Why is English Important?

English has a pre-eminent place in education and society. English will teach pupils to communicate their ideas and emotions to others and, through their reading and listening, others can communicate with them. Reading enables pupils not only to acquire knowledge and build on what they already know but also provides them the chance to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually. Literature, especially, plays a key role in such development. All the skills of language are essential to participating fully as a member of society.

Curriculum Overview

Year 7	Year 8	Year 9
Storytelling: Myths and Legends	Mary Shelley's Frankenstein: The Play	William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet
Introduction to Poetry (choices poets make)	War Poetry (pre 1918)	Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol/ Victorian Fiction
Non Fiction Unit - writers purpose and intent	William Shakespeare's The Tempest	Love and Relationships Poetry
Characterisation in a Modern Novel - Novel of class choice	Non-fiction - Crime Unit comparing texts	Non-fiction - writing to argue/persuade; current affairs, The World We Live In
Dracula - play text	Novel of choice - structure	Dennis Kelly's play DNA (modern play)
Introduction to Shakespeare	Spoken Word Unit	Short story fiction (transition unit from KS3 to KS4)

Revision Support

The English Department has a comprehensive reading list which suggests a range of reading material, including the classics and modern fiction.  These are intended to stretch pupils’ reading ability and instil a love of reading. These reading lists are regularly updated and given to pupils during the Autumn term.

Key Tips for Success

It is vital that independent reading of fiction, non-fiction, good quality newspapers and magazines is facilitated outside of school. Pupils and parents can ask the school librarian or their English teacher for recommendations.

Encourage good writing practice using spelling, punctuation and grammar.

How can a parent help their child succeed?

Oversee your child’s reading.  Encourage them to read widely!

Discuss your child’s homework – encourage them to engage with topics covered in class and how these relate to modern society.