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 and 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, 19th and 20th Century prose, poetry, drama and a variety of 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 explore high quality literature through the central theme of ‘Growing Up’ including studying authors ranging from Roald Dahl to Charles Dickens. They explore the historical genre by focussing on the relationship between Bruno and Shmuel in ‘The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas’ to broaden their ideas about growing up. They investigate relationships between ‘parents and children’ from the early origins of poetry to contemporary, modern poetry and explore wide range of perspectives on current issues such as the environment to develop personal ideas. They will explore Shakespeare’s genre of tragedy investigating characterisation of the tragic hero and will be introduced to distinctive features of theatre and production. They build on speaking styles in a range of contexts and develop horror and fantasy genre writing inspired and modelled by literature.

In Year 8, pupils develop understanding of ambitious literature studying the genre of Dystopia, exploring debates and authorial intentions about what the future might look like. A further study of Gothic literature through Brontë’s Jane Eyre helps students explore wealth, power and identity in a seminal world novel. Their perspective on identity is challenged through a range of pre-1914 and contemporary poetry. They will also access a range of non-fiction to increase creativity in writing and speaking through engagement with social issues. Pupils will analyse Shakespeare’s comedy, critically exploring the presentation of women and courtship. Pupils will be introduced to features of comedy, familiarising them with villains and deception.

In Year 9, pupils deepen their critical interpretation of challenging literature by exploring 19th century texts such as the detective fiction of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. They will study a modern text, exploring the role of social class divide and explore and create non-fiction text based on human rights, all the time examining writer’s intentions. Pupils will have the opportunity to develop descriptive and narrative writing through conscious crafting and build on effective public speaking, delivering speeches on human rights issues that are particularly important to them.

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 English Language and GCSE English 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 Blood Brothers.

In addition, they will practise unseen analysis of a range of 19th, 20th and 21st century texts both fiction and non-fiction for GCSE English Language and unseen poetry analysis for GCSE English 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

Overview Focus
  • Written exam (1 hour 45 minutes)
  • 80 marks
  • 50% of GCSE
  • Section A: Reading literature fiction text
  • Section B: Descriptive or narrative 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 one non-fiction and one literary non-fiction text
  • Section B: Writing to present a viewpoint

NEA: Spoken Language

Overview Focus
  • Teacher sets throughout course
  • Marked by teacher
  • Separate endorsement (0% weighting of GCSE)
  • Presenting
  • Responding to questions and feedback
  • Use of Standard English

GCSE English Literature AQA 8702
GCSE English Literature Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th Century Novel

Overview Focus
  • Written exam (1 hour 45 minutes)
  • 64 marks
  • 40% GCSE
  • Section A: Shakespeare: Macbeth
  • Section B: The 19th century novel: A Christmas Carol

GCSE English Literature Paper 2: Modern Texts and Poetry

Overview Focus
  • Written exam (2 hours 15 minutes)
  • 96 marks
  • 60% of GCSE
  • Section A: Modern text: drama; Blood Brothers
  • Section B: Poetry: Power and Conflict Anthology

 

Enrichment

The department offers subject-specific enrichment clubs and organises a range of educational visits throughout the year. Visits include a trip to Manchester Central library tour to foster a love for words, a visit to the theatre to enhance appreciation of stagecraft and the Lake District to support creativity in an area of natural outstanding beauty and to develop a love and understanding of the Romantics. We also welcome publishers and authors to the school to run workshops. Pupils can take part in school-wide competitions such as Poetry By Heart or the BBC 500 Word Competition to increase engagement and enhance their subject knowledge. This includes spoken word poetry performances, dramatic readings, and our award-winning Film Club.

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.

Useful Resources and Revision Support