English
Summary
There is now a greater emphasis in English teaching on planning, accountability and on monitoring progress. What remains constant is that as English teachers we are passionate: in our support for the pupils and our delight in words and in their power.
We seek to develop in each other and in our pupils a love of reading and a willingness to engage critically with texts. We seek to develop their understanding of the different ways in which meanings are conveyed. Our work should enable pupils to interpret texts, spoken and written, literary and non-literary, to enable to increase their understanding of how texts convey multiple layers of meaning.
Key Stage 3 (Year 7-9)
Generally, pupils study an array of novels, plays and poetry that are carefully selected from past centuries to the present day. A wide selection of informative and sometimes controversial non-literary material is also examined. In addition, pupils have the opportunity to write in a range of different styles and for different purposes. Finally, pupils are invited to perform and present in a whole host of different Speaking and Listening activities that are fun and engaging.
Regular highlights in Year 7 include: ‘Abomination’ by Robert Swindells, ‘Private Peaceful’ by Michael Morpurgo, ‘Room 13’ play adaptation by Joe Standerline, and ‘Frankenstein’ play adaptation by Phillip Pullman.
Regular highlights in Year 8 include: ‘Fat Boy Swim’ by Catherine Forde, ‘The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas’ by John Boyne, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ play adaptation by Christopher Sergel, and ‘The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’ play adaptation by David Calcutt.
Regular highlights in Year 9 include: ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens, ‘Bog Child’ by Siobhan Dowd, ‘My Swordhand is Singing’ by Marcus Sedgwick and ‘Educating Rita’ by Willy Russell.
Key Stage 4 (Year 10 and 11)
Currently, we offer English Language and English Literature using the OCR examination board. Key Stage 4 is a mix of Controlled Assessment and preparation for regular modular examinations.
Year 10 includes: a study of a Shakespeare play, a study of Wilfred Owen’s poetry, a study of ‘An Inspector Calls’ by J.B. Priestley and several Speaking and Listening tasks.
Year 11 includes: a study of ‘Of Mice and Men’ by John Steinbeck, a study of ‘Lord of the Flies’ by William Golding, a study of Carol Ann Duffy’s poetry and a Spoken Language Study.
Key Stage 5 (Year 12 and 13)
We offer English Literature at A-Level using the OCR examination board. The AS and A2 course consists of coursework components and closed-text examinations.
Year 12 includes: a comparative study of Jean Rhys, Angela Carter and Carol Ann Duffy for coursework, as well as a study of a selected novel and collection of poetry for the examination component.
Year 13 includes: a comparative study of Bram Stoker, Mary Shelley and Edgar Allan Poe with a focus on the Gothic genre for coursework, as well as a study of a Shakespeare play and a comparative study of drama and poetry for the examination component.
