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 through a series of ‘Big Picture’ themes and key questions. Each unit covers a sequence of lessons, focused on a text of fiction or non-fiction, that allows pupils to engage with the focus and formulate their own response to the question. Pupils will discuss their ideas and engage with academic research and debate on the texts and topics. Alongside this, pupils will learn to develop their disciplinary knowledge and the development of social, cultural and knowledge capital, which in turn underpins their ability to access GCSE by Year 10.

What will I study at Key Stage 3?

Across KS3, pupils will consider how identities are shaped, how injustices can be overcome and how the ever changing nature of power shifts across a range of literary texts.

In year 7 pupils explore three questions: ‘Why do we need heroes in a modern world?’ ‘Why is conflict at the heart of any narrative?’ and  ‘Is the clash between the individual and the state a force for change?

The thematic study takes them through the some of the early origins of literature from the Greek myths, epic poetry, war poetry through the ages, 19th Century and modern Gothic writers, Shakespeare’s powerful heroes and villains and modern social commentary novels exploring injustices in alternate worlds.

Pupils will understand the personal influence a text can have on a reader; understanding their place in the world and its various cultures; develop individual responses and interpretations of a range of fiction texts and begin to question and challenge the ideas of others.

In Year 8 pupils continue their thematic curriculum journey studying the origins of detective fiction: dystopian fiction, Identity poetry and the power of relationships Romeo and Juliet. Pupils will be introduced to the key concepts of fate and free will; diversity, identity and social injustices. They will access a range of debate and academic research into formulating their responses in academic style through written and spoken language.

In year 9 pupils deepen their critical analysis and interpretation of the three ‘Big Picture’ questions through a study of modern drama texts; poetry of power that explores the human conditions. Pupils will develop critical thinking skills through a study of literary criticism, feminist literature and the power of the female voice. Pupils will also be introduced to central concepts, such as hamartia and hubris; familiarising them with the distinct features associated with drama and prose. There will be opportunity to finalise their responses to the key concepts and engage in spoken debate using skills of rhetoric and oracy.

 

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 develop their disciplinary skills of analysis, critical interpretation and personal response through weekly and fortnightly essay practice. Pupils will study the set texts for the literature exam; Macbeth, A Christmas Carol, AQA Poetry anthology of Power and Conflict; An Inspector Calls.

In addition, they will practice 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.

Curriculum Overview

 

Year 7 Year 8 Year 9

Key Texts and Content:

  • Fiction: 19th Century Gothic
  • Shakespeare: The Tempest
  • Poetry: The Art of War
  • Non-fiction: Hot Topics
  • Novel: Home Girl

Key Texts and Content:

  • Fiction: 19th Century detective stories
  • Non-fiction: Social Injustices
  • Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet
  • Poetry: Identities
  • Novel: The Hunger Games

Key Texts and Content:

    • Fiction: Of Mice and Men
    • Modern Play: Blood Brothers
    • Disturbed Voices: Female Literary Heroes
    • Short Stories: The Outsiders
    • Poetry: Inside the Voices of Humanity

     

     

    Year 10 Year 11

    Language

    • Fiction Study: transferring analytical skills to unseen texts.
    • Descriptive and narrative writing.
    • Non-Fiction Study: making connections and comparisons across unseen texts.
    • Transactional Writing.

    Literature

    • 19th Century Novel: A Christmas Carol – thematic and characterisation study.
    • Modern Text: An Inspector Calls.
    • Power and Conflict Poetry: thematic study of power and writing literary essays.
    • Shakespeare: Macbeth or Romeo and Juliet understanding characterisation and writer’s craft.

    Year 11 will build upon the skills embedded in Year 10 with an increased focus on:

    • Increased focus on literature themes and writer’s craft.
    • Compare and contrasts skills within language reading paper 2 and Power and Conflict Poetry.
    • Planning and structuring literary responses.
    • Time management skills.
    • Knowledge retention and quotation recital of literature texts.
    • Literature Revision.
    • Language Revision.

     

    Assessment

    English Language – AQA 601/4292/3

    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 literary fiction
    • Section B: creative 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 literary non-fiction
    • Section B; transactional writing

    NEA Spoken Language Assessment

    English Literature – AQA 601/4447/6

    GCSE English Literature Paper 1: Shakespeare and 19th century text

    Overview Focus
     

    • Written exam (1 hour 45 minutes)
    • 64 marks
    • 40% of GCSE
    • Section A: Macbeth
    • Section B; Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
    • Section B: creative writing

    GCSE English Literature Paper 2: Modern drama and poetry

    Overview Focus
    • Written exam (2 hours 15 minutes)
    • 96 marks
    • 60% of GCSE
    • Section A: An Inspector Calls
    • Section B: Power and Conflict poetry anthology
    • Section C: Unseen poetry analysis

    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. There are also opportunities to develop leadership capabilities and experience by becoming a peer mentor, subject ambassador, reading mentor, librarian as well as media roles.

     

    Careers

    The study of English can lead to future careers ranging from Reporter, Solicitor and Politician to Media Researcher, Content Editor and Stage Manager. Famous English graduates include Private Eye editor Ian Hislop, actor and broadcaster Stephen Fry, actress Emma Watson, Green Party MP Caroline Lucas and film director Martin Scorsese.