At Landmark, English is where we explore who we are, how we connect with others, and how we make sense of the world around us. Our classroom is a space for curiosity, discovery, and honest self-expression which is exactly the kind of inquiry-driven learning the IB champions in the Middle Years Programme (Key Stage 3).
Guided by the MYP's inquiry-based approach, students develop as confident readers, writers, speakers and listeners. We don't just teach skills, we create experiences that transform how students see themselves and the world, using rich texts from a wide range of voices, cultures and perspectives, including students' own writing. Reading and writing for pleasure sit at the heart of everything we do, while regular discussion and debate build the speaking and listening confidence students carry well beyond the English classroom.
This work develops the key conceptual understanding, critical thinking and communication skills that prepare students for IGCSE English Language and English Literature in Key Stage 4, and for life beyond it.
We bring English to life beyond the classroom, with theatre trips, author visits, and celebrations of language and literature throughout the year. Our school library plays a central role too, inspiring a genuine, lasting love of reading in every student.
Our Writing Continuum
To support this learning journey from Early Years right through to the end of Key Stage 4, our teachers have developed a Writing Continuum — a collection of real student work samples showing what progression in writing looks like at every stage. It's a valuable tool for both staff and parents alike, supporting consistent assessment and giving a clear, shared picture of what improvement looks like over time.
In lower secondary, our curriculum follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP), which aims to foster a genuine love of reading and writing, while developing the conceptual understanding, critical thinking and communication skills students need to progress successfully to IGCSE English Language and English Literature.
The unit overviews for Years 7–8 are included below, showing how each year builds on the last through the MYP's inquiry-based approach - developing skills, confidence and independence as students move through Key Stage 3.
Year 9 unit plans are currently being developed.
In Years 10 and 11, students study for 2 separate IGCSEs, English language and English literature. Both IGCSEs are studied during English classes, and the dual study enhances the understanding of the skills needed for both IGCSEs.
The IGCSE Scheme of Work is used for English Language and Literature in the upper Secondary, and details of how this is done can be found on the following documents