English

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Department Aims

The English department consists of ten well-qualified, subject-specialist teachers and has five specialist English classrooms, all of which are equipped with interactive whiteboards. The English department are committed to delivering the curriculum in an interesting and engaging way, that supports and appeals to all learners. As drama is not currently taught as a separate subject at Hall Green, we do our best to embed this into English lessons wherever possible. We use a variety of techniques and teaching styles to make lessons interactive, as well as ensuring all pupils reach their full potential.

Key Stage 3

Year 7: Introduction to KS3 English

In Year 7, pupils will build on their pre-existing knowledge of English through the following units: A World of Imagination (a two-part unit on reading fiction and writing fiction inspired by poetry); Shakespeare (Twelfth Night); Time Traveling Through Literature (19^th century detective fiction) and an exciting non-fiction unit that looks at young inspirational figures and how they’re tackling social issues. We feel it’s essential that students read widely and often and encourage this by giving all new students their own free modern fiction book to get them started on their learning journey.

Year 8: Developing English Skills

In their second year with us at Hall Green, students continue to explore a range of different topics to further develop the English skills learned in Year 7. Pupils will study a range of units including: 20^th Century Classic Literature (Of Mice and Men or Animal Farm), Shakespeare (Taming of the Shrew), Contemporary Young Adult Fiction (Noughts & Crosses), A Multimedia Unit (where students explore how reading media texts and reading literature have similar skills). They also get to ‘Travel Around the World in 18 Texts’ and do an exciting unit of work exploring ‘Poetry and Social Change’.

Year 9: Becoming an English expert

In Year 9, students are introduced to a range of fiction and non-fiction texts through units on: ‘Dystopian/Utopian’ fiction; Autobiography; Shakespeare (Romeo and Juliet); 19^th Century Fiction; Contemporary Fiction, and War Poetry.

Key Stage 4

English is a core subject at GCSE, and is studied by all pupils during Years 10 and 11. All pupils follow the AQA Specification syllabus for English Language and English Literature. All assessments are terminal exams and there are no tiers of entry for English Language and Literature.

Starting in Year 10, students follow a rigorous programme of study designed to prepare them for both mock examinations throughout the year and their final GCSE exams at the end of the course. Units range from the study of literary classics to contemporary non-fiction texts. Students experience innovative and exciting lessons that allow them to access the vast content in a way that is engaging and interesting. Achievement is tracked throughout years ten and eleven and further support is offered by the department if students are making less than expected progress.

Texts we will cover in preparation for GCSE Literature: