English

‍The Key Stage 3 English curriculum aims to foster a deep appreciation for language and literature, honing students' reading, writing, and communication skills. Emphasising creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness, the curriculum seeks to encourage students to articulate ideas effectively, analyse diverse texts, and engage with a variety of literary and non-fiction genres. The curriculum progresses systematically through Year 7 to Year 9, setting the foundation for lifelong learning, as well as equipping students with the essential tools to navigate the transition to GCSE English.

Key areas of knowledge and skills developed:

• reading skills, including reading between the lines and looking at different possible explanations
• writing analytically, including PEE and WETRATS paragraphs
• applying historical context to texts
• creative writing skills and learning how to craft a story or a poem
• developing accurate grammar, punctuation and spelling
• speaking and listening skills, including monologues and presentations

Key Stage 3 English Curriculum Map

Course Code: AQA GCSE English Language and English Literature
Exam Board Specification: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/gcse
Exam Board Specification: www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/gcse/english-literature

The Key Stage 4 English curriculum aims to cultivate advanced literacy skills, fostering a deep understanding of diverse texts and genres. Emphasising critical analysis, creative expression, and effective communication, it prepares students for real-world challenges, as well as the demands of the GCSE exam. Through exploration of classic and contemporary literature, coupled with rigorous language study, the curriculum strives to empower students with the ability to articulate ideas persuasively and engage meaningfully with the complexities of language.

We use the AQA exam board and all students are entered for GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature.

Key areas of knowledge and skills developed:

• 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, and linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language
• listen to and understand spoken language and use spoken Standard English effectively

Key Stage 4 English Curriculum Map

A Level English Language and Literature AQA 7707
Exam Board Specification: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/as-and-a-level/english-language-and-literature-7706-7707​

A Level English Literature AQA 7712
Exam Board Specification: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/as-and-a-level/english-literature-a-7711-7712

English at A Level aims to deepen students' literary understanding and analytical skills. Focusing on diverse genres and cultural perspectives, the curriculum intends to foster critical thinking, advanced communication, and independent research. Students engage with classic and contemporary literature, developing their ability to articulate complex ideas and respond to nuanced texts. The curriculum emphasises creative expression, honing language proficiency, and preparing students for higher education or professional pursuits by cultivating an appreciation for literature and effective communication.

We offer A Level English Literature and A Level English Language and Literature.

A Level English Literature key skills:

• read widely and independently both set texts and others that they have selected for themselves
• engage critically and creatively with a substantial body of texts and ways of responding to them
• develop and effectively apply their knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation
• explore the contexts of the texts they are reading and others’ interpretations of them
• undertake independent and sustained studies to deepen their appreciation and understanding of English literature, including its changing traditions

A Level English Language and Literature key skills:

• develop and apply their understanding of the concepts and methods appropriate for the analysis and study of language
• use linguistic and literary approaches in their reading and interpretation of texts, showing how the two disciplines can relate to each other
• engage creatively and critically with a wide range of texts
• explore the ways in which texts relate to each other and the contexts in which they are produced and received
• develop their skills as producers and interpreters of language
• develop their interest in and enjoyment of English as they undertake independent and sustained studies to develop their skills as producers and interpreters of language

Key Stage 5 English Literature Curriculum MapKey Stage 5 English Language and Literature Curriculum Map