in 'The Tell-Tale Heart'
24. Symbolism in 'The Tell-Tale Heart'
25. Planning a cohesive argument about 'The Tell-Tale Heart'
26. A written analysis of 'The Tell-Tale Heart'
27. Analysing effective opinion articles
28. Using description in functional writing
29. The structure of an opinion article
30. Planning an opinion article about Gothic literature
31. Writing an opinion article on Gothic literature
32. Improving your opinion article on Gothic literature