English Language and English Literature
Through literature writers explore the timelessness of human emotions.’
As English teachers we seek to enthuse students with a lifelong love of language and literature; to inspire them to express themselves fluently and prepare them to become confident, articulate members of society.
We provide an enriching aesthetic experience by offering a broad, balanced, and relevant curriculum in which differentiation is possible, and progression and continuity discernible. From year 7 onwards students are introduced to texts from the canon in addition to writers from the 20th and 21st centuries to provide both breadth and a rich and diverse cultural experience.
The following skills underpin students’ ability to access, enjoy and respond to the texts that are studied:
- read, understand, enjoy, and respond to a wide range of texts
- appreciate the ways in which writers achieve their effects
- construct and convey meaning in written and spoken language using appropriate grammar and Standard English where appropriate, matching style and form to audience and purpose
- critique their own work and work by others in a constructive and thoughtful manner
- appreciate the linguistic and cultural diversity of society through the range of literature selected for study
- understand the spoken word and develop their capacity to participate effectively in a variety of speaking and listening activities, matching style and response to audience and purpose
- articulate experience and express what they feel and imagine
- understand, order and present facts, ideas and opinions
- recognise implicit as well as explicit meanings
- write fluently and legibly, presenting their finished work appropriately, clearly and attractively.
We measure success by reference to a wide range of criteria.
These include the following:
- enthusiasm for the subject
- intrinsic pleasure in words
- familiarity with works of literature
- compulsion to read widely and a willingness to share this enjoyment with others
- increased self-confidence in articulating taste and opinion
- sense of achievement from fulfilling tasks
- self-esteem based on increased knowledge and skills
- students’ high expectations
- fulfilment of students’ intellectual potential
- successfully meeting the relevant marking criteria.
Learning Journey for English. This breaks down what will be learnt in each year group in a clear and concise format. The learning journeys are a work in progress and will be updated throughout the year.
Please find below the full details of the course in our: English Curriculum and Assessment booklet