English
Senior Link to English: Rebecca Johnston
Our approach to the English curriculum
The English department aim to support students as they cultivate a love of literature and the English language. Central to our curriculum is inspiring young people to read for pleasure and to understand both the academic and wellbeing benefits of widespread reading for enjoyment. In addition, we recognise that is vitally important that students develop high standards of literacy and therefore a key focus is inspiring young people to develop a strong command of the written and spoken word. These skills are developed by providing young people with the opportunity to access a wide range of text types from a range of cultures.
Our Learning Journeys:
Key Stage 3
During Key Stage 3 students will develop their reading, writing and speaking & listening skills through the exploration of a wide range of text types. Students will have the opportunity to study novels, short stories, poetry and drama; these texts will include modern texts, texts from the English literary heritage and texts from other cultures. Additionally, students will study a variety of non-fiction texts. To complement study at Key Stage 3 students are offered a wide variety of extra-curricular activities to develop their skills such as theatre trips, author visits, writing competitions and opportunities to have work published.
Key Stage 4
All students follow the AQA English Language GCSE and the AQA English Literature GCSE. At Key Stage 4 students further develop their analytical and evaluation skills and will apply these skills to a wide range of texts. During the GCSE course students will study a wide range of fiction and non-fiction texts and develop the sophistication of their writing skills. Through the study and discussion of these texts students are encouraged and challenged to consider moral and social issues.
Key Stage 5 (16-19 qualifications)
At Key Stage 5, students are offered the opportunity to expand and develop their written and analytical skills as students explore structural, linguistic and formalistic analysis of a variety of text types. Additionally, students also explore critical theories and apply this knowledge to a variety of poetry, prose and drama texts. Through the Language and combined Language & Literature courses, they are also encouraged to explore different modes of texts, as well as study the influence and change brought on language by multimedia and online communication. There is a large emphasis on independence and academic rigour at Key Stage 5 which prepares students for the challenge and style of learning which befits undergraduate study. Through the study of the texts, students are encouraged to consider contextual issues surrounding production and receivership, as well as offer an independent and researched analysis to the questions set.
How you can find out more about the English curriculum:
Syllabus materials KS4:
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/gcse
Syllabus materials KS5:
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/as-and-a-level