Curriculum

English

The study of English is essential, not only in terms of helping individuals make sense of who they are, but also in terms of learning how to communicate successfully with the world. English Literature teaches a great deal about life, history and society and fosters tolerance and understanding, which is a vital part of a balanced education.

Reading, spoken language and writing are the cornerstones of success and we aim to equip our pupils with the skills to read critically, confidently and for pleasure; to be articulate in their spoken language; and to write effectively with style and accuracy for a wide range of purposes and audiences.

Drama enriches the school’s curriculum by developing pupil abilities to work collaboratively with others, devise and work on scripts, present in any given circumstance, refine performance skills, analyse and evaluate work and develop independent thinking. Drama allows students to become well-rounded individuals and build empathy and confidence. It is important in everyday life and in many forms of employment.

Curriculum Overview – Key Stage 3
Year 7 Year 8 Year 9
  • Gothic Genre:  Edgar Allen Poe and short stories by other writers
  • Introduction to poetry and thematic cluster (Pre and Post 1914): Parents and child relationship with linked non-fiction
  • Realist Genre: A village by the Sea – by Anita Desai (Modern Fiction)
  • Non-Fiction: Campaigning for a cause. Writing to inform, persuade and argue
  • Modern Drama: Face by Benjamin Zephaniah
  • Introduction to Shakespeare and Shakespearean comedy – Much Ado about Nothing
  • Detective Genre/ Mystery and crime: Sherlock Holmes and The Speckled Band’ by Arthur Conan Doyle (Pre 1914)
  • Experience of childhood: Fiction and non-fiction (Charles Dickens and Bronte’s) Non – Fiction biography and autobiography – extracts different cultures and times. (Pre and Post 1914)
  • Dystopian Genre: Animal Farm by George Orwell
  • Pre and post 1914 Poetry thematic cluster: Identity with linked non-fiction
  • Non-Fiction: Travel writing (Reading and writing)
  • Shakespeare Play: Historical Tragedy – Julius Ceasar
  • Social Realism Genre: Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (Modern Fiction)
  • The study of language
  • Print Media (tabloids and broadsheet)
  • War Poetry Cluster
  • Modern drama: Kes – by Barry Haines
  • Shakespeare Play: Romeo and Juliet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Curriculum Overview – Key Stage 4
Year 10 Year 11
  • Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing: Language Paper 1
  • Power and Conflict Poetry: Power and Conflict Poetry Anthology
  • 19th century Novel: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
  • Shakespeare Play: Macbeth
  • Shakespeare Play: Macbeth
  • Writer’s Viewpoints and Perspectives: Language Paper 2
  • 20th Century Drama: An Inspector Calls by J.B Priestley
  • Language Paper 1 and 2 Revision
  • Literature Paper 1 and 2 Revision

 

Drama

Through drama we aim to help pupils to explore the world around them and to ignite their creativity and passion and interest for the subject. Drama builds confidence, creativity, and empathy for other thoughts and feelings. It places students in situations where they have to problem solve and think about information from different points of view.

Drama is delivered through the English Curriculum and opportunities outside of the classroom. Students study both Shakespeare and modern drama in KS3 and KS4. Through drama club students are given opportunities outside the classroom to explore texts, spaces and creative ways of presenting and staging performances.

Assessment

Internal assessments take place every half-term.

KS4 Exam Board Specifications: AQA GCSE English Language (8700) and AQA GCSE English Literature (8702)

Enrichment Offer

The Department offers a Drama club and organises a range of educational visits throughout the year. Pupils are able to take part in school-wide competitions, as well as representing the Academy in local and national competitions designed to increase their engagement and enhance their subject knowledge. Intervention sessions to consolidate prior learning and ensure maximum progress are at the heart of our delivery model.

Careers

English can be split into English language (looking in detail at the structure of language) and English literature, looking in detail at texts form books, plays and poetry. It is useful for all jobs as it helps you develop important analysis and written communication skills. Most employers always say they want people with good English skills. If you enjoy English you could use your creative and analytical skills to work in a huge range of different career areas.

If you are interested in the Arts and like reading, media, the theatre or events, there are lots of opportunities in broadcasting, publishing and arts management. If you like debating and putting together persuasive arguments you may enjoy law, politics and government or business roles. English combines well with all subjects. Below is a list of career linked to the study of English:

Journalist, Copywriter, Teacher, Marketing executive, Editor, Museum curator, Freelance writer, Librarian, Publisher, Web editor, Author, Social media manager and PR manager.

This list isn’t exhaustive; there are numerous other careers in fields where strong communication and written English skills are top priorities. For example within sectors such as media, advertising, law, retail and leisure.

Examples of Careers related to the study of Drama:
Actor, Comedian, Dramatic artist, Extra, Live theatre, Commercials, Radio, Voice-over artist, Drama/theatre critic, Playwright, Puppeteer, Screenwriter, Singer, Broadcast technician, Costume designer, Lighting designer, Special effects artist, Stage director, Marketing and Touring manager.