English
| About the Faculty | |
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At SJL, the teaching of English is characterised by our passion for the subject and our students. Our main goal as the English faculty is to uphold the highest standards for all students, valuing each child in our classrooms. We foster an inclusive ethos, supported by an engaging and enjoyable curriculum for students across all key stages. Reading, writing, and speaking/listening skills form the foundation of our English instruction. Through innovative approaches, we prepare students to face the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. At every Key Stage, our curriculum offers students the chance to read and analyse interesting and significant English texts. This includes a variety of works such as Shakespeare’s plays and diverse novels like Elizabeth Acevedo’s Poet X, Philip Pullman’s The Ruby in the Smoke, and Pat Barker’s Regeneration. During their time studying English at SJL, students learn the conventions of various forms of writing and genres. By the end of their GCSE studies, they will have created a wide range of texts, including a personal anthology of poetry, a murder mystery novella, and opinion pieces inspired by current events. Public speaking plays a crucial role in our curriculum and extracurricular activities. Students explore the elements and techniques of rhetoric, writing and delivering speeches on topics like heroism, political issues, and everyday annoyances in Year 9's speech task titled "Don't Even Get Me Started On…" We are passionate about reading, and the faculty has a strong partnership with our active, well-stocked, and exciting school library. The English faculty has integrated formal connections with the library into our Key Stage 3 curriculum; students have regular reading lessons, where they can visit the library, read with their teacher or teaching assistant, participate in reading challenges, share recommendations, or simply enjoy reading quietly. Additionally, members of the English faculty regularly attend the library's senior reading group, discussing books with our Year 11 and VI form students. Every member of the English faculty is deeply passionate about the subject and committed to providing the best possible experience for our students. We constantly develop our skills and embrace opportunities for reflection, challenge, and growth through collaboration within the faculty and with colleagues from other schools. We engage with pedagogical research, undergo training both internally and externally, participate in Hertscam Teacher-Led Development projects and the Hertscam MEd program, as well as the Chartered College of Teaching's Chartered Teacher programme. |
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| Curriculum Intent Statement | |
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Our curriculum at all key stages focuses on providing students with the opportunity to engage with the best texts in English literature. We are also passionate about teaching the art of writing in various forms and genres, as well as emphasising the significance of rhetorical speech and public speaking. Throughout each key stage, students will explore a range of captivating works, including plays by William Shakespeare, diverse and thought-provoking novels, and poetry collections that enhance their understanding of poetic form and timeless themes from the 17th century onwards. In addition, students will learn the conventions of different writing forms and genres such as murder mysteries, film reviews, short stories, and newspaper opinion pieces. They will develop the skills needed to write clearly, accurately, and engagingly, adapting their writing to suit various contexts. Furthermore, our curriculum provides ample opportunities for students to cultivate their rhetorical skills and gain confidence in public speaking. They will learn the art of attentive listening and acquire the ability to construct persuasive arguments, enabling them to discuss and debate crucial issues in their lives.
We have subscriptions to a number of online resources that our students will find useful. EDUCAKE Educake is an online study and revision programme for English. Students in Years 8-11 will be reminded of their login details. Educake has activities to help students improve their reading and writing skills and improve their spelling, punctuation and grammar. For our GCSE students, the activities and quizzes on Educake will help them revise for their English Literature GCSE. The English department will use Educake for homework and revision tasks for all year groups this year. Please encourage your child to check their Edulink accounts for their login details, and to log on to Educake (www.educake.co.uk) at their earliest convenience. There is also an Educake app which students can download to their mobile device. MASSOLIT Massolit is an online video lecture resource featuring lectures on our GCSE and A Level English Literature texts delivered by university lecturers. The video lectures on Massolit will challenge our students’ ideas and interpretations of the texts they study. Students could use Massolit to supplement their study of the texts, or as revision. Students should use their school email address and password to access Massolit. ENGLISH & MEDIA CENTRE Emagazine is a quarterly magazine from the English & Media Centre which publishes articles and essays aimed at A Level English Literature students. Our students studying English Literature for A Level can obtain the login details for the online edition of the magazine, and the archive of past articles, from their English teacher. |
Key Stage 3 Curriculum
We take great pride in our Key Stage 3 curriculum, which offers students a rich and diverse selection of texts to read, study, and enjoy. This includes Shakespearean comedies and tragedies, classic and contemporary novels, and a wide range of poetry. We prioritise formal opportunities for students to enhance their public speaking and debating skills, while also teaching and practising various forms and genres of writing.
Our Key Stage 3 curriculum covers a range of units, including novels, poetry, drama, Shakespeare, media, factual and persuasive texts, creative writing, and myths and legends. As a result, when students begin their GCSE studies in Year 10, they will have produced various examples of literary analysis, role-play, rhetorical speeches, film reviews, creative writing, and writing for different purposes.
Teachers provide students with regular feedback on their work to help them improve. To assess students' progress, we evaluate their performance at the end of each unit. We encourage students to reflect on their progress and set targets while carefully tracking their achievements. Assignments and an end-of-year exam provide indicators of each student's progress at the end of each year.
Our Year 9 curriculum serves as a vital bridge between Key Stage 3 and the GCSE courses. It allows us to develop essential knowledge and skills in topics that students have not yet encountered but are assessed in the GCSE course, such as unseen poetry. Additionally, the curriculum continues to foster all-around reading, writing, and speaking skills necessary for students' success, all the while nurturing their interest and enjoyment in the subject.
