English
Curriculum
Introduction
*Update pending*
M.Brock
Subject Performance Leader
Key Skills & Understanding:
vocabulary · grammar · analysis & contextualising · inference & interpretation · source referencing · historical context · communication · explanation · knowledge & retention · critical thinking · cultural awareness
let's take a look...
Theme/Unit
Class Content
Independent Study
Assisted Study
The Modern Novel
Students develop close reading skills as they study 'A Monster Calls' by Patrick Ness. Alongside the study of plot, characterisation and themes, students will develop their own creative writing skills.
Students will be set a range of reading and writing tasks with links to the lessons.
Revision for assessments.
Students are expected to borrow books during their library lessons and read independently.
Encourage wider reading at home. Discuss what they think of the books they are studying in class.
Patrick Ness has written other novels that students may wish to read independently.
Discovering Dickens
Students study extracts from a range of texts written by Charles Dickens. Using 'Great Expectations' as their main source, students explore his methods in creating character and setting. Students also learn about some of the issues prevalent in Victorian society, using this knowledge as a base to create non-fiction pieces of writing.
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Help your child to proof read any homework and correct any errors.Encourage wider reading at home especially Dickens' texts and historical context.Help your child to proof read any homework and correct any errors. There have been some good television adaptations of Dickens' novels which students may benefit from watching.
Fantasy and Shakespeare's World
Students begin by exploring the conventions of the fantasy genre and developing their own skills in writing fantasy narratives. After this, students study some of the ideas in one of Shakespeare's most magical texts; A Midsummer Night's Dream.
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Encourage wider reading of Shakespeare fantasy genre and research into historical events. Ask students to recall plays, themes and characters they have learnt about in class.
English
Y7 | Key Stage 3
English
KS3
7
YEAR
Gothic Fiction
Students will learn about the history of the Gothic and explore extracts from novels, poetry and plays. They will analyse writers' use of language to atmosphere and match genre conventions.Students will develop their own writing skills to mimic the Gothic texts they have studied.
Students will be set wider reading extracts to further explore the genre. Revision for assessments.
Encourage wider reading at home. Discuss what they think of what they're studying. Read and discuss homework texts. Help your child to proof read any homework and correct any error.
Journeys
Linked by the theme of journeys, students will study a range of poems. Using a poetry anthology created by the English department, students will learn about the poet's craft as well as experimenting with their own poetry. In the second half, students will study a range of non-fiction extracts which all share the theme of 'journeys'.
Students are expected to borrow books during their library lessons and read independently.
Encourage wider reading at home. Discuss what they think of the play and ask them to tell you about the story and the main characters within it. Encourage students to explore poetry independently. Spoken Word poetry (found on YouTube) is engaging for many and demonstrates that poetry is ever evolving.
Use the website
Outsiders
Core text: The Bone Sparrow. Through this modern novel, students will explore characterisation, plot development and the context of forced displacement. Students will also study a collection of monologues presented from the point of view of an ‘outsider’. Students’ own writing will focus on non-fiction writing in which they express their own opinion
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Encourage wider reading at home, particularly of historical information and newspaper articles.Discuss with them what they are reading and their opinion on what they've read, in order to help them to develop their own opinions.
Y8 | Key Stage 3
English
Theme/Unit
Class Content
Independent Study
Assisted Study
8
YEAR
Y9 | Key Stage 3
English
American Literature
Core text: Arthur Miller’s A View From The Bridge. During the study of the play, students focus on the representation of America and the American Dream. Students will look at the historical context as well as the tragic form. Additionally, students will study a range of thematic extracts from different time periods in American history. In their own writing, Students will develop their crafting of creative pieces.
Wider reading linked to the topic. Revision for assessments.
Spark Notes' is a useful website for finding out more information on A View From the Bridge. It includes plot and character summaries as well as a list of themes within the play. Encourage wider reading at home. Discuss with them their opinion on what they've read, in order to help them to develop their own opinions. Help your child to proof read any homework and correct any errors.
GCSE Bridging
Unit: Rhetoric
& Big Ideas
As a way to bridge the gap to GCSE, students will be studying the topic of 'rhetoric'. This involves close analysis of powerful speeches and discursive texts. Students will develop skills in employing rhetorical devices in their own writing. Then we will study of George Orwell's 'Animal Farm', enabling students to encounter some of the ideas found on the GCSE English Literature course.
Students are expected to borrow books during their library lessons and read independently.
Encourage wider reading at home, particularly of newspaper articles. Discuss with them how writers present their opinions using rhetorical devices.. Compare how different newspapers present the same news item.
