English forms the basis for our development, relationships and our understanding of the world around us. The study of English is key to our personal growth, and, through the development of effective written and spoken communication, it is the foundation for all our learning. The ability to communicate effectively, confidently and with clarity is crucial in school, but also in becoming an effective participant in our wider society with skills of communication being key to accessing the world of work and in navigating adult life. In a fast paced, global world the importance of fluent written and spoken English is crucial, and it is essential that we develop these skills through an effective English curriculum.

From Year 7, students will be building on the foundations of the primary curriculum through a systematic exposure to a wide range of high-quality literature. We not only promote reading for enjoyment to ignite a curiosity in students, but also as a way of acquiring knowledge and exploring the world in ways that develop a student’s cultural and emotional intellect. Our English Reading Strategy recognises the barriers students face in accessing challenging texts such as: complexity of narrator, non-linear time sequences, complexity of story or archaic texts and encourages students to confidently explore and probe the literal and layered meanings in the texts they read. Through our curriculum we actively encourage students to develop their close reading skills so they can confidently and methodically break down the language and structure of a complex passage to establish and analyse meaning. Additionally, to foster accountable and independent readers, we have created a curriculum that incorporates various layers of reading. This approach is supported by text-dependent questions and, where applicable, allows students to demonstrate mastery through a variety of writing opportunities.

As our students progress through the English curriculum, they are continually developing their close reading skills through exposure to increasingly challenging fiction and non-fiction. We want our students to be able to engage with a range of texts with confidence and to develop their skills in decoding difficult texts, gathering carefully selected evidence, evaluating texts in detail and possessing the ability to explore multiple texts simultaneously to formulate and articulate personal viewpoints. The development of these skills feeds directly into their study of spoken language and the importance of verbal communication in accessing the world around them. Students are provided with numerous speaking and listening opportunities including individual and group presentations, speeches, performing key scenes from plays, and reading aloud. We strongly believe that these diverse experiences not only build students’ confidence but also help them develop essential lifelong skills in verbal communication.

Confidence, control and accuracy in a range of writing is developed through frequent opportunities to write for a range of audiences and purposes. It is important that students use writing as an opportunity to formulate and develop their ideas and in using writing as a way to think critically about a topic and express their point of view. Across all writing activities, students are exposed to the importance of accuracy and the ability for students to construct and revise sentences for impact is vital. To develop their skills, students are encouraged to expand their use of vocabulary through probing and investigating the nuances of language in order to enhance their written expression and clarity.

The English curriculum is robust and systematic in exposing students to effective challenge, so they can build and refine long-lasting skills for the future. Subsequently, we offer a curriculum which has appropriate challenge for all students and aims to allow students to flourish in the skills required for success in their chosen KS4 and post 16 pathways.

Key Stage 3

In Years 7, 8 and 9 the aim is to encourage students to engage with both non-fiction texts and a range of literature including contemporary fiction, poetry and plays. Students explore features

of theme, language, and structure and are then provided with opportunities to replicate such features in their own writing.

Students in Key Stage 3 have four English lessons each week. In Years 7 and 8, one of these is a dedicated reading lesson, during which students have access to the Learning Resource Centre (LRC). This lesson gives students the opportunity to select from a wide range of reading materials that both interest and challenge them. During LRC lessons, students explore a variety of texts through our Reading Routes initiative and can complete quizzes on these books to demonstrate their understanding. Students also submit reviews of their reading via Accessit, our online library system. This allows us to track reading habits and supports students in choosing their next book. Throughout the reading/LRC lesson, students also complete a range of short written tasks to evidence their reading and reflect on their engagement with texts.

The texts studied across Key Stage 3 (Y7, Y8 and Y9) include:

Year 7

Fiction – Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo

Non-fiction – Survival Anthology by a range of authors including Nelson Mandela and Joe Simpson

Play – The Tempest by William Shakespeare

Year 8

Fiction – Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Non-fiction – I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

Play – The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Simon Stephens

Year 9

Fiction – The Woman in Black by Susan Hill

Non-fiction – The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater

Play – Macbeth by William Shakespeare

All units of work use a wide range of engaging learning activities to ensure progress, accuracy and to develop an appreciation of language and literature. Supplementary materials such as non-fiction extracts and poetry that’s thematically linked to the core text are also explored to enhance understanding. We also embed regular speaking and listening opportunities as well as both fiction and non-fiction writing opportunities.

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4 (Y10 and Y11), students build on the skills developed at KS3 and prepare for GCSEs in English Language and English Literature.

GCSE English Language allows students to demonstrate their ability to use English in real life contexts and uses an investigative and analytical approach to language topics drawing on personal experience.

The course involves assessment on three different aspects of English:

· Reading and responding to a variety of different texts, including both fiction and non-fiction.

· Writing for different audiences and purposes: how to write in several different styles so that you can craft your writing with a consideration of who is reading it, what the purpose is and what form it should take.

· Spoken Language: how to speak and listen in a variety of contexts. For example, how to deliver individual presentations as well as learn how to work effectively in pairs or groups.

In addition to the core GCSE English Language course, students also study GCSE English Literature. This GCSE requires students to explore texts from a personal perspective and focuses on a skills-based approach to the study of literature.

Texts studied as part of GCSE English Literature include:

· Romeo and Juliet

· A Christmas Carol

· An Inspector Calls

· A range of poetry with from 1789 to the present day based on poems from the WJEC Eduqas Poetry Anthology.

· Unseen Poetry from the 20th/21st Century