English Language and English Literature

English Language is integrated with English Literature across KS3 and KS4, as we believe it is important to engage students and foster a love of literature while they learn the essential skills of English Language. Students are encouraged to aspire to GCSE level.

Qualifcations: Pupils will have the opportunity to gain qualifications in Functional skills (Level 1 and 2) as well as GCSEs. In the lead up to these qualifications there will also be the chance to study at Entry Level (1-3). Entry level study offers pupils the opportunity to develop existing English skills, improve confidence in learning and fill in any gaps in their knowledge. It also provides the building blocks for progression through the levels to future Functional Skills and/or GCSE qualifications in English.

Key Stage 2

Year 6

In year 6, pupils are encouraged to ‘learn to love’ literature. In their English lesson, as they learn the essential components and skills related to English Language, they will experiment creatively to bring characters and settings to life. As well as preparing them for the transition to key stage 3, year six pupils will work on honing their speaking, listening and communication skills. Taking part in assessment-style exercises will help them gain the confidence and ability to tackle their end of year 6 SATs test in English.

Key Stage 3

Year 7

In year 7, students merge their language skills and their literature experiences through exploration of the ‘superhero’ genre. Studying both a book and a play, pupils learn how to engage in and appreciate learning; have pride in their work, and value the benefit of team and independent work. Grammatical principals laid in year 6 are extended, allowing pupils the power to better use their reading, writing and communication capabilities. Throughout the year, pupils use their extended literacy talents to analyse and enjoy poetry. As well as recognising how different texts relate to each other, for example, poetry and songs, pupils will try writing for different purposes. Accordingly, they will study and create letters, speeches, adverts and comic strips, bringing different types of writing to life. Regular assessments will help pupils become more comfortable with the exam process, leading to qualifications such as GCSEs.

Year 8

In year 8, students work on developing talents learnt in year 7. The foundation skills are enhanced through exploring the love of literature encouraged in earlier years, and by investigating different literary forms. More challenging texts are considered: ‘Frankenstein, the Play’; ‘Matilda’ by Roald Dahl and ‘Relationships: nature or nurture?’ a poetry collection. Analytical skills are developed, as well as an ability to contextualise, historically and socially, how a text is, or was, presented and received. Links with other subjects such as science (Frankenstein) and PSHE (Relationships: nature or nurture) allow students to bring, and connect, their existing knowledge to their English literature studies. Creative writing ‘in the style of …’, permits pupils to experiment with ‘one sentence horror stories’, ‘Dahlesque humour’ and poetry based on relationships. More advanced literary techniques will be introduced, pupils will have the opportunity to practise using them in their work. Throughout year 8, pupils will be positively encouraged to polish the essential life skills of speaking, listening and communicating.

Year 9

Year 9 Pupils will have explored a love of literature and will now start to focus on developing that interest. They will begin to look closely at literary texts as social commentaries, learning how to show an understanding of the author’s intent. Comparative studies will be also be introduced, allowing for differences and similarities to be identified between texts, as well as giving opportunity for cross-curriculum links to be made. British Values revolving around democracy, laws, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs will be imbedded in the pupils learning through a study of ‘An Inspector calls’, ‘Face’ and ‘Poetry of London’. The production of GSCE-style essays based on the GSCE text ‘An Inspector calls’ will be something students will be encouraged to aspire to. Pupils developing vocabulary, higher level punctuation and grammatical skills will manifest themselves in their work as they practise tackling exam-style questions, and indeed practice papers, on both language and literature examinations.

Key Stage 4

Functional Skills in English (AQA examination board)

For year 10 and 11 students the additional qualification route of Functional Skills at Level 1 and 2 exists. The Reformed Functional Skills course of study gives students practical skills for the modern world and helps them get the most from life, learning and work. This specification aims to ensure students have good communication skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening. It assesses whether students can use these skills in everyday situations. Although Functional Skills is an accredited qualification in English, it can also be taught in preparation for GCSE, ensuring that pupils who aspire to aim higher are taught the same skills and technique necessary for GCSE examination. A pass at Level 1 in year 10, may boost the confidence of a student who otherwise may have not considered GCSE a realistic option. As an SEMH school, we are very much aware of the social and emotional pressures our students experience when it comes to ‘exam time’.

GCSE Language (and optional Literature) AQA examination board

English Language

During Key Stage 4, lessons and material studied will continue to be inspire and motivate pupils. Although, they will be stretched and challenged accordingly, measures will be put in place to ensure GCSE examinations are accessible to them. The foundations laid across Key stage 2 and 3, as well as possible accreditation in Functional Skills, will have prepared pupils for the transition to this phase of their studies. In year 10 students will continue to develop their literacy skills and techniques. Spelling, punctuation and grammar skills will be a focus, with a view to perfecting their reading, writing and communication talents. Pupils who have studied the GCSE English Literature texts will benefit from having developed transferable skills (those than can be used in both subjects). These include the ability to read and write creative pieces and to recognise, and write from, a range of different viewpoints and perspectives.

English Literature (Optional)

The two-year English Literature course of study, leading to GCSE qualification, require students to study a 19th century novel (‘Frankenstein’), A Play by Shakespeare (‘Macbeth’), and A modern play (‘An Inspector Calls’). The foundations laid in year 9 will now be consolidated and synthesised. In year ten Frankenstein the novel, and Macbeth will be covered. By year 11, a revision of ‘An Inspector Calls’ will permit pupils to strengthen their analytical skills. The term before the examination students will consider a poetry anthology (‘Power and Conflict’) and will work on various poems in order to show comprehension, offer opinions and analyse for both meaning and context.