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English
Curriculum Intent
Our English curriculum is designed to develop independent, resilient learners who communicate fluently in reading, writing, and oracy. Building on Key Stage 2 foundations, we provide a rigorous, inclusive approach that prepares students for the challenges of the working world while fostering a love of literature and critical thinking.
We aim to nurture independence and resilience, helping students engage with complex texts and express themselves confidently. Through varied tasks, students develop perseverance and improve their language skills across reading, writing, and speaking.
Our curriculum also promotes social and emotional growth, encouraging students to explore diverse perspectives and gain empathy through literature. By engaging with different cultures and experiences, they develop a deeper understanding of the world.
Fluent communication is central to our approach, ensuring students are ready for both academic and professional success. We focus on strong speaking and writing skills, helping students express their ideas clearly and persuasively.
Ultimately, we aim to inspire a lifelong love of literature and develop critical thinkers who can analyse, evaluate, and respond thoughtfully to texts, preparing them for future success.
We believe that through our curriculum and through experiences in English lessons with our English teachers, when our students leave us in Year 11, they will demonstrate our core values and have:
- A critical appreciation of Shakespeare, his life and works;
- A critical appreciation of classical literature and the role and influence it has on modern texts and the modern world;
- The freedom to read both fiction and non-fiction that explore different communities and societies.
- A critical appreciation of poetry and the impact it can have on human emotion and the wider world;
- The understanding of genre and skills needed to be confident and imaginative creative and academic writers;
- The freedom of thought and skills to be enthusiastic and astute readers;
- The courage and skills to be self-assured and bold public speakers;
- The knowledge and understanding that great literature and powerful words have the ability to heal, to bring love, to move people and to challenge and change the world for the better.
If students decide to pursue English these attributes will be honed throughout Years 12 and 13 with greater depth, more critical thinking and the skills needed to move onto the next stage.
Key Stage 3
At Key Stage 3, our English curriculum aims to inspire a love for the subject while building students’ confidence in reading, writing, and speaking. We focus on securing fundamental skills and concepts, providing a strong foundation for future learning.
Building on Key Stage 2, students engage with a range of texts to analyse and explore different genres, developing critical thinking and a deeper appreciation for language. We encourage students to nurture their taste for literature through the exploration of a range of rigorous texts; asking insightful questions and fostering a personal connection with what they read.
Through this approach, we aim to embed essential literacy and communication skills that will prepare students for the challenges of Key Stage 4, ensuring they have a solid foundation for continued academic success and a life-long love of language.
Key Stage 4
At Key Stage 4, the English curriculum allows students to engage with key examples of the literary canon and develop skills in analysing transactional writing. Building on Key Stage 3, we refine students’ abilities to critically assess texts, explore the intent of authors, and understand the contextual influences that shape different perspectives.
Through examining the human condition and the conscious craft behind texts, students learn to craft their own writing with intention and precision. Our curriculum fosters progression at every level, encouraging challenge and ambition, while preparing students for both exams and the world of work. We aim to develop refined individuals who can confidently express their ideas, appreciate diverse viewpoints, and communicate with purpose.
Coming soon…
Coming soon…
Key Stage 5
At Key Stage 5, the English curriculum offers students the opportunity to engage deeply with complex texts from the literary canon, alongside developing advanced skills in transactional writing. Building on the foundations of KS3 and KS4, we focus on cultivating critical thinking, sophisticated analysis, and refined writing techniques. Students explore a range of perspectives, examining authors’ intent and the contextual influences shaping their work.
Our curriculum encourages students to explore the human condition, critically assessing themes like identity, morality, and society. By understanding the conscious craft behind texts, students learn to apply these insights to their own writing, developing purposeful and nuanced communication.
Progression is a key focus, with challenge and ambition embedded throughout. We aim to equip students with the skills to confidently engage with complex ideas, refine their analytical and creative abilities, and communicate with clarity. Ultimately, students will be prepared for both academic success and the world of work, ready to express themselves with depth and insight.
Under review…
Under review…