English

Our Aims & Objectives

The aims and objectives of the English Department complement those of the school but are, by their nature, more particular and selective.

Our Aims

To ensure that all pupils have a broad and balanced curriculum.
To ensure that all pupils have a programme which progresses from Year 7 to Year 11.
To enable each pupil to achieve his/her potential in English.
To give pupils good experiences of learning so that they enjoy their work.

Our Objectives

To provide an English Curriculum which delivers the National Curriculum at both key stages.
To provide a diverse range of experiences in English and English Literature.
To select leaning experiences which build on pupils’ previous work and present knowledge and understanding.
To provide specific opportunities for pupils to take responsibility for their own learning.
To help pupils succeed.
To make learning interesting and rewarding.

The school has a responsibility to provide a broad and balanced curriculum for all pupils. There are three principles which are essential to developing a more inclusive curriculum:

Setting suitable learning challenges.
Responding to pupils’ diverse learning needs.
Overcoming whole school and subject specific barriers to learning and assessment for both individuals and groups.

Term	Topic & Reading Focus	Learning Objectives	Key Writing Assessments (Best Work Books)
Autumn Term	Inter-House Speaking Competition: “The Person I Admire Most” Reading and Writing Exams Vernon B and STAR Reading Tests (September)		Speech Write up a final draft
Autumn Term	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	Begin to understand genre conventions and the link to structure and impact on the reader Understand the conventions descriptive and non-fiction writing forms Comment on how the writer uses language to create a character	1. Summary A book report, newspaper report or diary entry 2. Description Original writing (atmosphere and setting)
Spring Term	Myths and Legends including: Beowulf or Sir Gowain and the Green Knight by Michael Morpurgo A selection of Greek Myths and Legends	Develop descriptive and narrative techniques, including sentence construction and punctuation for effect Create interesting, imaginative and thoughtful texts Experiment with ambitious choices of language	3. Narrative A short story or the opening to an original myth or legend
Spring Term	Poetry Anthology including: Poetry by Heart / Slam Poetry Writing original poems Poetry by: Benjamin Zephaniah, Simon Armitage, Dylan Thomas and Robert Frost	Engage with reading, writing and performing poetry Read for meaning, using inference and deductuion Develop comparison skills Experiment with vocabulary, form and structure in original writing	4. Comparison Compare two poems
Summer Term	Internal Exam Preparation: Reading comprehension Exam and Writing Exam Vernon B and STAR Reading Tests (June)	(Link to Off on Holiday scheme – see overview)
Summer Term	Off on Holiday including: A comedy script Extracts from My Family and Other Animals, Swallows and Amozons, The Famous Five	Develop use of layout, content and language techniques for a specific audience and purpose Develop self-conscious crafting of structure and vocabulary for effect Read for meaning and summarise understanding Comment on the effect of lanuage and structure of a piece of writing	5. EvaluationComparison A letter of complaint, using persuasive techniques 6. Explanation A non-chronological report or promotional leaflet on a destination

Term	Topic & Reading Focus	Learning Objectives	Key Writing Assessments (Best Work Books)
Autumn Term	Language Investigations: Where does language come from? Text links: Beowulf (translated by Seamus Heaney) The Canterbury Tales by Chaucer Extracts from biographies and autobiographies	Develop an understanding of how language w2orks, including spelling, grammar and word class Gain a sense of cultural understanding and the English literary heritage Understand the conventions of non-fiction writing, adapting language to suit the form and purpose	1. Explanation Write to inform – a report on an aspect of language (e.g. The French Invasion) or a biography of a key figure (e.g. Chaucer)
Spring 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 Understand the conventions of non-fiction writing, adapting language to suit the form and purpose	2. Summary A newspaper report or diary entry based on the plot or character of the play 3. Evaluation An essay on a character or writer’s methods
Summer Term	Literary Shorts Including: The Open Windows by Saki (1914 The Gulf by Geraldine McCaughrean (1999) The Lawyer and the Ghost The Signal-Man by Charles Dickens Other shorts from EMCs Anthology (such as The Flowers by Alice Walker) Internal Exam Preparation: Reading Comprehension Exam and Writing Exam Vernon B and STAR Reading Tests (June)	Read for meaning, using inference and deduction skills Extend comparison skills Consolidate self-conscious crafting of structure and vocabulary for effect Experiment with narrative techniques, including using sentences and punctuation for effect Comment on the language and structure of a story	4. Narrative A newspaper report or diary entry based on the plot or character of the play 5. Comparison An essay to compare two short stories
Summer Term	Detective Fiction Including: The Murder in the Rue Morgue by Edgar Allen Poe The adventures of Sherlock Holmes (e.g. The Speckled Band) or The Hound of the Basvilles by Arthur Conan Doyle The Listerdale Mystery by Agatha Christie The Landlady by Roald Dahl	Comment on the effect of language and structure of a piece of writing Consolidate understanding of the conventions of genre Develop inference, deduction and analysis skills Develop descriptive techniques, crafting for imaginative effect	6. Description An original piece of writing focusing on setting and atmosphere

