Writing to Describe homework

Hi all,

I'm writing this after what I hope was a not-too depressing lesson looking at Cormac McCarthy's frankly terrifying novel The Road. Hopefully, you will have understood and internalised a set of success criteria for this type of writing, and learnt some ways in which writers can make their settings vivid and engaging for the reader.

Your performance in the lesson was exceptional. Some of the points you made were really pushing at the upper limits of GCSE, showing real flair and originality - well done all, and well done for the superb levels of application, effort and engagement you displayed. Where are OFSTED when you need them?!

For homework, I'd like you to complete the piece of writing you started this lesson. The task is to write a description of somewhere you know well, describing the changes which occur through dusk and into night.

This should be given in during our first lesson back after your Work Experience.

Have a wonderful hols and WE; you have been, as ever, a fabulous class to work with. I'll have your Year 1o exams ready for when you get back.

Mr Boulter

Year 10 Exams

Hi all,
Just a quick one - I told you that I'd confirm the arrangements for the year 10 exams next week, so ...
- the English exam will be completed in class over two lessons (Weds and Fri).
- the exam is in two parts
- Part 1 asks you to read two non-fiction texts and answer 4 questions about them
- Part 2 asks you to do your own piece of writing, either to Argue, Persuade or Advise
I suggest that you revise the ideas we covered in class, ie FLAP (Form, Language, Audience, Purpose) when thinking about how to answer the Part 2 question, and also reflect on the success criteria we set for really effective writing - in particular, we considered the importance of using a variety of sentence structures, varied vocabulary and making a series of sustained and developed points.
As far as revision goes, the best thing for you to do is just to read a variety of non-fiction texts, and think about two things. One - what is the writer trying to say? Two - how do they use language and presentation to get their ideas across forcefully?
By the way, really well done to all who have delivered their Macbeth Oral Responses - they have been fabulous and I've enjoyed hearning them very much!
Hope you enjoyed the long weekend,
Mr Boulter