Year 8 · English · beta

Victorian childhood: non-fiction reading and writing

In this unit, pupils read a mixture of contemporary and nineteenth-century non-fiction texts that explore a common theme of childhood. They first read and compare the texts, before then writing and delivering a speech as part of a debate on Victorian working class children.

This is an attributed Oak National Academy lesson sequence, not a completed or academically approved DASKEREL course. Supporting transcripts may depend on video, images, practical equipment or teacher explanation. Follow each lesson’s supervision guidance. For religious education and RSHE, follow the school’s syllabus, policy and safeguarding procedures.

This Oak index uses an earlier export and lists 7 source lessons. DASKEREL has 8 original lessons for this unit, including 1 linked to source lessons absent from that export. Read the full DASKEREL unit.

Prior knowledge

  • Pupils are able to use the four reading skills to decode a text
  • Pupils know the difference between spoken and written language
  • Pupils understand that texts are crafted for specific audiences
  • Pupils can present an argument using clear topic sentences
  • Pupils understand that interpretations of texts change, depending on its historical context
  • Pupils are aware of some of the differences between Victorian context and modern day

Source curriculum references

  • Read increasingly challenging material independently
  • Understanding increasingly challenging texts through learning new vocabulary
  • Understanding increasingly challenging texts through making inferences
  • Understanding increasingly challenging texts through knowing purpose, audience and context of writing
  • Read critically through making critical comparisons across texts
  • Supporting ideas and arguments with factual detail
  • Using rhetorical devices in writing
  • Planning for a particular audience
  • Speak confidently and effectively
  • Give short speeches

Oak source metadata. DASKEREL has not independently verified school-level coverage.

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