The Tempest KS3 Full SOW

This engaging KS3 scheme of work offers a comprehensive introduction to Shakespeare’s The Tempest, combining analytical study with creative exploration to develop students’ reading, writing and speaking skills.
The scheme is structured to support students in building a secure understanding of plot, character and key themes through a range of carefully sequenced lessons. Students explore the play through detailed character analysis and scene-by-scene annotation, enabling them to develop confidence in interpreting Shakespearean language and constructing analytical responses.

To ensure accessibility, the scheme includes a dedicated key scene booklet, which presents original extracts alongside modern translations. This supports students in decoding complex language while maintaining exposure to Shakespeare’s original text, promoting both comprehension and academic rigour.

Alongside analytical work, the scheme integrates a variety of creative and interactive tasks designed to deepen engagement and encourage imaginative responses. These include:

• Diary writing from a character’s perspective to explore viewpoint and voice
• Debates to develop speaking and listening skills while considering moral and thematic questions
• Descriptive writing tasks inspired by key settings and events in the play

Assessment is built into the scheme through two structured checkpoints:

• A baseline assessment, used to establish students’ initial reading and writing abilities
• A final assessment, allowing students to demonstrate progress in both analytical and creative outcomes