Coraline KS3 SOW

A comprehensive KS3 scheme of work exploring Coraline by Neil Gaiman, with at least 19 lessons, increasing to 21 lessons when the writing time for both assessments is included. The unit takes students step by step through the novel, developing their understanding of the plot, characters, themes and Gothic conventions while building the reading and writing skills needed for English Language and Literature.

Two assessment opportunities included: a reading assessment focused on language analysis using an extract featuring the cat, and a creative writing assessment in which students write a description of a Gothic villain.

Students Develop Their Ability To:
Understand and interpret a novel through a structured, chapter by chapter approach.
Analyse how writers use language to create effects and convey meaning.
Explore characterisation and the presentation of key characters.
Explain how foreshadowing creates expectations and prepares readers for later events.
Examine how writers create tension, suspense and an unsettling atmosphere.
Explore Gothic conventions, including the supernatural, threatening settings and monstrous characters.
Analyse key scenes and significant language choices in detail.
Select relevant quotations and use textual evidence to support interpretations.
Develop analytical paragraphs using clear explanations and evidence.
Explore key contextual information and its relevance to the novel.
Discuss different interpretations of characters, events and themes.
Develop descriptive writing skills through the creation of an effective Gothic villain.
Apply their reading skills to a language analysis assessment.

What’s Included:
19 ready to teach powerpoint lessons taking students through the novel in sequence.
At least 10 comprehension questions for every chapter, supporting students’ understanding of key events, details and character development.
A range of activities for each chapter to consolidate knowledge and deepen understanding.
Lessons exploring foreshadowing, characterisation, language analysis and other key literary methods.
Repeat and retrieval questions linked to previous lessons, helping students revisit knowledge and build on prior learning.
Key contextual information and activities to develop students’ understanding of the novel.
Discussion tasks encouraging students to explore interpretations and justify their ideas.
Close examination of important scenes and Gaiman’s language choices.
Annotated quotations and model paragraphs to support analytical writing.
Creative writing lessons and activities to develop students’ descriptive writing.
Reflection and plenary activities to consolidate learning and check understanding.