English
In English, we deliver a curriculum that is holistic, exciting and interwoven. Our schemes of work are varied, relevant, engaging and challenging. From traditional classics to exciting modern texts, engaging non-fiction to dazzling poetry, our curriculum aims to spark a love of learning and literature. We employ diverse, research-based approaches to teaching and learning to ensure that our curriculum remains effective in meeting the needs of all students and to produce learners who are confident, resilient, and able to succeed.
Students in Year 7 will continue the journey of discovery started in Key Stage 2 and deepen their knowledge of the writer’s craft, authorial intent, and writing with technical accuracy. These skills are interwoven into the learning journey that students undertake throughout Key Stage 3, developing an appreciation of the nuances of written texts and opportunities to emulate writing styles in their own unique way. Students will also explore texts from other cultural heritages to help them develop an understanding and appreciation of global diversity. To start them on their journey, we send home a fantastic modern novel to all our transition students for them to enjoy over the summer.
“The world belongs to those who read.”
In Key Stage 3, students study a wide variety of challenging texts and themes, introducing them to the power of excellent literature, the scope of human experience, and the beauty of our language. Alongside this, we develop students’ ability to make sense of, and communicate through, language. Language and literature are taught thematically under two ‘umbrella’ texts studied across the year. This approach allows students to make connections and identify links between texts over time and between their own experiences and the experiences of others. It also enables us to reinforce and revisit skills and knowledge where necessary. The importance of vocabulary, grammar, and genre is embedded through the study of a range of fiction and non-fiction texts, alongside the development of students’ own writing and spoken language.
A key feature of our English curriculum is the deliberate development of structured talk. We believe that regular opportunities for discussion, debate, and oral rehearsal are essential in helping students to articulate their ideas with clarity and confidence. Through carefully scaffolded speaking and listening activities, students learn to formulate and express opinions, build on the ideas of others, and engage thoughtfully in discussion. This emphasis on structured talk ensures that students become increasingly confident in communicating their views, justifying their responses, and participating actively in academic conversations, preparing them for success both in the classroom and beyond.
As students move into Key Stage 4, they begin their GCSE courses. Students are entered for Eduqas English Language and AQA English Literature. They consolidate and further develop their language skills by exploring a range of varied and engaging texts, as well as refining their own creative writing. In Literature, students study much-loved classics such as Romeo and Juliet or Macbeth, A Christmas Carol, and An Inspector Calls, as they develop and master their critical thinking skills. Students are given aspirational targets to motivate them to achieve their full potential and create their own bright futures.
In English, students have access to a wide range of extracurricular opportunities to provide challenge and fuel their passion for the subject in all its forms. From newspaper club and author visits to theatre trips and lectures through our university links, there is something to suit all interests. We encourage students to seize every opportunity offered to them and immerse themselves in reading beyond the classroom—an essential skill to support their learning journey.