Curriculum Intent

The study of English is key to our personal growth and, through the development of effective written and spoken communication, it is the foundation for all our learning. We have carefully chosen texts and purposeful practice for success – with us until Year 11 and for re-integration.

Key Stage 3 overview

The aim of our key stage 3 curriculum is for pupils to understand how stories are created, and to enjoy developing their own voice through narrative, descriptive and poetic practice. It also serves to be aspirational – to encourage change: personally, locally and globally.

Each year we investigate the craft of fiction and non-fiction, from Greek Myths to Shakespeare to the Gothic to modern plays, as well as creating pieces showcasing skills, such as poems, short stories and persuasive writing.

Key Stage 4 overview

Students follow the AQA English Language and Literature Course GCSE course. Throughout key stage 4 we promote an application-based pedagogy culminating in students being fully prepared and confident to undertake their GCSEs.

English Language Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing

• 1 hour 45 minutes
• 80 marks
• One extract from a piece of fiction
• Section A: comprehension and analysis of extract (AO1, 2, 3, 4)
• Section B: creation of a narrative or descriptive piece of writing (AO5,6)

English Language Paper 2: Writer’s Viewpoints and Perspectives

• 1 hour 45 minutes
• 80 marks
• Two non-fiction extracts
• Section A: comprehension, analysis and comparison of extracts (AO1, 2, 3, 4)
• Section B: creation of a transactional piece of writing (e.g. speech, article, letter) (AO5,6)

English Literature Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th Century novel

• 1 hour and 45 minutes
• 64 marks
• Section A - Shakespeare: One question on Macbeth. You will be required to write in detail about an extract from the play and then to write about the play as a whole. (AO1, 2, 3, 4)
• Section B - The 19th-century novel: One question on A Christmas Carol. You will be required to write in detail about an extract from the novel and then to write
   about the novel as a whole.
   (A01, 2, 3)

English Literature Paper 2: Modern Texts and Poetry

• 2 hours 15 minutes
• 96 marks
• Section A - Modern texts: One essay question from a choice of two on An Inspector Calls. (AO1, 2, 3, 4)
• Section B - Poetry: One comparative question on one named poem printed on the paper and one other poem from the Power and Conflict anthology. (AO1, 2)

Section C - Unseen poetry: One question on one unseen poem and one question comparing this poem with a second unseen poem. (AO1, 2)