Aiming High
English
Curriculum Intent
- The Wren School English department is a creative collaborative team of subject specialists who aim high for their students and themselves.
- We believe engaging dynamic lessons will prepare students for whichever path they choose to follow. To deliver this we expect teamwork, rigour and determination from all students and staff. A resilient student will contribute to their own learning as well as others.
- At KS3, students are being prepared and also developing their passion for reading and writing. Our focus at KS4 is not only preparing for GCSE success but also to develop lifelong readers and writers.
Key Stage 3 Description:
During years 7 and 8, students follow a thematic curriculum in English designed to prepare students for the rigour of GCSE English. Across the two years, students sit an assessment each term and an exam at the end of the year, to support their teacher in tracking their progress:
| Year 7 | ||
| Tools of the Trade Writing skills: sentence forms for effect, grammatical structures and how to succeed in English lessons. This is Me Autobiographical writing and sentence forms | This is Us Class novel: A Monster Calls Wonder Coraline The Graveyard Book Private Peaceful | Genius of the Past An exploration of 19th Century literature and developing creative writing skills. |
| Inventors of the Future An exploration into non-fiction reading and persuasive writing based around our imaginings of the future. | The Power of Humans An introduction to reading William Shakespeare | The Power of the Earth Sports Writing |
| Year 8 | ||
| My Values Class novel: Salt to the Sea Once The Hunger Games | Family Values An exploration into persuasive writing and reading, linking to family values at Christmas. | Clash of Cultures An exploration into Poetry from Other Cultures. |
| Celebration of Cultures Travel writing and non-fiction reading. | The Power of Technology Gothic fiction reading and writing.
| The Power of My Voice An exploration into a William Shakespeare play.
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Key Stage 4 Description:
During year 9 onwards, students prepare to learn the skills needed to study AQA English Language (8700) and AQA English Literature (8702). Year 9 is a skills focused year, designed to bridge the transition to GCSE studies and prepare students for the rigour of GCSE literature in year 10 and revision and exam skills in year 11.
| Year 9 | ||
| Introduction to GCSE Grammar for writing Skills for analysis using conflict poetry. | Reading 19th century fiction Read a range of texts from the 19th century. Learn skills to tackle GCSE level analysis. Consolidate writing skills. | Class novel ‘Of Mice and Men’ thematic study. |
| Class novel and conflict poetry Continued study of novel and create thematic links to conflict poetry. | Reading Non-Fiction An exploration into non-fiction reading and writing linked to the theme of being a child. | The Power of My Voice Conflict poetry and speaking and listening skills. |
| Year 10 | ||
| 19th Century Novel Novel study paired with opportunities for creative writing and non-fiction reading. | 19th Century Novel Novel study paired with opportunities for creative writing and non-fiction reading. | Shakespeare Play Shakespeare play paired with opportunities for creative reading of unseen poetry, writing and performance. |
| Shakespeare Play Shakespeare play paired with opportunities for creative reading of unseen poetry, writing and performance. | Modern Novel Study of a modern novel paired with creative and persuasive writing. | Modern Novel Study of a modern novel paired with creative and persuasive writing. |
| Year 11 | ||
| Consolidation, revision and examination preparation. | ||
Extra-Curricular Opportunities:
Students in English have the opportunity to attend a variety of trips and visits throughout the year, attending creative writing workshops; guest author visits and excursions to encourage reading and writing inspiration. Alongside these, there is the ever-popular book club, where students have the opportunity to read and discuss new and old books. New for next year will be the opportunities for debate and media club, ensuring all students have the chance to express themselves. Students are also regularly entered into competitions, with the opportunity to win prizes for their writing skills.
These will not run during COVID-19 restrictions.
