Intent

 To foster curious readers, eloquent speakers and critical writers

1. We read to know we are not alone. — C.S. Lewis

YEAR 7

In Year 7, we ask students to question: Why English? The Year 7 curriculum is designed to follow the foundations learned at primary school and encourage them to consider the purpose of English, as well what opportunities the subject provides. Students are introduced to a wider range of literary, non-fiction, Shakespeare and poetry texts in order to inspire and develop reading, writing, oracy skills. We seek to inspire students who can think critically about what they are learning and the world around them, preparing them for further development of these skills in Year 8.

Students in X4 and Y4 also receive additional intervention via the ‘Hackney Lit’ program which is external to lessons in order to accelerate their basic literacy skills development.

To develop Level 2 vocabulary (high frequency / multiple meaning words), students are set 2 lessons a week on Bedrock, an online vocabulary and grammar platform that tailors lessons to students for maximum impact.

YEAR 8

In Year 8, students are asked to consider: How does English shape my identity? The Year 8 curriculum consciously builds on the skills and knowledge gained in Year 7, seeking to consolidate this and enable students to better apply their learning to a range of topics. The sequence of topics aims to balance non-fiction and literary texts, including Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’, War Poetry, Oliver Twist and autobiographies surrounding influential individuals include Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Students will apply contextual knowledge to develop whole text analysis, and use their analysis to improve their own writing skills. As a result of the content learned in Year 8, students accumulate a range of knowledge and skills that act as a stepping-stone towards more challenging texts in Year 9.

Students in X4 and Y4 also receive additional intervention via the ‘Hackney Lit’ program which is external to lessons in order to accelerate their basic literacy skills development.

To develop Level 2 vocabulary (high frequency / multiple meaning words), students are set 2 lessons a week on Bedrock, an online vocabulary and grammar platform that tailors lessons to students for maximum impact.

YEAR 9

In Year 9, students are asked to consider how English helps us navigate the outside world. Based on the foundations of Year 7 and 8, the Year 9 curriculum is designed to refine the skills and knowledge that enables students to access and critically explore a variety of texts, as well as communicate effectively via written and spoken methods. Students are immediately challenged by Shakespeare (‘The Merchant of Venice’) during the Autumn Term; followed by ‘The Crucible’ in Spring 1; Religious Poetry in Spring 2; and Pigeon English in the Summer Term.

A select number of students also benefit from additional curriculum support time, which alternates between boosting literacy skills and foundational knowledge, and supporting main class topics.

To develop Level 2 vocabulary (high frequency / multiple meaning words), students are set 2 lessons a week on Bedrock, an online vocabulary and grammar platform that tailors lessons to students for maximum impact.

YEAR 10

Within Year 10, students will be introduced to a variety of AQA English Literature GCSE texts that explore 19^th century fiction, Shakespearean tragedies, 20^th century plays, in addition to the Power and Conflict poetry anthology. In addition, students will being their preparation for their AQA English Language GCSE, and also complete a Spoken Language assessment prior to the end of summer. Focusing on literary texts first, we aim to revise and refine key knowledge and skills. With increased interleaving of topics within lessons we aim to develop retention of key knowledge and concepts.

AQA English Literature texts include: 'Macbeth', ‘A Christmas Carol’, 'An Inspector Calls' and the AQA Poetry Anthology - Power and Conflict.

A small number of students benefit from additional curriculum support time which alternates between boosting basic skills, supporting main class topics and following the AQA Functional Skills program.

YEAR 11

This year will focus on preparing our Year 11 students for their English Language and English Literature GCSEs. Focusing on literary texts first, we aim to revise and refine key knowledge and skills. This is embedded alongside Language study, and through deliberate sequencing and interleaving of concepts, we aim to improve retention of key knowledge across the entire GCSE curriculum. By using a differentiated approach, students are well prepared for their end of Year exams in the summer term.

All students are entered for GCSE English Language and English Literature exams.

A-LEVEL ENGLISH LITERATURE

Our A Level English Literature qualification encourages students to develop their interest in and enjoyment of a broad range of English literature. Students apply their knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation to engage critically and creatively with both set texts and others of their own choosing. Students will study pre-1900 drama and poetry, Dystopian Literature, Shakespeare and produce two pieces of coursework consisting of a close-reading essay and a comparative essay.

A-LEVEL ENGLISH LANGUAGE

Through the English Language A Level course (OCR) we seek to provide our students with a deep knowledge of how the English language works and encourage them to engage creatively with areas of topical debate. Students will explore language in use in various contexts and will carry out an independent investigation in an area of particular interest to them from the Summer of Y12 through Y13 which allows students to pursue more detailed work in a field of particular personal interest therefore offering excellent preparation for study at University level. Whilst the course provides continuity from GCSE English there are also many new areas of study including: Language Change, Language and Technology, Language in the Media, Language and Power, Language and Gender, Children’s Language Acquisition and exploring the range of frameworks (building blocks) of language.

CAREERS IN ENGLISH

For information on careers in English please see the below document:

Careers in English

CONTACT US

For further information regarding English please contact the following:

• Mrs Rebecca Cumming (Head of English) - r.cumming@st-josephs.slough.sch.uk
• Miss Lou-Mari Basson (Second in Charge of the English Department) - l.basson@st-josephs.slough.sch.uk