English

English is a key curriculum subject and our inspiring thematic curriculum aims to encourage a love of reading, creativity with language use and a fascination for words and communication in all forms!

Each term will focus on developing specific speaking and listening, reading and writing skill sets linked by a common theme and drawing on fiction and non-fiction writing across the ages. The skill sets are based on the requirements for GCSE learning and build term by term, to ensure students are ready for the full rigor of these by the time they reach Year 10.

COURSE CONTENT

Texts are varied, engaging and challenging, with Year 9 students studying the following:

Term 1

● Science Fiction ● War poetry

Term 1

● Romeo and Juliet ● Our changing world - Non Fiction

Term 3

● American Literature ● Blood Brothers

SKILLS DEVELOPED

● The ability to read and make connections across a wide range of literature and non-fiction, analysing and evaluating a writer’s choices of language and structure. ● Use of a wide ranging vocabulary, along with accurate and effective standard English to produce their own transactional and creative writing pieces for specific audiences and purposes. ● The ability to speak confidently and effectively in a range of contexts, including small group and whole class discussions and debates, presentations and dramatic roles. ● An enquiring mind and keen interest in exploring a range of ideas, meanings and opinions as well as the will to persevere with more challenging texts and mastering skills over time!

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Please click here to view the English 5 Year Learning Journey. Full resourcing for lessons and homework will be provided by the department. Students should supplement this with their daily wider and independent reading.

SETTING

Students will be broadly grouped according to ability in English.

ASSESSMENTS

As a skills based subject, our focus is on continually improving a wide range of linked skills across each term, rather than learning separate sets of content each time. We encourage students and parents to see all assessments as an opportunity to identify how they will improve further with the next theme.