English

In English we aim to create an atmosphere where students develop their curiosity and enjoy taking an active part in their lessons. Through exploring texts to examine how meaning is created, we want to develop confident speakers, reflective readers and fluent, accurate and imaginative writers. We have a clear focus on literacy skills and use assessment to give our students individual targets focusing on what they need to do to improve. The teachers in the English department are all subject specialists who have a passion for the subject and a love of teaching. There is close liaison with the Learning support department to identify and provide support for those who need it.

Staffing

Mrs Webb Curriculum Leader for English
Mrs McConville Teacher of English 2nd in Department
Mrs Walmsley Teacher of English
Mrs Burbidge Teacher of English
Miss Donnelly Teacher of English
Mrs Walsh Teacher of English

All pupils study English Language and English Literature until the end of Year 11.

The following topics are studied at KS3.

 

Autumn Term

Spring Term

Summer Term

Year 7

Class Novel and Shakespeare

Fiction and Non Fiction Texts and Pre and Post 19th Century Prose

Titanic, poetry nature anthology

Year 8

Class novel and poetry

What’s in the news and Gothic Literature

Descriptive Writing and 1960’s non fiction

Year 9

Seminal world literature and JFK with speeches

Reading and writing non-fiction text

Poetry and Shakespeare

 The following units are studied at KS4.

 

Autumn Term

Spring Term

Summer Term

Year 10

19th Century Prose – A Christmas Carol; Language 20th Century Literature

21st Century Prose or Drama – An Inspector Calls; Unseen 19th and 21st century non-fiction and transactional writing; Speeches

Literature – Romeo and Juliet

Year 11

Poetry Anthology; A Christmas Carol

Unseen 20th Century Literature revisit

Poetry Anthology; An Inspector Calls;

Unseen 19th and 21st Century non-fiction and transactional writing

Exam technique and revisit key areas

Extra-curricular activities and visits:

We have a varied and interesting programme of author visits and strong links with Lancashire Book of the Year run by the library service. We encourage students to take part in a Book week where they participate in a range of activities, including a sponsored read for charity. In addition, there is a popular school magazine produced every term where students are able to take on different roles in photography, writing or editing. There are also opportunities to see plays both in school with visiting companies or trips to the theatre.

Learning