English
Intent Statement
"Today a reader, tomorrow a leader"
Margaret Fuller
At St Andrew's, the English Department is committed to providing a stimulating and inclusive learning environment that fosters a deep appreciation for language, literature and critical thinking. Our curriculum intent is centred around the following key areas:
1. Adaptive Learning
We want learning to be fluid and consistently relevant to our students. This develops a schema for problem-solving that the students can draw upon when they encounter new academic challenges. Therefore, students should be able to use transferable skills confidently across topics that progress in challenge.
2. Cultural Capital
We believe in the power of literature to broaden students' perspectives and foster empathy. Our curriculum ensures that students are exposed to a wide range of texts from diverse cultures, backgrounds and perspectives. This exposure will encourage students to appreciate and embrace different voices and narratives.
3. Creative Contribution
We commit to encouraging original thought and personal contribution within curriculum time. This vehicle of exploration is vital for students to develop their own sense of belonging within the local community and wider society. As well as this, we will boost this provision with extra-curricular provision such as creative writing and debate club.
4. Ambitious Aspiration
Along with the school’s overall ethos, in English we will strive for high academic and social standards with expectations of success both within assessment and the general development of the self. Students will be consistently provided with opportunities to challenge themselves both within lessons and during extra-curricular time.
By embracing these key areas, we strive to equip our students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become lifelong learners, critical thinkers and effective communicators. Our curriculum encourages students to engage with the world around them, fostering their personal, social and intellectual growth.
Key stage 3
In Year 7, students will explore a wide range of captivating themes and texts that foster a love for reading and critical thinking. The year is themed around the power of storytelling and the aim is to spark joy within our students in relation to reading and writing. By investigating everything that English has to offer, from Myths and Legends to Investigating Mysteries, we hope our Year 7 students will enjoy their journey around the sphere of language and literature and feel more prepared for the challenges of Year 8.
In Year 8, students will explore a diverse range of themes and texts that foster critical thinking and continue their deep appreciation for literature. Here, we will build upon the foundational skills from Year 7 and begin to give students the tools to manipulate language for different purposes. From Animal Farm to Dystopian Literature, the students will have the chance to evaluate language and literature in more depth. As well as this, English begins to connect more clearly to the real world as we link in careers focused learning also.
In Year 9, our English curriculum centres around understanding identity. As well as this, as we look towards GCSE, students will become more independently able to create both creative and analytical pieces of writhing. From Ghost Boys to Blood Brothers, students will experience a range of literary canon vs modern texts to develop upon their knowledge of the subject from previous years. Ultimately, preparing them as much as possible for their journey into GCSE.
Key stage 4
In Year 10, students experience of English will be split clearly into separate GCSEs. These are GCSE Language and GCSE Literature. Along with these qualifications, students will also undertake a Spoken Language Component which further provides evidence for higher education/employers of their confidence in verbal communication. In GCSE Literature, themes such as social responsibility and morality are prevalent, encouraging students to see themselves as integral members of society. In GCSE Language, writing and comprehension skills are at the forefront of learning, ensuring students are able to take on unknown texts with confidence and determination.