ENGLISH  

Why study English?

The study of English is essential, not only in terms of helping individuals make sense of who they are, but also in learning how to communicate successfully with the world. English 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.

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?

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 ‘question ‘Is the clash between the individual and the state a force for change? The thematic study takes them through the early origins of literature from the bible and Greek myths; epic sagas and modern retellings; Shakespeare’s heroes and villains and Charles Dickens’ social commentary novels. Pupils will understand the personal influence a text can have on a reader; understanding their place in the world and its various cultures; l 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, poetry of war and relationships between power and the state in Julius Caesar. Pupils will be introduced to the key concepts of the individual and the state; fate and free will; and identity. 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 and conflict; autobiography and Shakespeare’s characterisation of the tragic, political and anti-hero. 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 essay practice. Pupils will study the set texts for the literature exam; Macbeth, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, 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. 

Assessment at Key Stage 4

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
Enrichment Offer

The department offers subject-specific enrichment clubs and organises a range of educational visits throughout the year. Visits include the Battlefield tours to support their empathy and understanding of war poets and a visit to the Theatre to enhance their appreciation of stagecraft. We also welcome published authors and illustrators to the school to run workshops. Pupils are able to take part in school-wide competitions, as well as representing the school in local and national competitions designed to increase their engagement and enhance their subject knowledge. This includes spoken word poetry performances. Intervention sessions to consolidate prior learning and ensure maximum progress are at the heart of our delivery model. This includes Mastery English Literature and Language Club. These are enhanced by Creative Writing Club, Library club and Debating Club.

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.