English
Subject Overview
The study of English prepares students for lifelong learning. We aim to develop your child’s ability to read and write fluently, to discuss and analyse language in both literary and non-literary texts, and to become an effective user of spoken language. Furthermore, the teachers strive to increase your child’s awareness of literary heritages, not as a passive consumer but as a critical and independent reader. Your child will be encouraged to explore the relationship between language, literature, and the society and culture which produces it.
Facilities
Pupils can access an extensive range of literary and non-literary wider reading materials in the library at Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy to supplement their study of English. Pupils in Key Stage 3 all have one library lesson per week in which teachers concentrate solely on the progression of reading skills. The English classrooms are equipped with a computer and an interactive whiteboard, and iPads are also used to develop learning in the classroom.
KS3
Year 7 Curriculum
Autumn Term: Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne
Spring Term: The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare
Summer Term: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein
Year 8 Curriculum
Autumn Term: “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
Spring Term: Dystopian Literature
Summer Term: Gothic Literature
KS4
In Key Stage 4 pupils study for GCSEs in both English Language and English Literature. Pupils follow the EDUQAS specifications. Pupils study a range of fiction and non-fiction texts and learn how to write for a variety of purposes and audiences. Across Key Stage 4 pupils study a wide range of literature. This includes “The Merchant of Venice” by William Shakespeare, the Victorian novella “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens and the more contemporary “Blood Brothers” by Willy Russell. Pupils will also study a wide range of poetry dating from 1789 to the present day. Pupils will learn to consider the context of literary texts and the impact of this on the writing.
Support
There are a range of support sessions that run at lunchtime and after school for pupils in all of the three key stages. Additional revision classes are available for all students before they sit GCSE and Advanced Level examinations. There are also a range of homework support clubs for each key stage that are supervised by English specialists.
Enrichment
There are a range of enrichment sessions that run at lunchtime and after school for pupils in all of the three key stages. Examples of enrichments that are on offer:
- Young Leaders
- Young Writers
- Dungeons and Dragons Club
- Key Stage 4 English Catch Up
- Key Stage 4 University Style Lectures
- Creative Writing
Quote from Head of Department
“The study of English not only teaches you the skills of reading and writing which you will rely on later in life, it also teaches you how to analyse, criticise and evaluate ideas – skills that are invaluable in any career.”
Links
http://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/english-language/gcse/
http://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/english-literature/gcse/
