This comprehensive KS2 educational resource explores the novel The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow.
Designed to facilitate a deep understanding of the novel over seven weeks, this resource breaks the book into manageable chapter segments for detailed study.
Use the slides to delve into the themes, characters and literary devices used by Goodfellow. To reinforce learning and encourage critical thinking, the resource includes a variety of interactive activities.
Weekly quizzes test students’ recall and comprehension, while individual thinking tasks challenge them to reflect on the story and its meaning. Partnered talk activities encourage collaborative learning, allowing students to discuss their ideas and interpretations with their peers.
For deeper reflection, solo work assignments prompt students to connect the novel’s themes with their own experiences or the wider world.
What is The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow about?
Ten-year-old Nate lives with his mum and two younger brothers. Nate takes care of the younger two when Mum is out with Auntie San at bingo, enjoying a few ciders.
When his best friend, PS, is put in a different Year 6 class, Nate is gutted, especially when PS starts to hang out with Nate’s nemesis, school bully Turner.
New teacher, Mr Joshua, notices that Nate loves reading and writing, so encourages him to use words to help process his emotions, giving him a special notebook so he can write down his thoughts and manage his anger.
However, Nate’s world is turned upside-down when his brother Dylan is rushed into hospital. How will he cope if his little brother doesn’t pull through?
This incredibly powerful novel, written entirely in free verse, really packs a punch. Nate’s innermost thoughts burst from the pages, enabling readers to connect with his intense feelings of pain, anger and love.
Ashley Booth is a Year 6 teacher and phase, maths and reading lead. He is passionate about improving reading. Visit his website.
