Curriculum

English

Why study English?

English is integral: it underpins every aspect of learning and life, as language is power.

Consequently, not only does studying English support students in other subjects but it is central in the preparation of learners for life beyond OHLA, as independent citizens with dynamic leadership skills, who can successfully express their thoughts and ideas in a variety of contexts.

How will I study English?

Through our own passion for English, we endeavour to empower and inspire literate individuals who are competent, confident, articulate and aspirational. Therefore, we will engender a love of literature, language and communication through immersion in a broad range of texts, topics, time periods and learning journeys.

What will I study at key stage 3?

In Year 7, pupils explore a wide variety of high quality fiction and non-fiction literature, including pre1914 and modern poetry, where they investigate themes of personal development before transferring and developing this knowledge through examining the novel Ghost Boys – written by Jewell Parker Rhodes – which includes ideas on activism, prejudice and the importance of home. Moreover, throughout these topics, and ongoing throughout the year, students are able to build on speaking styles in a range of contexts and explore wide range of perspectives on current issues such as the environment to develop personal ideas, with fiction and non-fiction writing skills also being developed, inspired and modelled by literature. Students develop understanding of fate and free will through studying Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet, where they will investigate characterisation and be introduced to distinctive features of theatre and production.

In Year 8, students develop understanding of fate and free will through studying Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet, where they will investigate characterisation and be introduced to distinctive features of theatre and production. Students will then be able to compare and contrast this knowledge, whilst also building on that gained from year 7, by analysing a range of pre 1914 and contemporary poetry. Students will also explore an ambitious literature novel in Spring where they will debate and consider authorial intentions while also being able to access a range of non-fiction to increase creativity in writing and speaking through engagement with social issues.

In Year 9, pupils deepen their critical interpretation of challenging literature by exploring rich literary heritage of the British Isles through Sherlock Holmes created Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. They explore this in depth, while also being introduced to a variety of other Victorian Literature authors, enabling students to deepen their understanding of Victorian society: its ideals, its accomplishments, and its deepest fears. These latter ideas are then sustained through analysing Shakespeare’s The Tempest, where students will be introduced to features of comedy, familiarising themseleves with villains and deception, before moving onto a modern text I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai. Through this novel, students will develop the ideas mentioned earlier, transferring them to a contemporary setting and a variety of forms, including poetry, descriptive and narrative writing as well as effective public speaking.

What will I study at key stage 4?

During Year 10 and 11, pupils will study a range of literary fiction and literary non-fiction texts for GCSE Language and GCSE Literature. They will use critical material to enhance interpretation and articulate personal ideas clearly and cleverly. Pupils will study the set texts for the literature exam: Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, AQA Poetry anthology of Power and Conflict and An Inspector Calls.

In addition, they will practise unseen analysis of a range of 19th, 20th and 21st century texts both fiction and non-fiction for GCSE Language and unseen poetry analysis for GCSE Literature. They will examine devices to manipulate writing and craft ideas.

Assessment at Key Stage 4

GCSE English Language AQA 8700

GCSE English Language Paper 1: Explorations in creative reading and writing

Overview	Focus
Written exam (1 hour 45 minutes) 80 marks 50% of GCSE	Section A: Reading literature fiction text Section B: Descriptive or narrative writing

GCSE English Language Paper 2: Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives

Overview	Focus
Written exam (1 hour 45 minutes) 80 marks 50% of GCSE	Section A: Reading one non-fiction and one literary non-fiction text Section B: Writing to present a viewpoint

NEA: Spoken Language

Overview	Focus
Teacher sets throughout course Marked by teacher Separate endorsement (0% weighting of GCSE)	Presenting Responding to questions and feedback Use of Standard English

GCSE English Literature AQA 8702
GCSE English Literature Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th century novel

Overview	Focus
Written exam (1 hour 45 minutes) 64 marks 40% of GCSE	Section A: Shakespeare: Macbeth Section B: The 19th century novel: A Christmas Carol

GCSE English Literature Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry

Overview	Focus
Written exam (2 hours 15 minutes) 96 marks 60% of GCSE	Section A: Modern text: drama; An Inspector Calls Section B: Poetry: Power and conflict anthology Section C: Unseen poetry

Enrichment

The department offers subject-specific enrichment clubs and organises a range of educational visits throughout the year e.g. trips to ‘Poetry Live’ where students are able to meet some poets they study and partake in a question and answer activity. We also welcome publishers and authors to the school to run workshops. Finally, pupils can take part in school-wide and national competitions where students win the opportunity to have their work published in a book.

Careers

The study of English can lead to a range of career options, opening doors in publishing and advertising, journalism, education, and legal fields. Careers can range from reporter, solicitor, teacher, and content editor.