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 explore high quality literature through Well’s ‘Red Room’ responding to themes of horror. They explore the fantasy genre by focussing on the protagonist in ‘Northern Lights’ to broaden their ideas about growing up. They investigate relationships between ‘parents and children’ in early origins of poetry to contemporary and explore wide range of perspectives on current issues such as the environment to develop personal ideas. 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, students develop understanding of ambitious literature studying crime fiction through Doyle’s short story and explore debates and authorial intentions about wealth and power in a seminal world novel. Their perspective on identity is challenged through a range of pre 1914 and contemporary poetry. They will access a range of non-fiction to increase creativity in writing and speaking through engagement with social issues. 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.
In Year 9, pupils deepen their critical interpretation of challenging literature such as science fiction exploring the impact of inventions in the 19th century. They 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. They will study power and conflict poetry and human rights examining writer’s intentions. Pupils will have the opportunity to develop descriptive and narrative writing through conscious crafting and build on effective public speaking.
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; The Merchant of Venice or Romeo and Juliet, Jane Eyre, 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.
What will I study at Key Stage 5?
In English Language, pupils study how English language is produced and used in different contexts. They explore a wide range of spoken and written texts and debate how language is affected by gender, religion, age, and occupation. Pupils have an opportunity to produce creative writing and investigate language. They develop understanding of language development over time and how the English language is spreading across the world.
In English Literature, pupils study a range of texts from the three major literary genres: prose, poetry, and drama with a strong emphasis on Shakespeare. They will also explore modern texts discussing key ideas and themes. There is a strong focus on wider and independent reading, particularly reading a range of texts across different genres, including Pre 1900 texts to increase knowledge about history and society fostering tolerance and understanding.
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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Assessment at Key Stage 5
AS English Language Edexcel 8EN0
Component 01: Language: context and identity
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Component 02: Child language
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A Level English Language Edexcel 9EN0
Component 01: Language variation
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Component 02: Child language
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Component 03: Investigating language
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Component 04: NEA Crafting language
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AS English Literature B AQA 7716
Paper 1: Literary genres: drama
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Paper 2: Literary genres: prose and poetry
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A Level English Literature B AQA 7717
Paper 1: Literary genres
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Paper 2: Texts and genres
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NEA: Theory and Independence
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Enrichment
The department offers subject-specific enrichment clubs and organises a range of educational visits throughout the year. Visits include a local library tour to foster a love for words, a visit to the theatre to enhance appreciation of stagecraft and a Bronte parsonage tour to support empathy and understanding of socio-historic context of Jane Eyre. We also welcome publishers and authors to the school to run workshops. Pupils can take part in school-wide competitions such as performing Shakespeare to increase engagement and enhance their subject 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.