English
Who are we?
Head of Department – Miss J Walsh
Second in Department – Miss J Tunnacliffe & Mrs D Richardson
Teachers – Miss L Coen, Mrs M Eddleston, Mrs Louise Harrison, Mr L Lyons, Mrs S Roberts, Mrs H Shah, Mrs A Yeoman
Curriculum Intent
Reading is breathing in; writing is breathing out.
The English curriculum at North Huddersfield Trust School centres around the inter-relationship between reading and writing. We read a range of challenging texts with our students, enabling them to become critical thinkers who can analyse, evaluate and compare texts.
We explore authorial intent through writers’ representations of other worlds, outsiders and otherness and the themes of power, conflict and relationships; this reflects our core values of tolerance and empathy.
In turn, the ideas our students encounter in the texts they read and study inspire the creation of consciously-crafted written pieces, thus enabling their voices to be heard.
Curriculum Map
Curriculum Map
Click here to view the department curriculum map.
What do we do?
Key Stage 3
We have a tailored, interesting and challenging curriculum which aims to develop and build upon the skills students acquired at KS2, whilst also introducing new ones. Students study a wide range of novels, plays, poems and non-fiction which are connected through themes and ideas. Many of the texts we study enable students to make links to real world examples, both past and present. Recall is embedded into our schemes to ensure students consolidate the learning and skills needed for success at Key Stage 4. Students have two formal assessments throughout each year of KS3 and also sit an end of year exam.
Key Stage 4
All students study Edexcel English Language and Edexcel English Literature; both of these qualifications are assessed as a 100% terminal exam. In total, students sit 4 terminal examinations (2 for English Language and 2 for English Literature). Students also complete a compulsory speaking and listening assessment. This does not contribute to their GCSE grade, but they will be awarded a pass, merit or distinction for this component.
In English Language, we analyse, compare and evaluate a range of both fiction and non-fiction texts. Students are encouraged to identify effective techniques used by writers so that they can implement these in their own written pieces.
In English Literature, students engage with, analyse and evaluate a variety of texts including novels, plays and a range of poetry. Whilst studying these texts, they will explore the contextual factors which influenced them along with authorial intent. The ideas, genres and themes students encounter during their KS4 studies link directly back to those encountered during KS3. During the English Literature GCSE course, students currently study the following texts:
- Edexcel Poetry Anthology (Conflict Poetry) by Pearson.
- Macbeth by William Shakespeare (May 2020 exams only).
- Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare (May 2021 exams onwards).
- An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley.
- A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
- Unseen poetry.
| Consistency |
We aim for consistency through the current development of SOL. These will be taught department wide, thus ensuring parity across classes. These SOL are designed to teach to the top, with scaffolding being provided on an individual basis as required. SOL also include tasks/assessments which all students within each year group are required to complete. The marking/feedback of tasks/assessments is being embedded into SOL so there is a shared experience regarding the type of feedback students receive. |
| Closing the Gaps |
We monitor data to identify gaps in order that we can then design and implement strategies which aim to lessen these. We carry out targeted intervention which is personalised in response to student need. We offer opportunities for all students to attend extra-curricular events and activities, such as theatre trip visits, regardless of their socio-economic status. We ascertain the reading ages of all children in KS3 every term to ensure the reading material they encounter provides stretch and challenge regardless of their ability. |
| Community |
We aim to ensure all students achieve at least expected progress in this subject. We are aware of the importance of English Language as a GCSE which is required for entry to many college courses/apprenticeships. We liaise with parents/carers regarding their child’s progress. We also offer students the opportunity to participate in events such as the Shakespeare Schools Festival. We liaise with partner primaries in order to ascertain prior learning. In addition, we take a leading role in the school’s transition programme with students from Y4 – Y6. |