Our English curriculum develops students into critical, independent readers who are confident, creative communicators. We engender a sense of enthusiasm around academic study of literature and, through this, we provide students with the opportunities to learn about different times, different cultures, different beliefs and themselves.
All students
- Make connections between texts and the contexts that they were written in
We place importance on the teaching of context around the texts that our students learn. Every student has the historical, cultural and social knowledge to effectively understand texts in their context.
- Have access to a broad and diverse selection of literature texts
We review and improve our curriculum to ensure that it is diverse and broad. This means that students read about a range of experiences and ideas and see writers and readers as diverse and relevant to their lives.
Through the reading curriculum, students are exposed to an even broader range of texts that cover a range of literary genres and styles.
- Develop original, critical thought around literature
All students are encouraged to develop their own critical eye when it comes to literature. This is developed through rich discussion, modelling of interpretation, use of critical theory and relentless questioning.
- Express themselves confidently and creatively
Through discussion and writing, students engage with the world and the issues around them. We ensure that their persuasive and discursive writing reflects issues that they encounter in the real world so that they are empowered to comment on and change their environment.
- Develop a love of reading
Through timetabled reading lessons at KS3, students enjoy reading guided by their reading teacher. The reading curriculum is created to provide students with enjoyable and rich reading opportunities and discussions around stories and non-fiction.