English

Intent

Our English curriculum introduces students to some inspirational thinkers and writers who have expressed their ideas through the English language. By developing students’ knowledge and appreciation of how poetry, prose and drama have been used to express truth and beauty, to challenge societies’ prejudices and to explore questions that have concerned humans for centuries, we aim to develop our students’ ability to think critically and encourage their independent reading. They gain knowledge of writers from diverse backgrounds and cultures and the contexts within which the texts were produced so that they develop empathy and compassion. 

While learning from those who have come before us, and those who are publishing texts today, we develop students’ skills in reading so that they are able to decode texts confidently. We teach our students how to write accurately so that they can articulate their thoughts and ideas persuasively.  

We believe that speaking confidently is vital to students’ long-term success. We provide students with opportunities to practise speaking in formal and informal situations. In discussions, students are challenged to explore ideas and they are encouraged to appreciate different points of view. Our aim is to develop students' self-confidence so that they become articulate members of society. 

Our overarching aim is to ensure our students are confident and articulate communicators who contribute effectively to life in the modern world. 

How our subject contributes to personal development  

We introduce students to a wide range of texts that transport them to other places, time periods and cultures so that they learn more about themselves, others and the world around them. Our students develop empathy by seeing the world through the eyes of diverse authors and characters. They develop tolerance and respect for others by reading prose and poetry written by diverse voices, and they explore ideologies such as capitalism, socialism, communism and democracy through texts. 

Enrichment Opportunities and Wider Support 

• Book Club 

• KS3 Public Speaking competition, The Palmer Trophy 

• KS4 Public Speaking competition, Speak Out 

• KS3 Homework Club 

• KS4 Revision and Intervention Groups 

• Theatre trips to support key texts 

• Literacy Ambassadors  

• World Book Day and other reading events