Curriculum

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

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 H.G. Well’s ‘Red Room’ responding to themes of horror. They explore the fantasy genre by focussing on the protagonist in Anita & Me to broaden their ideas about growing up. They investigate issues around culture and identity in the early origins of poetry to the contemporary and explore a wide range of perspectives on current issues such as the environment to develop personal ideas. They build on speaking styles in a range of contexts and develop horror and fantasy genre writing inspired and modelled by literature. 

In Year 8, students develop understanding of ambitious literature studying crime fiction through Doyle’s short story and explore debates and authorial intentions about wealth and power in a seminal world novel. Their perspective on identity is challenged through a range of pre 1914 and contemporary poetry. They will access a range of non-fiction to increase creativity in writing and speaking through engagement with social issues. They will explore Shakespeare’s genre of tragedy investigating characterisation of the tragic hero and will be introduced to distinctive features of theatre and production. 

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 Tempest critically exploring the presentations of women and colonialism. Pupils will be introduced to features of tragi-comedy, familiarising them with villains and deception. They will study power and conflict poetry and human rights examining writer’s intentions. Pupils will have the opportunity 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 MacBeth, Jekyll & Hyde, the 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
  • Written exam (1 hour 45 minutes) 
  • 80 marks 
  • 50% of GCSE 
  • Section A: Reading literature fiction text 
  • Section B: Descriptive or narrative writing 

GCSE English Language Paper 2: Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives 

Overview Focus
  • Written exam (1 hour 45 minutes) 
  • 80 marks 
  • 50% of GCSE 
  • Section A: Reading one non-fiction and one literary non-fiction text 
  • Section B: Writing to present a viewpoint 

NEA: Spoken Language 

Overview Focus
  • Teacher sets throughout course 
  • Marked by teacher 
  • Separate endorsement (0% weighting of GCSE) 
  • Presenting 
  • Responding to questions and feedback 
  • Use of Standard English 

GCSE English Literature AQA 8702 

GCSE English Literature Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th century novel 

Overview Focus
  • Written exam (1 hour 45 minutes) 
  • 64 marks 
  • 40% of GCSE 
  • Section A: Shakespeare: The Merchant of Venice/Romeo and Juliet 
  • Section B: The 19th century novel: Jane Eyre 

GCSE English Literature Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry 

Overview Focus
  • Written exam (2 hours 15 minutes) 
  • 96 marks 
  • 60% of GCSE 
  • Section A: Modern text: drama; An Inspector Calls 
  • Section B: Poetry: Power and conflict anthology 
  • Section C: Unseen poetry 
Enrichment Offer

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, and a visit to the theatre to enhance appreciation of stagecraft, which is consolidated with visiting theatre groups. We also welcome publishers and authors to the school to run workshops. Pupils can take part in school-wide competitions such as performing Shakespeare and debating 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.