English

English is essential for communication. We teach English Language and Literature to inspire and challenge students, pushing them to develop their critical thinking and confident self-expression. Engaging texts are carefully chosen to explore a range of literary styles, contexts and subject matter. We work closely with our school library to encourage students to enjoy regular independent reading. Our curriculum refreshes, consolidates and builds upon the skills and knowledge learned at KS2. The key constructs in English for reading (analysis) and writing are introduced explicitly through appropriate introductory lessons, and frequently reinforced. Regardless of their starting point, all students are given a secure foundation in English grammar that is essential for them to function successfully as an adult in our society.
Throughout KS3, we ensure coverage of the National Curriculum through ‘key constructs’ for reading, writing, speaking and listening. Year 7 begins with Adventure Writing, a scheme that focuses explicitly on grammar, ensuring we all share the same metalanguage. By reading a class novel, students develop their comprehension and skills of detailed analysis, and learn how to write about characters and themes. The Reading Journey booklet is designed to track and encourage independent reading, and support reading for pleasure. Students are introduced to Shakespearean theatre and language through studying The Tempest, and we study the play Frankenstein. Creative and transactional writing are taught, with a heavy focus on grammar and vocabulary throughout the year.

In year 8, we develop the key constructs established in year 7. We continue to expose students to a rich diet of literature, reading a whole contemporary novel, The Giver, studying the work of a range of war poets, and exploring key scenes and themes in Romeo and Juliet. Evolving English builds cultural capital, and persuasive writing schemes are designed to equip students with the tools to write for a specific audience and purpose. Curriculum enrichment is achieved through The Dragon’s Den, a speaking and listening project, focusing on collaborative communication and presentation skills, using media input from a range of professionals from the wider local community.

In year 9, we study whole texts, including seminal world literature – To Kill a Mockingbird, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, and a range of poetry – focusing on cultural context. We also introduce students to the style of analytical exam writing required in KS4. We revisit transactional writing forms and creative short story writing is developed to build students’ stamina and resilience for GCSE writing.

The key constructs in English at KS3 recognise the minimum expectation for each year but teachers also know to extend whenever appropriate. Schemes of work ensure that the component knowledge is taught explicitly and revisited throughout the year. The source texts provide the inspiration and modelling of the constructs in action. Interleaving and cross-referencing between topics is frequent, and we strive to ensure that students are secure in their learning before being asked to move on to a contrasting area of study. 

The GCSE curriculum for English Language and Literature covers poetry, prose fiction, non-fiction, drama and spoken language. While the texts we introduce are completely new to our students, the approaches to assessment have been embedded throughout KS3. Furthermore, the skills required to be successful at GCSE are developed throughout the curriculum. All nine exam components are taught clearly and thoroughly, and revisited regularly with explicit attention given to the overlapping of key skills and approaches.