We are committed to developing students' literacy skills through a range of effective strategies. We believe that a strong vocabulary enhances students' reading comprehension and writing abilities, so we explicitly teach and reinforce the use of sophisticated language in all our schemes of work. Additionally, we prioritise weekly reading lessons in Year 7 and Year 8, providing dedicated time for students to engage with a variety of texts and develop their reading fluency, comprehension, and analytical skills. We also place great emphasis on teaching key aspects of spelling, punctuation, and grammar. By focusing on these foundational elements, we equip students with the tools to communicate effectively and confidently in their writing.
At Key Stage 3, we also offer a range of extracurricular opportunities, including interactive Shakespeare performances, public speaking and debating activities, and creative writing and poetry masterclasses for our students.
Key Stage 4 Curriculum
At SJL, we adhere to the AQA specification for GCSE English Language and English Literature, and all students attain qualifications in both subjects. Our track record of consistently outstanding results demonstrates the excellent progress our students make through expert teaching by the faculty. Importantly, we prioritise the enjoyment of English and the enriching experience of studying literature, ensuring that our students' pursuit of high achievement does not compromise their engagement.
The GCSE curriculum for English Language and English Literature offers a diverse and captivating range of texts, encompassing different forms of writing. For their English Language GCSE, students explore various areas of study, including fiction and non-fiction creative writing for different purposes and audiences, as well as the analysis of both fiction and non-fiction texts.
For their English Literature GCSE we teach students literary classics and thought-provoking texts. In Year 10 we delve into renowned works such as A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, which explores themes of redemption and social inequality. The Shakespeare play we study at GCSE is Macbeth. Additionally, in Year 10 and Year 11 we study a cluster of poems centred around the theme of ‘Love and Relationships’, including powerful poems such as ‘The Farmer's Bride’ by Charlotte Mew, ‘Singh Song!’ by Daljit Nagra, and ‘Winter Swans’ by Owen Sheers. In Year 11 we study George Orwell's allegorical novel, Animal Farm, which offers a scathing critique of totalitarianism. These texts not only develop students' literary analysis skills but also prompt them to reflect on universal themes and the human condition.
Our experienced and passionate English faculty thrives on the opportunity to guide and nurture students as they mature and delve deeper into the world of literature at GCSE level.
2023 GCSE English Revision Masterclass
Key Stage 5 Curriculum
If students have a passion for reading, enjoy engaging in discussions, seek challenges, and desire a deeper understanding of human relationships, then A Level English Literature might be an ideal choice! Here are some of the key advantages of studying A Level English Literature:
- It expands cultural knowledge. Studying literature exposes students to diverse cultures, perspectives, and historical contexts, broadening their understanding of the world, and fostering cultural literacy.
- It is a highly respected qualification for university entrance and future career opportunities. Equips students with essential skills applicable to various professional paths. The ability to comprehend and respond to complex material, coupled with strong writing skills, is valuable for professionals in fields such as medicine, law, science, languages, and the arts.
- It is complementary to a wide range of other A Level subjects, providing a well-rounded education.
- It develops critical thinking skills: A Level English Literature fosters the ability to analyse and interpret complex texts, enhancing critical thinking skills that are valuable in various academic and professional contexts.
- Through literary works, students explore the human condition, developing empathy and understanding for different characters and situations, thus nurturing their emotional intelligence.
- At SJL, we excel in delivering high-quality A Level English Literature education. Our students consistently achieve excellent results, with the summer 2022 exam series yielding impressive outcomes, including 29% A*/A grades, 59% A*/A grades, and 85% A*/B grades.
The study of A Level English Literature offers not only academic benefits but also nurtures critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep appreciation for literature's power to illuminate the human experience.
Course content
The study of English Literature enables students to cultivate strong analytical skills through an exploration of diverse texts spanning various genres, centuries, and authors from diverse backgrounds. This comprehensive approach includes traditional literature, poetry, as well as contemporary and captivating literary works. Students will develop an understanding of how language shapes meaning and delve into the social, cultural, and historical contexts surrounding these texts. Moreover, they will refine their academic writing skills, crafting coherent and well-structured arguments in response to literature, while also honing their group work and oral presentation abilities.
Texts covered in the course include:
- Othello by William Shakespeare
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- An anthology of pre-20th century love poetry
- Unseen poetry and prose
- The Wipers Times by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman
- Regeneration by Pat Barker
- The Penguin Book of First World War Poetry
Whenever possible, we organize theatre trips for students to experience live productions of the studied texts. Additionally, in Year 13, students have the opportunity to embark on a study tour of the battlefields and cemeteries of Northern France and Belgium, enriching their reading and analysis of First World War literature. This immersive experience deepens their understanding of the historical context and enhances their literary exploration.
Assessment
80% Exam 20% Coursework
2 papers 40% each
Marking Policy
Extended Curriculum
The English faculty at SJL provides a range of extra-curricular opportunities for students, including:
- Participation in the national Poetry by Heart poetry recital competition, involving school-based rounds followed by county-based and national stages.
- LitSoc – our Year 11 and A Level Literature Society meets every half-term to discuss literature through the ages.
- Lunchtime debating club, and Involvement in public speaking and debating competitions.
- Close collaboration with our exceptional library. We encourage students at all key stages to become enthusiastic and independent readers, and they participate in reading competitions featuring high-quality and diverse books.
- Theatre and cinema visits form a significant part of our extracurricular offering. Recent examples include our VI form students attending a production of Othello at The Globe in London. Furthermore, Anthony Glenn's one-man productions of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth are an annual treat for Years 8 and 10.
- Subscriptions to high-quality resources which enhance our students’ learning experience and provide opportunities for further enrichment study. These include Massolit, a video lecture website offering under-graduate level lectures on literature, and the English & Media Centre’s Emagazine.
