English

Setting Information for Parents and Guardians

Students study 8 hours per fortnight of English in Key Stage 3. To provide a broad, balanced curriculum and learning experience, these 8 hours are divided into:

1 Library lesson (timetabled in the library) to encourage independent reading and engagement with Accelerated Reader quizzes
1 Class Reader lesson (new in September 2018) to improve reading stamina, offer a rewarding and creative study of literature and challenge students
6 lessons following the schemes of work below to develop the skills and knowledge needed for GCSE
NB Those classes identified as needing extra literacy support may have 1 Lexia lesson as well: Lexia Strategies is a computer programme which targets individual student’s literacy needs and provides personalised intervention

The overviews of our schemes of work outline the diverse skills that we aim to develop over Key Stage 3 and help each student achieve their potential. At least 4 times over the year, students will complete an assessment piece of work in their Progress Books that is graded on a flight path for progress for GCSE. Although we can no longer provide ‘Working At’ grades for Key Stage 3, these assessments allow us to see whether a student is on track, exceeding expectations or working below their GCSE target (based on their Key Stage 2 results). These assessments are then used to inform the ‘Blue Card’ data that is reported to parents.

The new GCSE curriculum (first exams in June 2017) requires students to engage with material (in both English Language and English Literature) that is both challenging and complex. Our aim is to ensure students have the necessary Reading Age and skills to achieve their potential in these exams. Therefore, we recommend that students:

Read for 20 minutes a day
Read the whole book – and don’t just dip in and out of books
Choose books that are of a suitable level – challenging, yet appropriate to Reading Age
Read a variety of genres, styles and authors
Quiz at least once a fortnight
Use the Recommended Reading lists on this page and in the library to guide book choices
Keep a Reading Journal to track plot, characters and other information

Useful Links

Half Term 3: Home Learning Projects – Creative task based on Class Reader

Term	Topic & Reading Focus	Learning Objectives	Key Writing Assessments (Best Work Books)
Autumn Term	Introduction to English: Storytelling The Umbrella Man by Roald Dahl Initial STAR Reading Age Test	Develop descriptive and narrative techniques, including using sentence construction and punctuation for effect Create interesting, imaginative and thoughtful texts	1. Narrative A short story or the ending to a story provided Baseline writing assessment
	Ancient Myths and Legends A selection of ancient myths and legends Reading comprehension on the description of Grendel A choice of Beowulf or Sir Gawain and the Green Knight by Michael Morpurgo	Read for meaning, using inference and deduction, and summarise understanding Comment on the effect of language and structure on the reader Support opinions with relevant quotations and explain inferred meanings	2. Explanation Write an essay on tension or structure in one of the texts studied
	Inter-House Speaking Competition (November)
	Modern Myths Class Reader Choice of texts such as: The Wind Singer, Artemis Fowl, The Wind Eye, The Kite Rider, Inkheart, Elidor,, The Spook’s Apprentice, The Gollum’s Eye
Spring Term	Half Term 3: Home Learning Projects – Creative task based on Class Reader
	Poetry Through The Ages A selection of poetry by:Benjamin Zephaniah, Simon Armitage, Dylan Thomas, Grace Nicholls, Robert Frost	Engage with reading, writing and performing poetry Experiment with vocabulary, form and structure in original writing Develop self-conscious crafting of structure and vocabulary for effect	3. Creative Writing and Summary Write a selection of original poems, then write a commentary to summarise your ideas

	The Great British Novel Including: Boy by Roald Dahl, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo, Goodnight Mr Tom Including Internal Exam Preparation	Begin to understand genre conventions and link to the impact on the reader Comment on the use of language and structure in a novel Develop an argument	4. Evaluation How far do you agree……? An opinion essay based on a character or aspect of the narrative
Summer Term	June: Reading Comprehension Exam (Language Paper 1) + Writing Exam (Descriptive or Narrative Writing) + STAR Reading Tests
	Travel Writing Including: Drama performances, a letter of complaint, brochures, post-cards, blogs and other non-fiction tasks, Extracts from Bryson’s Notes from a Small Island	Understand the conventions of non-fiction writing forms Develop use of language techniques for a specific task, audience and purpose	5. Internal Exams
	Off on Holiday Class Reader Choice of texts such as: My Family and Other Animals, The Famous Five, The Explorer by Katherine Rundell

