English Career Resources

Key Stage 3: Transitions

Teacher Instructions

This unit asks students to use their knowledge of previous transitions by using a fictional character who has choices to make. These choices can be discussed by the teacher before ideas are written and, because the character is fictional, the pupils can discuss successes and failures they may have had both explicitly before writing their chapter, but also through the choices the character makes. The decision the character must make are in a fantasy situation, but the broader context surrounding those choices allows students to address the choices and transitions they have made whilst also considering how they will deal with ideas in the future.

The initial choice of which path to take to escape the gunshot, for example, could be pre-empted by a discussion about the choices students have made in difficult situations themselves. Alternatively, the final chapter where the students write their endings allows the teacher to consider the lessons they have learned in their own life and how they would like their life to work out. The idea of the character trying to return home means that character has refuge there and there is hope for the future (if that is what they wish). The teacher can lead a discussion on whether students would return home themselves and this can be tied in to ambitions and what students would have to do to achieve those ambitions, thus making explicit how previous successes and failures will tie into their future.

This scheme asks students to work on their writing skills by producing a 'choose your own ending book' and makes them re-evaluate their idea after each piece of writing they do. This can be done in a number of ways. Students type their work straight on to computer as then the teacher can amalgamate all options and produce a book at the end of the process (this can be printed or published on school websites). Alternatively students can handwrite their work and the teacher can still collect all ideas and produce a book, or the writing can be done as a homework assignment.

The students should be put into groups of four and each four will produce their own book. All groups will start with the same opening and each student in that group will write one option, finishing at a pre-decided end point. Each time a new start will be given and students must then write the next part, re-evaluating their work in light of the opening paragraphs.

If you would prefer to use peer help then you can get the students to write in pairs/ threes (mixed or same ability depending on what you want to achieve).

The teacher will have to fill in the page numbers to turn to once the novel is complete. When reading students then choose their own ending so they will get the pleasure of reading once the writing is complete (further encouraging them to think about previous transitions and decisions).

WARNING this only works when students realise that they have to finish at the end point stated. They must re-evaluate with each opening and ensure they do nothing other than arrive at the next destination each time they write.

It is best to mark the students' work after each chapter to enable you to set realistic targets for improvement and allows you to advise where they have been most successful and accurate. Students often enjoy reading the work each time too as it gives them a sense of perspective of the whole novel and how it will be a different read each time.