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English

Our curriculum is designed to cultivate a deep appreciation for literature, language, and critical thinking skills. Through a comprehensive exploration of English language and literature, students will develop effective communication skills, enhance their analytical thinking, and nurture a lifelong love for reading and writing. Our curriculum engages students in thought-provoking discussions, encourages them to express their ideas articulately, and fosters creativity through various writing styles and genres. From classic literary works to contemporary texts, students will embark on a journey of literary discovery, exploring different cultures, perspectives, and time periods. With a focus on literary analysis, grammar, and effective writing techniques, we empower students to become confident and proficient communicators, ready to thrive in academic and professional pursuits.

What makes a good student of English?

Demonstrates a genuine love for reading, with a curiosity to explore various genres and literary works.
Possesses strong reading comprehension skills and the ability to analyse and interpret texts effectively.
Displays excellent writing skills, including grammar, spelling, and the ability to express ideas coherently.
Exhibits critical thinking skills and the ability to analyse and evaluate complex ideas and arguments.
Shows an eagerness to actively participate in class discussions, sharing insights and asking thoughtful questions.
Demonstrates an understanding and appreciation of different literary devices and techniques.
Exhibits creativity and originality in their writing, bringing a unique voice and perspective to their work.
Displays strong research skills, utilizing various sources to gather information and support arguments.
Shows effective time management and organizational skills in completing assignments and meeting deadlines.
Demonstrates an openness to constructive feedback and a willingness to continually improve their language and writing skills.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum

Curriculum Journey

Year 7 students learn about the following:

Journeys using ‘Darwin’s Dragons’ by Lindsay Galvin
Gothic and Horror writing
The Big Read – ‘Rooftoppers’ by Katherine Rundell
Shakespeare – ‘The Tempest’
Creative Writing

Year 8 students learn about the following:

Charles Dickens’ ‘Oliver Twist’
Willy Russell’s ‘Blood Brothers’
The Big Read – ‘Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry’ by Mildred M. Taylor
William Shakespeare’s – ‘Macbeth’
Short Stories and Poetry

Year 9 students learn about the following:

The Big Read – ‘The Hunger Games’ by Suzanne Collins
War Literature
Effective Creative Writing
William Shakespeare’s – ‘The Merchant of Venice’

Teaching Hours: 8 hours per fortnight

Key Stage 4 Curriculum

Exam Board – GCSE English Language and Literature AQA

What is the course?

The course that you will study is comprised of two separate subjects: English Language and English Literature. Each is endorsed separately and so in your English lessons you will study two GCSEs.

What will I be taught?

You will be taught a selection of texts in English Language and Literature including both fiction and non-fiction, as well as novels, poetry and drama. You will follow the AQA GCSE syllabus.

Which units will I study?

English Language

Explorations in creative reading and writing
Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives

English Literature

Shakespeare and the 19th Century Novel
Modern texts and poetry

What skills will I learn?

You will learn how to: read, understand and analyse a wide range of different texts, speak confidently and listen sensitively to other points of view; construct essays; analyse and evaluate texts and communicate your ideas and opinions clearly.

What would be expected of me?

You will be expected to cover the course diligently and with enthusiasm. We are passionate about English and expect our students to share the same interest in our subject as we have.

Is there coursework in this subject?

No, there is no coursework element in English. However, for English Language you do need to prepare a non-exam assessment for spoken language.

How will I be assessed?

You will sit two examinations in English Language and two in English Literature. Throughout the course you will be given tasks to prepare you for these examinations.

What courses or employment can I progress to at the end of the course?

English is required for all future courses of study.

Teaching Hours: 10 hours per fortnight

Key Stage 5 Curriculum

We offer GCSE Resit English Language for students who have not achieved a grade 4 by the end of Year 11.

Teaching Hours: 6 hours per fortnight

Enrichment and Extra-Curricular

To extend learning beyond the classroom, you should consider doing some of the following tasks:

Joining or starting a book club encourages regular reading and discussions about literature, which improves comprehension and critical thinking skills.
Acting in plays or participating in theatre productions improves verbal communication, understanding of texts, and emotional expression.
Attending or volunteering at literary events exposes students to different writing styles and authors, and offers networking opportunities.
Starting a blog allows students to write regularly on topics of interest, improving writing fluency and engagement with a wider audience.

You can also extend your learning through reading. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

Book title	Book author
The Hunger Games series	Suzanne Collins
To Kill a Mockingbird	Harper Lee
Of Mice and Men	John Steinbeck
Wolf Brother Series	Michelle Paver
A Monster Calls	Patrick Ness
I Am Malala	Malala Yousafzai
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time	Mark Haddon
Interesting Stories for Curious Kids	Bill O’Neil
His Dark Materials	Philip Pullman
The Good Thieves	Katherine Rundell