Our English curriculum is designed to inspire a lifelong love of literature and language. We aim to develop articulate, thoughtful, and confident communicators who can engage critically with the world around them. Through a rich and diverse range of texts, students explore the power of language to shape identity, culture, and society.

Our curriculum is ambitious and inclusive, ensuring all students - regardless of background or starting point - develop the reading, writing, and oracy skills necessary for academic success and active citizenship. We foster creativity, empathy, and resilience through the study of canonical and contemporary literature, non-fiction, and media texts.

By the end of Key Stage 4, students will be able to:

• Read fluently and critically, interpreting layers of meaning and evaluating writers’ choices
• Write with accuracy, flair, and purpose across a range of forms and audiences
• Speak and listen with confidence, adapting their language to suit context and audience
• Appreciate the historical, cultural, and social contexts of literature and language

Our intent is to empower students with the literacy skills and cultural capital they need to thrive in further education, employment, and life.

Curriculum overview

Key Stage 3

Students build strong foundations in reading, writing, and oracy through a broad and balanced curriculum.

Year 7 topics:

• Introduction to Shakespeare (e.g. A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
• Myths, legends and storytelling
• Poetry comprehension
• Creative writing: narrative and descriptive
• Non-fiction: persuasive and informative texts

Year 8 topics:

• Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
• Modern novel study (e.g. The Bone Sparrow)
• Poetry comprehension
• Creative writing

Key Stage 4

Students follow the AQA GCSE English Language and English Literature specifications.

English Literature:

• A Shakespeare play (e.g. Romeo and Juliet or Macbeth)
• A 19th-century novel (e.g. A Christmas Carol or Jekyll and Hyde)
• A modern drama or novel (e.g. An Inspector Calls)
• A poetry anthology and unseen poetry

English Language:

• Reading and analysing fiction and non-fiction texts
• Writing creatively and for purpose (narrative, descriptive, argumentative)
• Spoken Language Endorsement (presentation and discussion skills)

Courses offered

• GCSE English Language
• GCSE English Literature

Enrichment opportunities

We offer a wide range of enrichment activities to deepen students’ engagement with literature and language and to celebrate creativity and communication. These include:

• Creative Writing Club: A space for students to write poetry, short stories, and scripts, with opportunities to enter local and national competitions
• Debating and public speaking: Training and events to develop oracy skills and confidence in formal speaking
• Theatre trips: Visits to see live performances of texts studied in class and contemporary productions
• Author visits and workshops: Opportunities to meet writers and explore the writing process
• World Book Day and literacy events: Celebrations of reading through themed activities, book swaps, and reading challenges

These experiences help students develop a love of language, broaden their cultural horizons, and build confidence in self-expression.