Curriculum

ENGLISH

| Education | Curriculum | English
The study of English is essential, not only in terms of helping individuals make sense of who they are, but also in learning how to communicate successfully with the world. English Literature teaches a great deal about life, history and society and fosters tolerance and understanding, which is a vital part of a balanced education. Reading, spoken language and writing are the cornerstones of success and we aim to equip our pupils with the skills 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.
Curriculum Overview
Key Stage 3 Key Stage 3
  • Range of fiction and non-fiction texts (modern and pre 20th century)
  • British poetry (modern and pre 20th century)
  • Introduction to Shakespeare
  • Modern novel
  • Creative and transactional writing
  • Spelling, punctuation and grammar
  • Range of fiction and non-fiction texts (modern and pre 20th century)
  • Comparison of modern and pre 20th century poetry
  • Shakespeare play
  • Modern novel
  • Creative and transactional writing
  • Spelling, punctuation and grammar
Key Stage 4 Key Stage 4 Key Stage 4

English Language

  • Reading a range of non-fiction texts (modern and pre 20th century) genres in order to consider how each presents a perspective or viewpoint to influence the reader
  • Reading a range of literature fiction texts (prose, poetry and drama) and learning how authors use narrative and descriptive techniques
  • Spelling, punctuation and grammar
  • Transactional writing
    • Advertisements
    • Reviews
    • Letters
    • Diaries and blogs
    • Newspaper articles
    • Leaflets
    • Articles
    • Speeches
    • Essays

 English Language

  • Revision of fiction and non-fiction texts (feature articles, essays, travel writing, accounts of famous events, sketches & autobiographies)
  • Reading a number of literature fiction texts in order to consider how established writers use narrative and descriptive techniques to capture the interest of readers
  • Annotation of text
  • Writing/reviewing a creative text, inspired by a fiction topic previously covered
  • Demonstrate narrative and descriptive skills in response to a written prompt, scenario or visual image
  • Spelling, punctuation and grammar

 English Language

  • Further development on the comparison of texts
  • Reading and writing
  • Formal 10-minute presentation based on a topic of choice, with questions and feedback to demonstrate speaking and listening skills
  • Reading two linked sources from different time periods and genres, considering how each presents a perspective or viewpoint to influence the reader
  • Producing written text to a specified audience, purpose and form, giving a perspective on the theme that has been introduced in the previous linked texts
  • Sample examination questions and feedback
  • Spelling, punctuation and grammar

English Literature

  • Exploration of historical and cultural contexts
  • Modern novel of another culture. To prepare the skills needed for their exams, pupils will be studying novels from another culture: ‘Of Mice and Men’ or ‘Heroes’
  • AQA ‘Power and Conflict’ poetry cluster. Pupils will study modern and pre 20th century poetry and how poets explore the key ideas and themes of power and conflict.

English Literature

  • Shakespeare – ‘Macbeth’
  • Modern British text: Pupils will be studying ‘Lord of the Flies’ or ‘An Inspector Calls’.
  • Unseen poetry: Pupils will be expected to compare 2 modern poems and how poets convey key themes and ideas.

English Literature

  • Pre 20th century novel – pupils will be studying either ‘A Christmas Carol’ or ‘Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’
  • Revision of: modern British text and poetry
  • Pupils will be producing their own revision guides to enhance their revision
  • General revision of exam skills e.g. fortnightly tests
Assessment

Internal assessments take place every half-term.

KS4 Exam Board Specification (English Language): AQA GCSE English Language (8700)

KS4 Exam Board Specification (English Literature): AQA GCSE English Literature (8702)

Enrichment Offer

The English Department enjoys celebrating the written word and runs activities across both key stages for events such as National Poetry Day and World Book Day. We also invite visiting authors and theatre companies to engage pupils and spark their interest, as well as enjoying visits to the theatre. The Department runs intervention sessions to consolidate prior learning and ensure maximum progress is at the heart of our delivery model.

Useful Resources and Revision Support