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We believe that a high-quality education in English will teach pupils to think critically and imaginatively, to speak and write fluently so that they can communicate their ideas and emotions to others and, ultimately, foster an appreciation of literature and the power of language. Students will be highly literate, with a strong understanding and competent use of SPaG; they will demonstrate a secure understanding of how to use punctuation for effect and have a sophisticated and extensive repertoire of vocabulary.
We believe that a high-quality education in English will teach pupils to think critically and imaginatively, to speak and write fluently so that they can communicate their ideas and emotions to others and, ultimately, foster an appreciation of literature and the power of language. Students will be highly literate, with a strong understanding and competent use of SPaG; they will demonstrate a secure understanding of how to use punctuation for effect and have a sophisticated and extensive repertoire of vocabulary.
Studying English as a discipline is essential to participating fully as an emotionally empathetic member of society; through reading in particular, pupils have a chance to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually. Literature, especially, plays a key role in such development, encouraging students to be resilient and independent thinkers forming their own ideas on issues arising from texts. They will also develop the interpersonal skills of self-reflection, teamwork and organisation, especially when structuring constructive and informed debate.
Studying English as a discipline is essential to participating fully as an emotionally empathetic member of society; through reading in particular, pupils have a chance to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually. Literature, especially, plays a key role in such development, encouraging students to be resilient and independent thinkers forming their own ideas on issues arising from texts. They will also develop the interpersonal skills of self-reflection, teamwork and organisation, especially when structuring constructive and informed debate.
Our English curriculum is designed to equip our pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for pleasure. Only by immersing our pupils in rich reading materials can they develop their own language capacities – the depth of their vocabulary, their handling of grammatical structures, their comprehension skills, their ability to write with a strong voice, and with confidence and genuine expertise in spelling, punctuation and grammar. Our curriculum supports students in becoming effective communicators who understand the need to adjust the language they use to meet different contexts. Oracy skills are developed to allow students to become articulate in expressing ideas in standard English with confidence in groups and in front of peers.
Our English curriculum is designed to equip our pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for pleasure. Only by immersing our pupils in rich reading materials can they develop their own language capacities – the depth of their vocabulary, their handling of grammatical structures, their comprehension skills, their ability to write with a strong voice, and with confidence and genuine expertise in spelling, punctuation and grammar. Our curriculum supports students in becoming effective communicators who understand the need to adjust the language they use to meet different contexts. Oracy skills are developed to allow students to become articulate in expressing ideas in standard English with confidence in groups and in front of peers.
We endeavour to ignite students’ love of English Language and Literature by cultivating their cultural capital and exposing them to a varied and rich variety of texts, providing opportunities to develop their language and communication skills. They will be able to evaluate texts and ideas, recognise bias and show an understanding of the cultural significance of events, both past and present, which impact life in modern Britain. Students will become independent, analytical and critical thinkers, as well as creative writers and thinkers who are not afraid to take risks with their thoughts and ideas.
We endeavour to ignite students’ love of English Language and Literature by cultivating their cultural capital and exposing them to a varied and rich variety of texts, providing opportunities to develop their language and communication skills. They will be able to evaluate texts and ideas, recognise bias and show an understanding of the cultural significance of events, both past and present, which impact life in modern Britain. Students will become independent, analytical and critical thinkers, as well as creative writers and thinkers who are not afraid to take risks with their thoughts and ideas.
Key Stage Three
Key Stage Three
Throughout the course of KS3, students are delivered a curriculum that visits a wide range of material including the following:
Dickens and Victorian Writers - students will gain knowledge of the vastness of the British Empire during the Victorian era and the impact it had on the world; understand the world of science and wonder during the Victorian Era and understand how scientific inventions transformed people’s lives. Students will be challenged through the complex language and sentence structures of this era.
War Poetry - where students will learn about WW1, what life was like for the soldiers in the trenches and the use of propaganda in encouraging young men to go to war. Pupils will be introduced to poetic devices, rhyme scheme, poetic terminology and language.
