English
Curriculum Sequence
Please click on the icons below to view the curriculum sequence for each Key Stage. The curriculum sequence will show you what students should know and be able to do in the subject, alongside the key ‘tier 3’ subject specific vocabulary that your child needs to understand to allow them to access the deeper curriculum. The curriculum sequence also lists the ‘key assessment questions’ each term/half term that your child will be asked during assessments to help your child to prepare effectively, as well as the ‘disciplinary rigour’ which explains the methods, conventions, rules and practices that are specific to that subject.
Curriculum Intent
An ambitious Key Stage 3 curriculum which immerses students in the universal themes that influence literature over time. Each year group is sequenced to establish a foundation for students’ enriched cultural understanding and appreciation of texts. This is the knowledge rich basis from which students will develop their resilience, to independently and confidently analyse texts, introducing critical theory. The evidence-informed Key Stage 3 curriculum builds on the knowledge and skills acquired at Key Stage 2, supporting students with transition.
Students will be exposed to a plethora of texts (poetry, prose and drama- including two complete Shakespeare plays), which will foster a love of reading and writing. The aim of the rich and diverse choices of texts is to further encourage the development of spiritual, moral and social values that permeate throughout, as well as help to develop the whole child.
KS4
A well sequenced Key Stage 3 establishes a stable foundation to develop independent, resilient and critical learners. Students will be able to perceptively evaluate and analyse a range of seen and unseen texts. Students will have the knowledge to confidently locate texts within their cultural, historical and social contexts, further enhancing their understanding of writers’ intentions.
The curriculum has been designed to encourage learners to make informed connections between texts, exploring the importance of contextual factors, the writers’ intentions and the role of the reader in bringing the piece to life. The breadth and depth of the curriculum provides engaging opportunities and will invigorate; ensuring that all learners embrace an aspirational love of learning.
The sequencing of the Key Stage 4 curriculum provides the foundational knowledge for students to read English at A-Level. It also ensures that students can expertly articulate arguments, as well as creative ideas in the forms of fiction and non-fiction writing; preparing students for both further education and employment.
KS5
A Key Stage 5 curriculum designed to enable students to further develop and apply their knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation in writing. The curriculum encourages learners to read widely and independently; developing their love of literature and literary studies. Students will engage critically and creatively with a substantial body of texts, exploring the context of the texts they are reading and others’ interpretations. The Key Stage 5 curriculum is sequenced to develop students’ independent learning skills, preparing for higher education and employment.
Curriculum Implementation
All English lessons are delivered by subject specialists, providing students with a high-quality education. We have two Specialist Leaders of Education within the Department and a subject-specific HLTA. The ambitious curriculum is effectively differentiated to ensure adequate challenge for all students, including SEND pupils and More Able learners. Through reading in particular, students develop culturally, emotionally, socially and spiritually. The curriculum is effectively sequenced to ensure that reading enables pupils to acquire knowledge and build on what they already know. To develop and embed tier 2 vocabulary, all students in Years 7 and 8 participate in weekly Bedrock lessons, which also forms part of their home learning.
Students are encouraged to engage in the wide range of learning opportunities outside of the classroom, including theatre trips, debate clubs, critical theory workshops and book clubs.
End of Course Assessment
- Commencing September 2021, all students in Years 7 and 8 will achieve a qualification from the English Speaking BoardAQA Step up to English, this qualification is achieved by a group of Year 9 leanersAQA GCSE English LanguageAQA GCSE English LiteratureOCR A-Level English Literature H472
Tips and Advice
Revision guides are available to purchase from class teachers for all texts studied at GCSE. All students in KS4 have access to GCSEPOD, which is an interactive means of independently exploring set texts and recalling key knowledge. It is beneficial to watch film adaptations of texts, as this will enhance students’ awareness of alternative interpretations. Stoke-on-Trent is home to a variety of attractions, which will develop cultural capital and also enhance learning and understanding, including: Gladstone Pottery Museum, the New Vic Theatre, Hanley Museum and Emma Bridgewater Literary Festivals.
Further Information
Subject Leader Information
For more information or if you have any questions please use the contact details below.
Miss S. Beasley, Subject Leader: sbeasley@stmca.org.uk