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 to encourage understanding and appreciation of a wide range of literature. There is a blend of modern, pre-twentieth-century prose, poetry, drama and a variety of British fiction and non-fiction ranging from classics to more modern texts to allow pupils to engage with complex and sophisticated ideas. Pupils will read, reflect and critique constructing their own ideas and gain versatility in their own writing.
What will I study at Key Stage 3?
In Year 7, pupils respond to themes about the challenges of growing up, relationships and the wider world, both personally and through authorial craft. We begin this with high quality literature and build on speaking styles in a range of contexts which respond to the theme of ‘Our Language Journey’. They also explore the genre of ‘challenges of growing up’ by focussing on the protagonist in Dickens’ ‘Oliver Twist’ to broaden their ideas about journeys. They investigate relationships between ‘parents and children’ in early origins of poetry to contemporary and explore a wide range of perspectives which underpin the theme of ’relationships’ to develop personal ideas. They are also introduced to the works of Shakespeare through ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ in continuity with the over-arching theme of ‘journeys and relationships’. They consolidate their disciplinary and substantive knowledge developed throughout the year through a social media awareness which allows them to widen their perspective on current issues.
In Year 8, students develop an understanding on how to explore language by means of debates and authorial intentions on ideas about power, identity, social issues and breaking barriers. They begin with ‘language change’ over time through the lens of fiction and non-fiction texts as we explore aspects of language through a narrative structure. They build on their understanding of ambitious literature studying a modern novel ’Where the River Runs Gold’ in which they explore debates and authorial intentions about the dystopian genre and climate change. Their perspective on journeys is refined through a range of pre 1914 and contemporary poetry. They will explore Shakespeare’s genre of comedy by investigating characterisation of the protagonists, social issues around identity and distinctive features of theatre and production through ‘The Tempest’. They will access a range of non-fiction to increase creativity in writing and speaking through engagement with social issues by looking at ‘travel in Britain (then and now)’.
In Year 9, pupils deepen their critical interpretation of ‘journeys’ through diverse experiences in their language and literature studies that focus on relationships, identity, exploitation, and human rights by examining the writer’s intentions. They will develop knowledge of rhetoric, speech writing, documentary writing and news reporting through conscious crafting and building on effective public speaking. They will analyse key concepts surrounding the wider world through a modern, seminal novel ‘Djinn Patrol – On the Purple Line’ and consolidate their knowledge on identity and social/cultural issues. This will build onto their understanding of ‘Diverse Voices’ through seminal poetry in which they will examine the writer’s craft and give them an opportunity to further enhance their skills on rhetoric through non-fiction transactional writing around human rights. They will delve into Shakespeare’s genre of tragedy by critically exploring the presentation of ambition and the supernatural; pupils will be introduced to features of tragedy, familiarising them with archetypes, villains and deceptions.
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 use critical material to enhance interpretation and articulate personal ideas clearly and cleverly. Pupils will study the set texts for the literature exam; Macbeth, A Christmas Carol, AQA Poetry anthology of Power and Conflict and An Inspector Calls.
In addition, they will practise 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. They will examine devices to manipulate writing and craft ideas.
Assessment at Key Stage 4
GCSE English Language AQA 8700
GCSE English Language Paper 1: Explorations in creative reading and writing
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GCSE English Language Paper 2: Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives
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NEA: Spoken Language
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GCSE English Literature AQA 8702
GCSE English Literature Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th century novel
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GCSE English Literature Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry
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KS4 Exam Board Specifications: AQA GCSE English Language (8700) and AQA GCSE English Literature (8702)
Enrichment
The department offers subject-specific enrichment clubs and organises a range of educational visits throughout the year. Visits include visits to the theatre to enhance appreciation of stagecraft and dramatisation. We also welcome publishers and authors to the school to run workshops as well as inviting popular authors and slam poetry artists to our annual events such as World book Day which our boys’ find thoroughly enjoyable. Pupils can take part in school-wide competitions such as ‘Young Writers’ and performing Shakespearean plays via Drama Club to increase engagement and enhance their subject and spoken knowledge. This includes spoken word poetry performances, dramatic readings, and film clubs.
Careers
The study of English can lead to a range of career options, opening doors in publishing and advertising, journalism, education, and legal fields. Careers can range from reporter, solicitor, teacher, and content editor.