English

The English curriculum is underpinned by the belief that every student is entitled to an ambitious, inclusive and high-quality English education, regardless of background or starting point. Equity of provision is central to curriculum design, ensuring that all pupils experience consistently high expectations, carefully designed resources and high-quality teaching in every English classroom.

The curriculum is carefully sequenced to develop students’ reading, writing, speaking and thinking skills progressively over time. At Key Stage 3, pupils study a rich and diverse range of texts, including modern prose, non-fiction, poetry and Shakespeare, building strong foundations in literacy, analysis and creative expression. This structured progression prepares students for the increasing academic rigour of Key Stage 4.

Across all key stages, the curriculum explicitly teaches the knowledge, skills and strategies required for confident communication and critical thinking. Consistency in curriculum design, teaching approaches and expectations ensures that all pupils receive the same high standard of education.

English plays a vital role in students’ academic success and personal development. By the time students leave school, they are articulate, empathetic and reflective individuals, equipped with the literacy skills, cultural understanding and confidence needed for further study, employment and active participation in society.

Year 7

7.1: Modern Prose – The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (Reading)
7.2: Fantasy Genre (Writing)
7.3: Non-fiction – I Am Malala (Reading)
7.4: Origins of Language – Myths, Tales and Legends (Writing)
7.5: Introduction to Shakespeare – The Tempest (Reading)
7.6: Shakespeare – The Tempest (Speaking & Listening)

Year 8

8.1: Pre-1900 Prose – Lord of the Flies (Reading) (Discontinued from next academic year)
8.2: Gothic Literature – 19th-Century Gothic (Writing)
8.3: Poetry – World War I Poetry (Reading)
8.4: Non-fiction and Rhetoric – Speech Writing (Writing)
8.5: Shakespeare – Much Ado About Nothing (Reading)
8.6: Shakespeare – Much Ado About Nothing (Speaking & Listening)

Year 9

9.1: Modern Prose – The Woman in Black (Reading)
9.2: Dystopian Literature (Writing)
9.3: Modern Prose – Lord of the Flies (Reading)
9.4: Argument and Persuasive Writing (Writing)
9.5: Shakespeare – Romeo and Juliet (Reading)
9.6: Poetry – Unseen Poetry (Reading & Speaking & Listening)

Year 10

10.1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing (Language Paper 1)
10.2: Modern Drama – An Inspector Calls (Literature Paper 2)
10.3: Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives (Language Paper 2)
10.4: Poetry Anthology and Unseen Poetry (Literature Paper 2)
10.5: Year 10 Mock Revision and Preparation (Language Paper 2 and Literature Paper 2)
10.6: Spoken Language Endorsement (Language)

Year 11

11.1: Shakespeare – Macbeth (Literature Paper 1)
11.2: Mock Revision & Preparation and 19th-Century Novel – A Christmas Carol (Literature Paper 1 and Language Paper 1)
11.3: Poetry Anthology – Completion and Revision (Literature Paper 2)
11.4: Mock Revision & Preparation (Language and Literature Paper 2)
11.5: Final Exam Revision (Language and Literature)
11.6: Final Examinations (Language and Literature)