Science Fiction KS3 SOW
A comprehensive KS3 scheme of work exploring science fiction, with at least 21 lessons examining the genre's key themes, tropes, conventions and literary techniques through a wide range of classic and modern texts. Through close textual analysis, contextual exploration, discussion and creative writing, students develop their understanding of the genre while strengthening the reading and writing skills needed for more challenging fiction.
The unit includes one reading assessment focused on a structure question and one creative writing lesson that can be used as an assessment.
Although designed for KS3, the resources can also be adapted for KS4.
**Texts include:**
*Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Dune by Frank Herbert, War Of The Worlds by H.G. Wells, The Island of Dr Moreau by H.G. Wells, The Machine Stops by E.M. Forster, The Day Of The Triffids by John Wyndham, Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein, A Sound Of Thunder by Ray Bradbury, Red Rising by Pierce Brown, Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey, Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer, and This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone.*
**Students Develop Their Ability To:**
Understand and interpret challenging fiction extracts.
Analyse how writers use language to create effects and communicate ideas.
Explore how writers structure narratives to engage readers and develop tension.
Examine characterisation and character development.
Explain how writers create suspense, atmosphere and a sense of the unknown.
Explore science fiction conventions, including advanced technology, scientific experimentation, alien life and imagined futures.
Examine themes such as humanity, identity, power, progress, morality, survival and the relationship between humans and technology.
Consider how writers use imagined worlds to explore real-world concerns.
Select and analyse quotations to support interpretations.
Evaluate writers' choices and their effects on the reader.
Explore relevant historical, scientific and social context.
Develop analytical paragraphs using textual evidence and detailed explanations.
Discuss different interpretations and justify ideas with reference to the text.
Apply their reading skills to questions inspired by AQA English Language Paper 1, Section A.
Develop descriptive and narrative writing skills through creative writing activities.
**Whats Included:**
At least 21 ready to teach lessons, with a range of activities and supporting resources designed to develop students' reading, analytical and creative writing skills.
A range of activities for each extract, supporting comprehension, interpretation and close analysis.
Lessons exploring themes, tension, characterisation, language, structure, evaluation and other key aspects of fiction.
Repeat and retrieval questions linked to previous lessons, helping students revisit important concepts and consolidate their understanding.
Discussion tasks encouraging students to explore interpretations, debate ideas and support their opinions with evidence.
Annotated quotations to model close analysis and help students explore writers' methods.
Model paragraphs demonstrating how to construct effective analytical responses.
Key context lessons and worksheets to develop students' understanding of the texts and the ideas behind the genre.
A variety of analytical questions inspired by AQA English Language Paper 1, Section A.
Creative writing activities and tasks inspired by science fiction settings, characters, scenarios and conventions.
A reading assessment focused on a structure question.
A dedicated creative writing lesson that can be used as an assessment.
Reflection and plenary activities to consolidate learning and check understanding.
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**Due to copyright, some extracts that are not in the public domain have not been included. Links to these extracts can be found in the notes on the first slide.**
