Curriculum
English
Why study English?
The study of English builds essential knowledge to equip individuals to serve the wider world so that they can express themselves fluently and creatively and essentially become effective communicators and confident writers. Studying English helps individuals make sense of who they are by engaging with the world around them, developing them culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially, and spiritually. It enhances an appreciation of other perspectives, opening new experiences. Reading, spoken language and writing are the cornerstones of success and we aim to equip our pupils with the knowledge to read critically, confidently and for pleasure; to be articulate in their spoken language, and to write effectively with style and accuracy for a wide range of purposes and audiences.
How will I study English?
Pupils will study English Language and English Literature to encourage understanding and appreciation of a wide range of literature. There is a blend of modern, pre-twentieth Century prose, poetry, drama and a variety of British fiction and non-fiction ranging from classics to more modern texts to allow pupils to engage with complex and sophisticated ideas. Pupils will read, reflect and critique constructing their own ideas and gain versatility in their own writing.
What will I study at key stage 3?
In Year 7, pupils explore high quality literature through Well’s ‘Red Room’ responding to themes of horror and mystery. They explore the fantasy genre by focusing on the protagonist in ‘The Girl of Ink and Stars’ to broaden their ideas about growing up. Pupils study poetic literary heritage, introducing them to rich language and developing analytical skills whilst building their sense of identity and belonging and how they see themselves in the world . Pupils develop speaking styles in a range of contexts and develop horror and fantasy genre writing inspired and modelled by literature.
In Year 8, pupils develop an understanding of ambitious literature through a range of voices. They explore debates and authorial intentions about wealth and power in a seminal world novel. Their perspective on identity is challenged through ‘Inclusive Voices’ where they debate and examine pre 1914 and contemporary poetry from writers offering wider viewpoints of the world. They will access a range of non-fiction to increase creativity in writing and speaking through engagement with social issues developing their own voice within society. They will explore Shakespeare’s genre of comedy through powerful exploration of human nature, developing a multifaceted and complex analysis of society in ‘A Merchant of Venice’. Year 8 pupils will study how distinctive features of theatre and production work to craft and communicate authorial intent.
In Year 9, pupils deepen their critical interpretation of challenging literature such as science fiction exploring the impact of inventions in the 19th century. They will analyse Shakespeare’s tragedy, ‘Macbeth’ critically exploring the presentation of the tragic hero and evaluating the social consciousness of society. They will study power and conflict poetry and human rights examining the writer’s intentions. Pupils will continue to develop descriptive and narrative writing through conscious crafting and build on effective public speaking.
What will I study at key stage 4?
During Year 10 and 11, pupils will study a range of literary fiction and literary non-fiction texts for GCSE Language and GCSE Literature. They will use critical material to enhance interpretation and articulate personal ideas clearly and cleverly. Pupils will study the set texts for the literature exam; Romeo and Juliet, A Christmas Carol, AQA Poetry anthology of Power and Conflict and An Inspector Calls.
In addition, they will practise unseen analysis of a range of 19th, 20th and 21st century texts both fiction and non-fiction for GCSE Language and unseen poetry analysis for GCSE Literature. They will examine devices to manipulate writing and craft ideas.
Assessment at key stage 4
GCSE English Language AQA 8700
GCSE English Language Paper 1: Explorations in creative reading and writing
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
|
|
GCSE English Language Paper 2: Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
|
|
NEA: Spoken Language
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
|
|
GCSE English Literature AQA 8702
GCSE English Literature Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th century novel
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
|
|
GCSE English Literature Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
|
|
Enrichment
The department offers subject-specific enrichment clubs and organises a range of educational visits throughout the year. Visits include a local library tour to foster a love for words, a visit to the theatre to enhance appreciation of stagecraft and a Bronte parsonage tour to support empathy and understanding of socio-historic context of 19th Century Literature. We also welcome publishers and authors to the school to run workshops. Pupils can take part in school-wide competitions such as performing Shakespeare to increase engagement and enhance their subject knowledge. This includes spoken word poetry performances, dramatic readings, and film clubs.
Careers
The study of English can lead to a range of career options, opening doors in publishing and advertising, journalism, education, and legal fields. Careers can range from reporter, solicitor, teacher, and content editor.