Term	Topic & Reading Focus	Learning Objectives	Key Writing Assessments (Best Work Books)
Autumn Term	Pilgrimage Class Reader A choice of: Walkabout by James Vance, The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper and Floodland by Marcus Sedgwick
	Language Investigation: Where does language come from? A selection of poetry including: The Canterbury Tales by Chaucer Search for My Tongue by Sujata Bhatt Half-Caste by John Agard Six O’clock News by Tom Leonard	Develop an understanding of how language works, including spelling, grammar and word class Gain a sense of cultural understanding and the English literary heritage Offer a personal response and interpretation Develop an argument with evidence to support	1. Description Original writing on The Canterbury Tales: description of The Student or the journey to Canterbury 2. Evaluation How far do you agree…? Linked to language change and technology
	Half Term 2: Home Learning Projects – Time Capsule
Spring Term	Detective Genre Class Reader A choice of: The Ruby in the Smoke by Philp Pullman, The Murder in the Rue Morgue by Edgar Allen Poe, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes or The Sign of Four or The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle, And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie (NEW)
Spring Term	Literary Shorts At least two short stories from: The Open Window by Saki (1914), The Gulf by Geraldine McCaughrean (1999), The Lawyer and the Ghost, The Flowers by Alice Walker Other stories from EMC’s Anthology may also be studied Includes Internal Exam Preparation	Develop understanding of genre and convention Consolidate self-conscious crafting of structure and vocabulary for effect Experiment with narrative techniques, including using sentences and punctuation for effect Experiment with structure	3. Narrative An original short story which demonstrates the conventions of a specific fiction genre 4. Internal Exams
Summer Term	April: Reading Comprehension Exam (Language Paper 1) and Writing Exam (Descriptive Writing) + STAR Reading Tests (June)
Summer Term	Introduction to Shakespeare A choice of: Romeo and Juliet, The Tempest, Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night’s Dream	Read for meaning and summarise understanding Comment on the effect of language Comment on a variety of dramatic effects Offer a detailed response to a text, looking at the writer’s intentions and different interpretations Develop comparison skills	5. Comparison An essay to compare two characters, ideas or speeches

Term	Topic & Reading Focus	Learning Objectives	Key Writing Assessments (Best Work Books)
Autumn Term	The Gothic Genre At least two short Gothic Short Stories including: The Red Room by HG Wells, The Landlady by Roald Dahl, Dracula’s Guest by Bram Stoker, The Black Cat by Edgar Allen Poe, The Trial for Murder by Charles Dickens, Cause Unknown by Benjamin Hulme-Cross	Consolidate understanding of the conventions of genre and writing for a specific genre Read and comment on layers of meaning Use a range of creative features to shape and craft writing Experiment with narrative techniques, using language, punctuation and structure for effect	1. Narrative An original Gothic short story or story opening
Autumn Term	Gothic Class Reader A choice of: The Woman in Black (or abridged), The Mist on the Mirror, Frankenstein, Jekyll and Hyde, Kiss Kiss, Whispers in the Graveyard, The Watch House, Witch Child
Spring Term	The War Unit Range of non-fiction and literary non-fiction Four set poems (one to be examined on): Who’s for the Game? by Jesse Pope, Dulce et Decorum Est by Wilfred Owen, Suicide in the Trenches by Siegfried Sassoon, The Soldier by Rupert Brooke Additional poets may also be studied e.g. Isaac Rosenberg, Patricia McCarthy, Ciaran Carson, Stevie Smith, Owen Sheers	Read for meaning and summarise understanding Use terminology to explore the choices of language and structure made by writers Comment on the effect of language and structure Respond to and compare two texts, looking at the writer’s intentions and different interpretations	2.Internal Exams Speaking and Listening: Debate on Marine A A newspaper article or letter home from the trenches 3. Comparison An essay to compare two poems: Who’s For the Game? and Dulce et Decorum Est
	March: Internal Exams: STAR Reading Tests + Conflict Literature – one studied poem and one unseen poem + Non-Fiction Writing: A persuasive speech
	Conflict Class Reader A choice of: Anne Frank’s Diary, Heroes by Robert Cormier, The Machine Gunners, Carrie’s War
Summer Term	Political Class Reader A choice of: My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece, The Wave, Animal Farm, 1984, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Cirque du Freak, Noughts and Crosses, Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry, Out of Bounds
	Taking a Stand Selection of political speeches, literary non-fiction and poetry: Out of the Blue by Simon Armitage, The Right Word by Imitaz Dhakar, District 6	Develop an understanding of political, social and cultural contexts Identify and comment on the writer’s viewpoint and methods Show a controlled crafting of sentence types, punctuation and vocabulary for imaginative effect	4. Description An original piece of writing inspired by a line of poetry e.g. Out of the Blue
	GCSE Ready: Seminal World Literature A choice of: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee or Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck	Gain a sense of cultural and contextual understanding of a Modern American Novel Read for meaning, using inference and deduction skills Identify and comment on the writer’s viewpoint and methods Evaluate different interpretations of a text Craft a detailed and personal response to a text	5. Evaluation An opinion essay on the text (How far do you agree…?)
	Home Learning Project (half term 6) – Reading Project and reading log on Political and Social Novels – link to GCSE Term 1