Term	Topic & Reading Focus	Learning Objectives	Key Writing Assessments (Best Work Books)
Autumn Term	The Gothic Choice of: The Woman in Black by Susan Hill (Abbriated version available) The Mist on the Mirror by Susan Hill Gothic Short Stories (The Red Room by HG Wells, The Landlady) Dracula by Bram Stoker The Price by Neil Gaiman Frankenstein by Mary Shelley	Consolidate understanding of the conventions of genre and writing for a specific genre Read and comment on the effect of language, structure Comment on how the writer uses language to create a character Use a range of creative features to shape and craft writing for effect	1. Explanation A report on the conventions or ingredients of the Gothic genre 2. Narrative An original Gothic short story or story opening
Spring Term	The War Unit Who’s for the Game? by Jesse Pope and Dulce et Decorum Est by Wilfred Owen Additional WW1 poets: Siefried Sassoon Isaac Rosenberg Patricia McCarthy Rupert Brooke Winifred M Letts Additional modern conflict poets: Ciaran Carson Stevie Smith Simon Armitage Internal exam prepartaion: Reading Comprehension Exam and Writing Exam	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	3. Summary A newspaper report or diary entry 2. Comparison An essay to compare two poems
Summer Term	Seminal World Literature A choice of: To kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee or Mice of Men by John Steinbeck Vernon B and STAR Reading Tests	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…?)
Summer Term	Modern Political Literature A choice of: My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time Cirque do Freak or Animal Farm Links to: Out of the Blue by Simon Armitage	Read for meaning 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	6. Description An original piece of writing inspired by a line of poetry or a line from a novel

Term		Year 11
Summer		Class teacher to set task on Shakespeare
Autumn	Half-term 1	The Modern Play: An Inspector Calls or Blood Brothers
Autumn	Half-term 2	Language Paper 1: Reading Literacy Non-Fiction Scheme being completed 2016 by LKH & CLE Key focus: Structure Aspects of Narrative Mock Exams Language Paper 1: Reading Only Literature: The Modern Play & Shakespeare
Spring	Half-term 1	Speaking & Listening NEA – tbc by 31st January (including filming) Language Paper 2: Writing to argue/persuade Scheme being completed 2016 by EMR
Spring	Half-term 2	Revision: The 19th Century Novel Shakespeare Poetry: Conflict & Power Unseen Poetry
Summer	Half-term 1	Revision: The Modern Play Language Paper 1 Language Paper 2
Summer	Half-term 2	EXAMS begin May 22nd (English Literature Paper 1)

Term		Year 10	Year 11
Summer		The 19th Century Novel Project – Research & Pre-Reading	Class teacher to set task on Shakespeare
Autumn	Half-term 1	Language Paper 1: Reading Fiction Scheme being completed June 2016 LKH/CLE Key focus: Characters Aspects of Narrative Text link: Dangerouse Places Poetry Set 1: Nature and Power Ozymandius The Prelude London	The Modern Play: An Inspector Calls or Blood Brothers
Autumn	Half-term 2	Poetry Link: London The 19th Century Novel: Great Expectations or A Christmas Carol	Language Paper 2: Reading Literacy Non-Fiction Key focus: Comparison Writer’s methods Mock Exams Language Paper 2: Reading Only Literature: The Modern Play & Shakespeare
Spring	Half-term 1	Poetry Set 2: The Reality of War Charge of the Ligh Brigade Exposure Bayonet Charge	Speaking & Listening NEA – tbc by 31st January (including filming) Language Paper 2: Writing to argue/persuade Scheme being completed 2016 by EMR
Spring	Half-term 2	Text link: Descriptive writing – experiences of ware Language Paper 1: Writing to Describe Poetry Set 3: The (Psychological) Effects of Conflict Kamikaze Poppies War Photographer Remains Link: Jane Weir Visit	Revision: The 19th Century Novel Shakespeare Poetry: Conflict & Power Unseen Poetry
Summer	Half-term 1	Poetry Link: Guilt Shakespeare: Much Ado About Nothing or Macbeth	Revision: Language Paper 1 Language Paper 2 The Modern Play
Summer	Half-term 2	Mock Exams Language Paper 1: Reading & Writing Literature: The 19th Century Novel Poetry Set 4: Power & Society My Last Duchess Tissue Emigree Checking out me History Storm on the Island Text link: Making a Stand(Lead in to Paper 2)	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

English Department Staff

Ms C Lewis - Associate Assistant Headteacher, Head of Curriculum Area
Mrs A Sharman - Acting Head of Curriculum Area
Ms S Meredith - Assistant Head of Curriculum Area
Ms M Allen-Gurr - Teacher of English & KS3 Co-ordinator
Ms K Batten - Teacher of English
Miss K Barber - Teacher of English
Miss K Barker - Teacher of English
Mrs C Brennan - Teacher of English & Media
Miss B Brown - Teacher of English & Head of Year 7
Mr N Hartshorn - Teacher of English
Miss E Kavanagh - Teacher of English & Head of Media Studies
Miss J May - Teacher of English
Mr J Mottram - Teacher of English, Head of Year 10/Head of Audley House
Mr L Mulhern - Teacher of English
Mrs A Nash - Teacher of English

English

Our Aims & Objectives

Our Aims

Our Objectives

Key Stage 3 Overviews

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Key Stage 4 Overviews

GCSE (9-1) Year 11 2016-2017 Only

GCSE (9-1)

Key Stage 5 Overviews

A Level English Language

A Level English Literature

A Level English Language/Literature