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English

Our ambitious curriculum is centred around key knowledge that is challenging, contemporary and relevant. Students study an eclectic range of texts which explore cultural significance and influences over time.

Department Vision:
To inspire confidence, perseverance, creativity and ambition through the English curriculum.
Department Aim:
To ensure English is an inclusive subject, where all students demonstrate ambition in their learning and strive to be the best they can be at all times, as well as recognising that English is essential to students achieving their potential when shaping their future, no matter what their passion.
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Everyone studying English needs to demonstrate perseverance at times, be it working towards exams, learning new vocabulary or perfecting key techniques.

Students in all key stages are encouraged to bring individuality, passion and purpose to all that they do, as well as to foster a curiosity for reading whole texts and to inspire lifelong readers. We aim to develop an appreciation for diversity and identity through the themes explored in our texts. Ways of communication are at the heart of the English curriculum, whether that be in spoken or written form. We pride ourselves on the safe learning environment we have created, where students are encouraged to challenge viewpoints in respectful and compassionate ways, in order to achieve excellence. to develop successful global citizens.

Across all year groups, students are encouraged to be independent and resilient learners, where confident opinions and creative ideas are formed. Within this, we cultivate:

  • the development of analytical skills
  • a deeper understanding of contextual links and factors
  • the ability to edit, proofread and reflect on written work
  • the development of critical thinking
  • promotion of creative exploration
  • high-quality discussion and vocabulary
  • ownership of individual progress and development

English Language and Literature are essential components of a well-rounded education. We offer English Literature as well as English Language and Literature at A-level, and both courses communicate a continuing love of the subject beyond GCSE study. In these, we aim to nurture and prepare students to be inquisitive, courageous and determined, so that they can embark on the next steps of their journey, both in higher education and employment.

Learning Ladders

Click on the Learning Ladder to see a larger version. The Learning Ladder shows the subjects or topics that students will learn about each year. Click on any 'Year' roundel to view an in-depth Learning Journey for the year you have selected. This shows in more detail, what students will learn each term, with links to useful resources etc. (this applies to all roundels)

ENGLISH KS3/4

View the Learning Ladder and the Learning Journey for this subject here.

ENGLISH LITERATURE KS5

View the Learning Ladder and the Learning Journey for this subject here.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE & LITERATURE KS5

View the Learning Ladder and the Learning Journey for this subject here.

Wider Curriculum

The Wider Curriculum allows students to take a further interest in their subjects and subject related material they study at school. The Wider Curriculum also enables parents and carers to actively engage with the opportunities offered by each department.

WIDER CURRICULUM KS3

Each PDF is hyperlinked, so when you click on them, the links will take you to areas where you may read, view, listen, visit and be creative.

WIDER CURRICULUM KS4

Each PDF is hyperlinked, so when you click on them, the links will take you to areas where you may read, view, listen, visit and be creative.

WIDER CURRICULUM KS5

Each PDF is hyperlinked, so when you click on them, the links will take you to areas where you may read, view, listen, visit and be creative.

Career Opportunities in English

These are some examples of career paths available if you study this subject:

Writer, Travel Writer, Journalist, Copywriter, Marketing, Editor, Publisher, Teacher, Advertising, TV Producer, Public Relations, Human Resources, Designer, Media and ICT, Sales Representative