English

English Literature and English Language

We feel that a thematic and holistic approach is best in English. We are incredibly passionate about our students reading and have introduced a structured reading scheme for Year 7&8. We have a thematic KS3 curriculum that encompasses three themes per academic year; such as Identity and Culture, Futures and Leadership. Within each theme four reading and four writing skills are explored through extracts from Modern Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry, 19th Century texts, Drama and Shakespeare. These skills have been filtered down to age appropriate levels from the AQA English GCSE English Literature and Language courses.

We also offer the opportunity to complete the Step Up to English Programme in Year 9 - Completing the Silver and Gold Entry Level certificates. As a department we appreciate that sometimes English can be challenging for some students and we therefore offer an alternative route through KS4. We offer either the chance to do AQA English Literature and Language or Functional Skills Levels 1 and 2; followed by the Cambridge English First Language IGCSE.

Enjoyment of literature, reading and writing is something that is highly valued within our department and we offer a range of clubs and enrichment activities to support our students through their English learning journey.