Term		Year 10	Year 11	Year 11 Revision Focus
Summer Break		Political Protest – Reading List and Reading Log	19th Century Novel – Wider Reading
Autumn	Half-term 1	The Modern Play: An Inspector Calls Curriculum Enrichment Week: Writing and Performing NEA “Don’t get me started on…” Student’s voice their perspectives	Poetry Link: London (Revision) The 19th Century Novel: Great Expectations or A Christmas Carol	Shakespeare: Context, Themes, Characters, Quotes
Autumn	Half-term 2	Language Paper 1: Reading Creative Fiction Key focus: Character, setting, aspects of narrative, structure Poetry Set 1: Narrative My Last Duchess The Émigré Checking Out Me History Ozymandias	Language Paper 2: Reading Literary Non-Fiction Key focus: Comparison, Perspectives Mock Exams Language Paper 2 Literature Paper 1 (Shakespeare/Dickens)	Re-read: Shakespeare Poetry Sets 1 + 4 (Except London/Checking Out me History)
Spring	Half-term 1	Poetry Set 2: The Reality of War Charge of the Light Brigade Exposure Bayonet Charge Link to creative: Saving Private Ryan Language Paper 1: Writing Creative/writing to describe	Poetry Link: Checking Out Me History (Revision) Language Paper 2: Writing Non-fiction writing to argue/persuade Revision: Language Paper 1	Re-read: An Inspector Calls Poetry Sets 2 +3
Spring	Half-term 2	Poetry Set 3: Effects of Conflict Kamikaze Poppies War Photographer Remains Shakespeare: Much Ado About Nothing or Macbeth	Revision: An Inspector Calls Mock Exams Language Paper 1 Literature Paper 2	Re-read: Dickens Unseen Poetry
Summer	Half-term 1	Text Link: Guilt Shakespeare: Much Ado About Nothing or Macbeth Approaching Unseen Poetry	Revision: Dickens Shakespeare Language Paper
Summer	Half-term 2	Poetry Set 4: Power & Society Ozymandias (Revise) The Prelude London Tissue Storm on the Island Mock Exams Language Paper 1 Literature Paper 2	External EXAMS

Term		Year 11	Year 11 Revision Focus
Summer Break		Political Protest – Reading List and Reading Log
Autumn	Half-term 1	The Modern Play: An Inspector Calls	Unseen Poetry Poetry Set 2 – Reality of Conflict Poetry Set 3 – Effects of Conflict
Autumn	Half-term 2	Poetry Link to ‘perspectives’: Checking Out Me History and London Language Paper 2: Reading Literary Non-Fiction Key focus: Comparison, Perspectives Mock Exams Language Paper 2 Literature Paper 2 (Poetry + An Inspector Calls)	Re-reads: Dickens Poetry Sets 1 – Power Poetry Sets 4 – Perspectives
Spring	Half-term 1	Language Paper 2: Writing Non-fiction writing to argue/persuade Revision: Language Paper 1	Re-read: Shakespeare Dickens Revision – plot, character, context
Spring	Half-term 2	Revision: Shakespeare & Dickens Mock Exams Language Paper 1 Literature Paper 2 (Dickens/Shakespeare)	Re-read: An Inspector Calls Shakespeare Revision – plot, character, context
Summer	Half-term 1	Revision: An Inspector Calls Language Paper 2 Poetry Unseen Poetry
Summer	Half-term 2	External EXAMS

