Year 8 students explore the elements of language, literature and literacy via five main units of study with opportunities to read, write, speak and listen across a wide variety of text types and purposes. Firstly, the creative process enables students to explore their senses of humour through the study of comedy and short story. Autumn Term’s novel study asks students to question the concept of truth and understand how historical context and point of view can blur those lines. The study of advertising in Winter Term brings to light the techniques and codes used to manipulate the minds of an audience, thus empowering students to recognise how they are being lead or persuaded by those with an agenda. Also during this term, students investigate a range of text types created specifically for the purpose of enacting change. Experiences in writing letters, petitions and using social media platforms highlight to students the ways in which they can be active members of their communities. Lastly, Spring Term shows students how dramatic productions are a powerful tool for exploring the human condition.