“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies…the man who never reads lives only one”

-George R R Martin

 

 

Curriculum Vision

In the English department we inspire and support all pupils to develop their skills in speaking and listening, reading and writing in order to become confident, articulate, reflective and imaginative young citizens.

Our progressive curriculum offers a solid foundation for a rich and challenging programme for GCSE English and English Literature. This is done through:

 

•  providing a wide experience of good literature and media texts related to the age and interests of the pupils, as well as ensuring that they are motivated by a rich and diverse curriculum which draws on literature from different eras as well as different cultures. This is to encourage an interest in reading and a critical awareness in preparation for work at senior level;

 

•  using a wide range of teaching and learning strategies allowing pupils to work independently, but also incorporating Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction, Oracy and Key Questions.

 

Key Stage 3

The Department’s schemes of learning fulfil the requirements of the National Curriculum. All pupils study English Language and English Literature at KS3 which covers poetry, drama, prose, fiction and non-fiction.

Pupils read a variety of texts to support their reading across all subjects. They are encouraged to be critical readers and to formulate their own opinions.
We are committed to improving pupils’ writing and have a clear focus on improving basic skills of technical accuracy. Our approach to teaching grammar emphasises the function of words, phrases and clauses in context. This is also coupled with the whole school Literacy approach which has a focus on Oracy Skills.

 

Accelerated Reader

In Years 7, 8 and 9 pupils are encouraged to work hard in order to improve their reading skills with the support of a programme called Accelerated Reader. Having sophisticated skills in reading helps pupils to not only appreciate the joy of books, but will also benefit them in all areas of their life and their school career.

Topics assessed in each Challenge Week (KS3)

Year Group	Curriculum Window 1	Curriculum Window 2	Curriculum Window 3	Curriculum Window 4
Year 7 Topics	Memories	Dickens - A Christmas Carol Poetry from other cultures	Animal Farm Our Day Out	Narrative Writing
Rationale	We intend to facilitate the transition between KS2 and KS3 by beginning with a unit which allows for self-reflection and expression through their writing. Subsequently, throughout the year, pupils will be exposed to a wide, diverse range of literature from a range of eras and cultures. Whilst the consolidation and development of both vocabulary and SPAG is a key focus, the priority for this year group is to cultivate and/or maintain an enjoyment of reading and writing.
Year 8 Topics	Lord of the Flies (sets 1-4) Of Mice and Men (sets 5-7)	Lord of the Flies (sets 1-4) Of Mice and Men (sets 5-7) & Intro to Gothic Literature	Shakespeare - Macbeth	Poetry from Moon on the Tides - Relationships or Character and Voice Including Speaking and Listening (Performance Poetry)
Rationale	Much like the Year 7 long term plan, in Year 8 pupils will be exposed to a wide, diverse range of literature from a range of eras and cultures. We will continue to build on the enjoyment of reading and writing that has been fostered in the year previously, whilst simultaneously building upon the skills which pupils have already learned. In particular, both writing and speaking and listening skills will be further developed in this year, making it perfect preparation for the beginning of KS4 content in the subsequent year.
Year 9 Topics	Poetry Anthology • Romantic relationships/unseen • When we two parted, Neutral Tones, Winter Swans, Letters…’	AQA-style extracts for Paper 1 (eg. Private Peaceful) Lit Paper 1 - Extract Question	AQA-style extracts for Paper 2 Language (Emmett Till) An Inspector Calls	Poetry Anthology Romantic relationships/unseen When we two parted, Neutral Tones, Winter Swans, Letters...

 

Key Stage 4

At Heathcote pupils study the AQA English Language and English Literature course.
As you probably know, all pupils have to study English at GCSE level. Studying English helps you to develop key communication skills in reading, writing and speaking and listening. Most pupils are entered for both GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature. Although they are separate qualifications, many of the texts and skills you will study are relevant to both qualifications. Generally, however, studying GCSE English Literature gives you the opportunity to study a wider range of texts and to develop further some of the skills you need for English Language.

GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE

100% Examination
Paper 1 - Shakespeare and a 19C novel = 1 hour 45mins (40% final mark)
Paper 2 - Modern Prose or Drama and Short Story anthology and Poetry: taught and unseen = 2 hours 15mins (60% of final mark)

GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

100% Examination
Paper 1 = 1 hour 45mins (50% GCSE mark)
Paper 2 = 1 hour 45mins (50% GCSE mark)

 

What is assessed:

Reading (50%):

•  20th and 21st Century Literature

•  19th Century non-fiction and literary non-fiction

•  20th and 21st Century non-fiction and literary non-fiction

Writing (50%)

•  Narrative

•  Descriptive

• Giving a point of view or opinion

Topics assessed in each Challenge Week (KS4)

Year Group	Curriculum Window 1	Curriculum Window 2	Curriculum Window 3	Curriculum Window 4
Year 10 Topics	Parent/Child Poetry - Love and Relationships	Creating texts 20/21st century literature extracts An Inspector Calls	• Unseen Poetry • A Christmas Carol	Writer’s viewpoint • 19/20/21ST century non-fiction and literary non-fiction extracts. • Language Paper 2 Section A and B
Year 11 Topics	A Christmas Carol (focus on plot, structure, context and characters)	Shakespeare – Romeo & Juliet - Literature Paper 1A Poetry - Love and relationships Poetry Unseen Literature Paper 2B	Revision	Exams