English

Intent 

The English curriculum aims to develop students’ literacy, analytical, creative, and critical thinking skills while fostering a lifelong appreciation of literature and language. Across Years 7–13, students engage with a broad range of texts—including classic, contemporary, and global literature, as well as media and non-fiction—building knowledge of genre, context, form, and style. 

Key aims across the stages: 

• Years 7–9 (KS3-MYP): Introduce literary history, explore identity, diversity, and human experience through genre and thematic studies. Develop reading fluency, comprehension, and creative expression through storytelling, performance poetry, and fiction writing. 
• Years 10–11 (KS4/GCSE): Prepare students for AQA English Language and Literature examinations. Students develop analytical and evaluative skills across prose, drama, poetry, and unseen texts, while refining exam technique, written communication, and spoken language skills. 
• Years 12–13 (KS5/IB SL & HL): Deepen literary and language analysis through complex texts, comparative study, and independent research. Students engage with a range of global, historical, and contemporary texts while preparing for the Individual Oral (IO) and final IB assessments. Focus is placed on critical interpretation, argumentation, and personal engagement with texts. 

Implementation

The curriculum is delivered through a sequenced and progressive approach, integrating reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. 

Key approaches: 

• Close reading and textual analysis to develop comprehension and critical thinking 
• Creative writing, performance, and media-based tasks to foster expression and engagement 
• Comparative and thematic study to understand context, genre, and perspective 
• Exam technique and practice in preparation for GCSE and IB assessments 
• Individual and collaborative learning, including presentations, discussions, and peer feedback 
• Scaffolded support and differentiation for SL and HL learners at IB level 
• Use of diverse media including novels, poetry, plays, short stories, film, and visual texts 

By stage: 

• Years 7–9 (KS3-MYP): Exploration of literary history, identity, diversity, genre (Shakespeare, fantasy, Gothic horror, dystopia), and storytelling techniques. Encouragement of personal expression through writing and performance. 
• Years 10–11 (KS4): Focused study of GCSE texts (e.g., Macbeth, A Christmas Carol, An Inspector Calls, Power and Conflict poetry), exam practice (Language Papers 1 & 2), and Spoken Language Endorsement. Students consolidate analytical and creative skills through discussion, writing, and revision. 
• Years 12–13 (KS5/IB): Engagement with SL/HL texts (Persepolis, 1984, A View from the Bridge, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, Death and the Maiden, Wide Sargasso Sea amongst others). Preparation for Individual Oral and final assessments, integrating literary, linguistic, and contextual analysis. Extended projects, comparative study, and guided independent study develop critical thinking and research skills. 

Impact

The English curriculum ensures that students: 

• Develop analytical, critical, and creative skills: Able to interpret, compare, and evaluate texts across genres, periods, and cultures. 
• Enhance communication and literacy: Strengthened writing, and reading, speaking and listening and comprehension skills support academic success and real-world communication. 
• Foster cultural and ethical awareness: Through exposure to diverse voices, historical contexts, and social issues, students build empathy and understanding of global perspectives. 
• Prepare for formal assessment and progression: Exam-focused skills and independent research equip students for GCSE and IB assessments, while also preparing them for higher education. 
• Build independence and lifelong learning habits: Through extended projects, individual oral preparation, and personal reading programs, students develop self-directed study skills. 
• Achieve measurable outcomes: Students’ progress is monitored through formative and summative assessment, including classwork, essays, oral presentations, mocks, and final exams, ensuring readiness for subsequent study or professional pathways.