Contemporary Novel: Boys Don’t Cry - Through their study of this text, students will learn about the wider implications surrounding current issues such as single parenthood, teenage pregnancy, race and sexuality; all being relative issues of modern society. Through critical thinking and philosophical discussions surrounding the themes raised in ‘Boys Don’t Cry’, they will deepen their understanding and knowledge of these topics.
The Tempest - Students will understand the impact of the British Empire and colonialism on the world; how freedom is interpreted by situation and relationships, what empathy and forgiveness is; Understand how ultimate power (via religious beliefs, magic, education) can lead to injustice and an understanding of what characteristics makes someone human.
Classic Novel: To Kill a Mockingbird - Students will explore class and race, To Kill a Mockingbird will promote conversations about discrimination and injustice. Students should make connections between historical racism depicted in this book and contemporary racial injustices they may witness today. Due to the sensitive nature of the topics discussed in this book, it is essential to allow students the opportunity to have open and honest conversations about the stigmas surrounding race and class..
Romeo and Juliet - Students will understand the play as a tragedy, as a consequence of obstructing fate and destiny; stereotypical views towards the role of males in society; the importance of transgressing patriarchal ideals in society; the futility of love in a feudal and violent society and the importance of honour.
Contemporary Novel: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time - Students will explore empathy and understanding in terms of trying to see the world through the eyes of an autistic young man; the importance of human connection and communication within our world; injustice, acceptance and the fact that the truth can hurt as much as a lie.
Classic Play: A View from the Bridge - Students will study the play as a tragedy and understand the form and purpose of the narrator as storyteller relating to Aristotle's ‘Poetics’. Themes covered will include growing up; love; law and justice; reputation; cultures; family & sexual politics (i.e. patriarchal society, masculinity; honour & the role of women in the 1950s). They will understand the importance of setting - poverty/community/immigration.
Classic Novel: Jekyll & Hyde - Pupils will develop their understanding of characters and themes in increasingly difficult texts. Considering essay writing and how to incorporate contextual information effectively. Pupils will gain an understanding of dual, linear and embedded narratives, and be able to evaluate their effectiveness. Contextual knowledge of London in the 19th Century.
Key Stage Four
Key Stage Four
The English curriculum at KS4 is based around the AQA GCSE English Literature and English Language syllabus. Under our current model, all students will sit their GCSE English Literature and Language at the end of Year 11 having started the two courses from the first term in Year 10. We are very confident that this allows our students to become entirely familiar with all elements of both exams.
Students read a variety of texts including novels, poetry, drama and a Shakespeare play – they also study media “texts” and 19th Century non-fiction texts and are encouraged to read widely in order to develop their appreciation of the different genres. Throughout the course, students will develop their confidence in analysing texts independently; choosing their vocabulary for impact, and articulating their ideas both verbally and in written forms.
GCSE English Literature Set Texts:
An Inspector Calls by J.B Priestley: Despite having been written over 70 years ago, its focus on social responsibility and its message that we are ‘members of one body’ remain relevant today. Studying this text will help students to understand the difference between and develop knowledge of capitalist and socialist views. This text also encourages students in becoming critical thinkers and socially responsible young adults.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens: A classic piece of literature with challenging social context and complex vocabulary. The novella looks at religion, business, ghosts, powerful feelings and Victorian London. Students look closely at issues surrounding family, poverty and social responsibility, developing skills in empathy and understanding.
Macbeth by William Shakespeare: Students explore themes such as ambition, kingship, fate and free will, corruption and appearance and reality through the rich British heritage text. Shakespeare's tragedy helps to develop students' understanding of human relationships, how power can corrupt society and how actions have consequences.
AQA Power and Conflict Poetry Anthology: Students study the Power and Conflict Anthology of poems and Unseen Poetry, refining their understanding of poetic devices whilst learning about the historical, social and cultural context for each of the poems and what influenced the poets. Whilst developing the ability to analyse poetry, students will also gain knowledge of a plethora of conflicts around the world, both past and present, from different perspectives.
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