Curriculum

ENGLISH

The study of English is essential, not only in terms of helping individuals make sense of who they are, but also in terms of 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

The requirements of the National Curriculum are met whereby pupils:

  • Develop an appreciation and love of reading, and read increasingly challenging material independently
  • Understand increasingly challenging texts
  • Read critically
  • Write accurately, fluently, effectively and at length for pleasure and information
  • Plan, draft, edit and proof-read
  • Consolidate and build on their knowledge of grammar and vocabulary
  • Speak confidently and effectively

 

Why Study English?

Studying English is a stepping-stone to successful careers. Effective reading, writing, speaking and listening skills ensure that pupils can communicate with others in spoken and written form, have access to a world of materials as well as building connections within oneself and with others.

All of these skills help our students to understand themselves and the society they live in. Studying English Literature aids in cultivating pupil understanding of a wide range of historical, social and cultural issues that have existed in society for years and opens doors for discussions on the consequences of societal and cultural conflicts and the benefits of living in harmony.

English Literature also helps pupils to understand themselves, empathise with others and builds on respecting and celebrating differences.

How Will I Study English?

Throughout the year, reading, writing and speaking skills are taught simultaneously with high quality texts presented as aspirational models for the students own creative writing. The texts taught are underpinned by the theme of ‘attachment’ and ‘detachment’- both are central to the resources that are used. This is in view of developing the holistic being of the pupils. To clarify, throughout our lives, we attach ourselves or at times, feel detached, or at times, both- and to develop the holistic nature of our pupils, we select texts that reflect the maturity and level of emotional understanding we expect from the students.

Reading skills are taught with a clear structure in mind. To begin, reading and understanding, then, commenting and inferring and finishing with the development of integral analysis, exploration and examination skills. Writing skills are taught to ensure accuracy and with a mind to the potential effect on audiences. Pupils’ oracy is also a major factor that is embedded throughout to ensure that pupils can speak in an articulate, professional manner with confidence and resilience.

What Will I Study At KS3?

The KS3 National Curriculum is adhered to in Year 7,8 and 9 and adapted to ensure a journey of acquiring new skills with a focus on the developing the maturity of pupils and at the same time, the acquisition of an ambitious and rounded vocabulary.

The sequence of teaching content differs, depending on the cohort’s abilities and needs. Pupils are by the end of Year 9 to be equipped with reading, writing and speaking skills that will help them to succeed at KS4 and later on in life, regardless of their future career choices.  At KS3, pupils read age-appropriate texts and apply reading skills that helps them to delve deeper into texts and their meanings.

They are taught to write for a variety of audiences and purposes for accuracy and for effect- writing tasks are tailored to pupils’ abilities with a word count in order to ensure clarity and focus when writing.  There are opportunities to proofread and edit and orally rehearse what they want to write before writing. Pupils are also given the opportunity to vocalise their points of view through group discussions, individual presentations, role play, and debates and vlogs.

In Year 7, pupils start to study 20th century texts through to 17th century as the focus is to enhance their ability to read texts in- depth with the added challenge of exposing them to culture-specific vocabulary. Their understanding of key concepts starts with the study of poetry on the theme of detachment, moving on to Dickens’ Concerns, to Shakespeare and The Globe to short stories on making the right decision to the study of Benjamin Zephaniah’s, ‘Face.’  At the end of each half term, pupils’ oracy is assessed and pupils are given novels to read independently and for pleasure.

In Year 8, pupils are taught to continue developing the skills taught in Year 7 with the added challenge of exposing them to culture-specific vocabulary and complex vocabulary.  Their understanding of key concepts starts with the study of utopian and dystopian societies to the study of 19th century short stories on the theme of the Supernatural to the study of Shakespeare’s presentation of love in his plays to the study of current day issues to the study of poetry. ’  At the end of each half term, pupils’ oracy is assessed and pupils are given novels to read independently and for pleasure.

In Year 9, pupils are taught to start securing the reading and writing skills taught in Year 7 and 8 with the added challenge of discussing complex issues and content. Pupils show their understanding of key concepts in written and spoken form. Key concepts such as, war, power, inner conflict, nature and it’s role, identity are studied in which are prevalent in poetry, modern plays and fictional extracts.

 

The requirements of the KS4 Curriculum are met whereby pupils:

  • Read and appreciate the depth and power of the English literary heritage
  • Understand and critically evaluate texts
  • Write accurately, fluently, effectively and at length for pleasure and information
  • Consolidate and build on their knowledge of grammar and vocabulary
  • Speak confidently, audibly and effectively
What Will I Study At KS4?

The AQA English Language and Literature specification  is adhered to in Year 10 and 11.   In English language, pupils are taught to identify explicit and implicit information, write about writers’ methods, evaluate texts, compare writers’ opinions and methods.  Pupils are taught to write creatively and write non-fiction work exploring their point of view. Reading and writing skills taught at KS3 are now mastered, with independence to enable pupils to write with confidence and flair.

In English Literature, pupils are taught ‘An Inspector Calls,’ power and conflict section from the AQA anthology, ‘The Merchant of Venice,’ ‘A Christmas Carol,’ and unseen poetry.  The context of the school and pupils’ cultural background has influenced the choice of text to enable them to understand their communities and societies.

Assessment At KS4 Overview
English Language

Paper 1 – explorations in creative reading and writing

1 hour 45 minutes

Section A- reading literary fiction (40 marks)

Section B- Creative writing (40 marks)

Paper 2- Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives

1 hour 45 minutes

Section A- reading literary non-fiction (40 marks)

Section B- Transactional writing (point of view writing) (40 marks)

All of the marks above are combined to award pupils a grade in English Language
English Literature

Paper 1- Shakespeare and 19th century novel

1 hour 45 minutes

Section A- The Merchant of Venice (34 marks)

Section B- A Christmas Carol (30 marks)

Paper 2- Modern Text and Poetry

2 hours 15 mins

Section A- An Inspector Calls (34 marks)

Section B- Power and Conflict poetry (30 marks)

Section C- Unseen poetry (24 marks)

All of the marks above are combined to award pupils a grade in English Literature

 

KS4 Exam Board Specifications: AQA GCSE English Language (8700) and AQA GCSE English Literature (8702)

Enrichment Offer

The Department offers subject-specific enrichment clubs and organises a range of educational visits throughout the year. Pupils are able to take part in school-wide competitions, as well as representing the Academy in local and national competitions designed to increase their engagement and enhance their subject knowledge. Intervention sessions to consolidate prior learning and ensure maximum progress are at the heart of our delivery model.