English enables students to articulate themselves clearly and creatively, unlocking their potential to communicate effectively, express their ideas and develop their confidence to use the spoken and written word.
In English, we concentrate on four key skills that are essential for all learning and life: reading carefully, writing fluently and accurately, speaking clearly and listening closely. Students read classic and contemporary prose, drama and poetry from Britain and around the world. They look closely at the ways in which writers use language and explore the big, moral questions that texts may raise. Students focus on developing their ability to learn independently, think critically and approach their examinations with confidence.
KS4 English
All students study GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature.
Our students study one Shakespeare play and a range of literary fiction and non-fiction texts from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. This includes poetry, drama and prose, both contemporary and from literary heritage. As well as developing their reading skills, the course also develops writing skills in a variety of genres of both fiction and non-fiction. In addition, speaking and listening skills are covered, including presenting, responding to questions and feedback, and the use of Standard English.
GCSE English Language consists of two examinations, both assessing reading and writing skills in fiction and non-fiction. Spoken Language (in the form of presentations and discussions) will still be assessed but reported as a separate endorsement (0% weighting of GCSE). GCSE English Literature also consists of two examinations, covering the set texts as above. All literature examinations are closed book, meaning students will not have copies of the text with them in the examination.
In English, we concentrate on four key skills that are essential for all learning and life: reading carefully, writing fluently and accurately, speaking clearly and listening closely. Students read classic and contemporary prose, drama and poetry from Britain and around the world. They look closely at the ways in which writers use language and explore the big, moral questions that texts may raise. Students focus on developing their ability to learn independently, think critically and approach their examinations with confidence.
KS4 English
All students study GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature.
Our students study one Shakespeare play and a range of literary fiction and non-fiction texts from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. This includes poetry, drama and prose, both contemporary and from literary heritage. As well as developing their reading skills, the course also develops writing skills in a variety of genres of both fiction and non-fiction. In addition, speaking and listening skills are covered, including presenting, responding to questions and feedback, and the use of Standard English.
GCSE English Language consists of two examinations, both assessing reading and writing skills in fiction and non-fiction. Spoken Language (in the form of presentations and discussions) will still be assessed but reported as a separate endorsement (0% weighting of GCSE). GCSE English Literature also consists of two examinations, covering the set texts as above. All literature examinations are closed book, meaning students will not have copies of the text with them in the examination.
GCSE English Language
Through our GCSE English Language syllabus our students will:
GCSE English Literature
Through our GCSE English Literature syllabus our students will cover:
Shakespeare play
Students will study a full play. Our chosen text is Romeo and Juliet.
19th Century novel
Students will study one choice from a range of set texts. We study A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
Modern texts
Students will study one from a choice of 12 set texts, which include post-1914 prose fiction and drama. We study An Inspector Calls by JB Priestley.
Poetry
Students will study one cluster of poems taken from the AQA poetry anthology, Poems Past and Present. There is a choice of three clusters, each containing 15 poems. The poems in each cluster are thematically linked and were written between 1789 and the present day. We currently study the Power and Conflict anthology.
Unseen poetry
In preparing for the unseen poetry section of the examination students should experience a wide range of poetry in order to develop their ability to closely analyse unseen poems. They should be able to analyse and compare key features such as their content, theme, structure and use of language.
Through our GCSE English Language syllabus our students will:
- Read fluently, and with good understanding, a wide range of texts from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, including literature and literary non-fiction as well as other writing such as reviews and journalism
- Read and evaluate texts critically and make comparisons between texts
- Summarise and synthesise information or ideas from texts
- Use knowledge gained from wide reading to inform and improve their own writing
- Write effectively and coherently using standard English appropriately
- Use grammar correctly and punctuate and spell accurately
- Acquire and apply a wide vocabulary, alongside a knowledge and understanding of grammatical terminology, linguistic conventions for reading, and written and spoken language
- Listen to and understand spoken language and use spoken standard English effectively.
GCSE English Literature
Through our GCSE English Literature syllabus our students will cover:
Shakespeare play
Students will study a full play. Our chosen text is Romeo and Juliet.
19th Century novel
Students will study one choice from a range of set texts. We study A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
Modern texts
Students will study one from a choice of 12 set texts, which include post-1914 prose fiction and drama. We study An Inspector Calls by JB Priestley.
Poetry
Students will study one cluster of poems taken from the AQA poetry anthology, Poems Past and Present. There is a choice of three clusters, each containing 15 poems. The poems in each cluster are thematically linked and were written between 1789 and the present day. We currently study the Power and Conflict anthology.
Unseen poetry
In preparing for the unseen poetry section of the examination students should experience a wide range of poetry in order to develop their ability to closely analyse unseen poems. They should be able to analyse and compare key features such as their content, theme, structure and use of language.