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 will begin the year by studying the genre of Gothic Horror. In this unit they will get the opportunity to develop their creative writing skills whilst also exploring extracts from high quality literature such as Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’ and Susan Hill’s ‘The Woman in Black’.. They will then investigate relationships between ‘parents and children’ ina range of different poems. Following this, they will then read some exciting modern fiction genre by focussing on the protagonist in ‘Boy 87’ to broaden their ideas about growing up. Finally, they will read a range of non-fiction texts and develop their ability to write strong arguments by exploring a variety of perspectives on current issues such as the environment.s.
In Year 8, pupils will begin the year by reading ‘The Edge’, an exciting modern novel with a dual narrative that explores topics such as equality, prejudice and discrimination. Following this students will engage with extracts from classic novels that are part of the Crime Fiction genre. These include ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ and some of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes novels. Following this they will access a range of non-fiction to increase creativity in writing and speaking through engagement with social issues. In addition, their perspective on identity will be challenged through a range of pre-1914 and contemporary poetry. They will then end the year by exploring Shakespeare’s Macbeth. During this unit, they will investigate the conventions of tragedy by looking at the characterisation of the tragic hero. They will also be introduced to distinctive features of theatre and production.
In Year 9, pupils will begin the year by exploring debates and authorial intentions about wealth and power in the seminal world novel of John Steinbeck’s ‘The Pearl’. They will analyse Shakespeare’s comedy critically exploring the presentation of women and courtship in Much Ado About Nothing. Pupils will be introduced to features of comedy, familiarising them with villains and deception. Following this, pupils will learn how authors use structure to engage a reader by exploring the Dystopia genre. In this unit they will read a range of texts including exciting modern novels such as The Hunger Games and Divergent as well 19th Century Fiction like War of the World by H.G Wells. They will then study power and conflict poetry and human rights examining writer’s intentions and learning how to approach unseen poems and make comparisons between poems. 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; Romeo and Juliet, A Christmas Carol , AQA Poetry anthology of Love and Relationships and Blood Brothers.
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
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GCSE English Language Paper 2: Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives
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NEA: Spoken Language
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GCSE English Literature AQA 8702
GCSE English Literature Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th century novel
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GCSE English Literature Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry
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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. 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.