Our aim is to engage pupils with their rich literary heritage.  Our thematic curriculum allows pupils to explore a wide range of vibrant texts, both canonical and modern, and from a diverse range of writers.  We develop pupils’ awareness of global and local issues and embed an understanding of their own heritage through local cultural capital in our curriculum.  We create opportunities for self-expression through writing and help pupils to develop their individual voices and imaginations.  We prepare our pupils for life beyond the classroom by teaching functional literacy so that they can write clearly, fluently and accurately.  We develop the skills of life-long verbal communication through a range of speaking and listening activities, which build confidence and help pupils to articulate themselves with clarity and expression.

Every half-term pupils study literature and language on a different theme. Within each theme, pupils may study a variety of poetry, drama, prose and non-fiction texts as well as writing for audience and purpose.  Work will be assessed in one of the following ways:

• extract analysis
• extended writing (either narrative/descriptive or transactional)
• text comparison
• written evaluation

Each scheme of learning embeds all of the assessment objectives for the AQA GCSE language paper.  Within each half-term, one skill will have a discrete focus, however all assessment objectives will also be covered holistically.  In Year 9, pupils will have the opportunity to gain an AQA accredited qualification in English (Step Up to English Silver or Gold) and then the majority of pupils at KS4 will progress to the AQA English Language GCSE with some continuing the Entry Level route.