Key Stage 3
All students study the Key Stage 3 National Curriculum in English. During Key Stage 3, we aim to both revisit, and develop, the skills learnt at Key Stage 2. In doing this, we cover a broad range of texts that will begin to prepare students for the requirements of GCSE once they are in Year 10. The mastery of literacy and vocabulary remains at the heart of the Key Stage 3 English curriculum. All students study a range of prose, poetry, drama and non-fiction texts, as well having regular library lessons.
English Learning Journeys (KS3)
Key Stage 4
The Key Stage 4 curriculum is split into separate English Literature and English Language lessons. This is to focus thoroughly on the different skills and requirements of each paper. All students are entered for both Literature and Language at the end of Year 11. Our current set texts are: ‘Macbeth’, ‘A Christmas Carol’, ‘An Inspector Calls’ and the AQA Poetry Anthology: Power and Conflict cluster. A number of staff within the department are GCSE Examiners and run masterclasses to support students with exam skills.
English Learning Journey (KS4)
Key Stage 5
English Literature at Key Stage 5 continues to build on the skills from GCSE Literature, but with a greater focus on literary criticism and academic writing. There are two exam papers and an independent coursework unit which allow students to plan, research and compare texts of their choice.
English Learning Journey (KS5)