A-Level Language: AQA Language 7701/7702

Term	Year 12	Year 13
Summer	Reading – Terry Deary “Wicked Words” and Bill Bryson “Mother Tongue”	Wider Reading and collation of data for NEA
Autumn	Introduction to the study of language. Analysing texts – understanding how meaning is created in a variety of texts. Introduction to language varieties: regional and national variations and attitudes towards these.	Introduction to children’s language development. Develop work on non-exam assessment: language investigation. Non-exam assessment: original writing. Internal Mock Exams
Spring	Textual variations and representations. Language, the Individual and Society – language varieties: social groups, gender and occupational varieties.	Language Diversity and Change NEA Final Deadlines
Summer	Preparation for mock exams – revision. Internal Mock Exams Introduction to full A level – key topics and non-exam assessment component: investigation.	Revision of Year 12 topics Exam Preparation External A2 Exams: Paper 1 – Language and the Individual in Society Paper 2 – Language Diversity and Change

A-Level Literature: AQA Literature B

Term	Year 12	Year 13
Summer	Reading of ‘Tess of the D’Urbervilles’	Reading of independent poetry and prose texts for the NEA
Autumn	Introduction to the genre of ‘Tragedy’ Prose: ‘Tess of the D’Urbervilles’ by Thomas Hardy Pre-1900 Drama: Shakespeare’s Othello	Introduction to the genre of ‘Political and Social Protest Writing’ Unseen Texts (Section A) – Exam Preparation Prose: ‘The Kite Runner’ by Khaled Hosseini NEA Planning & Drafting Internal Mock Exams
Spring	Poetry: John Keats – Isabella, Lamia, The Eve of St Agnes, La Belle Dame Sans Merci Modern Drama: ‘Death of A Salesman’ by Arthur Miller	Drama: ‘A Doll’s House’ by Henrik Ibsen Poetry: Tony Harrison selection – v., Working, National Trust, Them & [uz], Marked with D NB – contains explicit language NEA Final Deadlines
Summer	Section C – Exam Preparation Internal Mock Exams Introduction to Critical Theory – AQA Critical Anthology (Feminism, Marxism, The Canon, Post-Colonialism) Setting questions and texts for the NEA	Revision of Y12 Texts Section C – Exam Preparation External A2 Exams: Paper 1A – Tragedy Paper 2B – Political & Social Protest Writing

A-Level Literature and Language AQA

Term	Year 12	Year 13
Summer	Reading of ‘A Handmaid’s Tale’	Reading of independent poetry, prose and non-fiction texts for the NEA. Reading ‘The Great Gatsby’
Autumn	Introduction to ‘Imagined Worlds’ Prose: ‘A Handmaid’s Tale’ by Margret Atwood Introduction to ‘Remembered Places’ AQA Anthology: Paris (particular emphasis on non-fiction and non-literary material).	Introduction to re-creative writing Prose: ‘The Great Gatsby’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald NEA Planning & Drafting Internal Mock Exams
Spring	Remembered Places continued. Poetic Voices: Carol Ann Duffy selection from the ‘Mean Time’ anthology.	Introduction to ‘Dramatic Encounters’ Play: ‘Othello’ by Shakespeare NEA Final Deadlines
Summer	Exam Preparation paper 1 Internal Mock Exams Introduction to ‘Writing about Society’ Setting questions and texts for the NEA	Revision of Y12 Texts Exam Preparation External A2 Exams: Paper 1 – Telling Stories Paper 2 – Exploring Conflict

Key Stage 3 Information

A Note on Reading

Key Stage 3 Overviews

Year 7 Overview

Year 8 Overview

Year 9 Overview

Key Stage 4 Overviews

9 to 1 GCSE Schedule – Starting September 2018

9 to 1 GCSE Schedule – Started September 2017

Key Stage 5 Overviews

A Level English Language

A Level English Literature

A Level English Language/Literature