Othello
Core text: Shakespeare's Othello. During their study of the play, students will be focusing on the actions of key characters and important issues within the play including the portrayal of women and race. They will also be analysing the language choices used by the playwright. Students will develop skills in academic writing.
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Wider reading linked to the topic. Revision for assessments.
Students are expected to borrow books during their library lessons and read independently.
Theme/Unit
Class Content
Independent Study
Assisted Study
9
YEAR
English
GCSE
Options Booklet
Revision Guides
Exam information
Extra Curricular & Trips
KS4
Lang Paper 1
(Sept-Dec)
Explorations in creative reading and writing. Literary fiction extract. Descriptive writing.
Notes and Quotes sheets for exam revision. Contextual research. Exam questions.
If possible, buy a copy of the text for student's own use. Encourage re-reading of the text.
Lit Paper 2
(Oct/Nov-Dec)
An Inspector Calls.
Contextual research. Practice questions. SMHW tests.
If possible, buy a copy of the text for student's own use. Encourage rereading of the play. Question students on plot, characters and key quotes
Lit paper 1
(Jan-Mar)
Macbeth
Notes and Quotes sheets for exam revision.Contextual research.Exam questions.
As above
Lit paper 2
(Apr-May)
Poetry Anthology with a comparison of two poems.
Notes and Quotes sheets for exam revision. Contextual research of various poets.
Encourage the re-reading of poems in the anthology.
Test on key quotes.
Lit paper 1
(Jan-Mar)
Responding to and comparing unseen poetry.
Reading and analysing a range of unseen poetry.
Encourage the reading of poetry at home.
English
Y10 | Key Stage 4
Theme/Unit
Class Content
Independent Study
Assisted Study
10
YEAR
English
Literature
(Sept to Oct)
Language paper 2 focuses on non-fiction texts.
Practice exam questions including the creation of their own non-fiction texts.
Encourage reading newspapers and following the news
English
Literature
(Oct-Dec)
Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
Contextual research Revision tasks. Practice exam questions (essay style).
If possible, buy a copy of the text from school.
Encourage the re-reading of key extracts at home. Test on plot, character and key quotes.
Revision for the
GCSE Language
Paper 1 and 2
(Dec-Feb)
Practice exam questions.
Practice exam questions.
Encourage the reading of non-fiction at home.
Watch/read and discuss the news to develop opinions on current events.
Revision for the
GCSE Literature
Paper 1 and 2
(Mar-Apr)
Practice exam questions.
Practice exam questions.
Encourage their reading of the literature texts at home. Test on key quotes.
English
Y11 | Key Stage 4
Theme/Unit
Class Content
Independent Study
Assisted Study
11
YEAR
English Language & Literature
A LEVEL
KS5
Step Up to Sixth Form
Revision Guides
Exam information
Extra Curricular & Trips
What is 'Language & Literature' at KS5?
As you might expect, this is the study of both English Literature and English Language.
Who is it for?
You will need a passion for both reading and writing in order to succeed on the course. If you do not enjoy reading independently then it isn’t the course for you! This course is an ideal starting point for those interested in careers such as law, journalism, education, politics and any other vocation that requires a strong understanding of how language works. A grade 5 in English Language and English Literature is preferred: Grade 4 may be accepted following discussions with the SPL / Head of VI Form on suitability. You must be an avid reader!
12&13
YEARS
What will i study?
Since you are studying both Literature and Language, you will be studying language in every conceivable form from Shakespeare to a playground discussion. Over the two years you will be required to read an anthology of poetry from the Early Modern English period to 1914, a Shakespeare play, a modern play, a range of novels and a range of non-literary texts. As well as this, you will be studying the use of language in speech and there will be opportunities for creative writing.
In order to study language effectively, you must have a strong understanding of how it works; therefore, you will be looking closely at some of the key constituents of language and how they function in combination to make meaning in spoken and written English. This requires a good understanding of grammar, lexis and syntax.
Course Content:
Unit 1: Poetry and Prose
Section A: Poetry One question from a choice of two based on an anthology of Pre-1914 poetry plus an unseen text published after 1914. Section B: Prose One question from a choice of two, presented in two parts, based on the reading of a prose fiction text.
Assessment: Exam Paper [30%]
Unit 3: Non-Literary Texts
Section A: Analysis of unseen non-literary texts Comparative analysis of three unseen non-literary texts, one of which will be spoken language. Section B: Non-literary text study One two part question based on the reading of a non-literary text.
Assessment: Exam Paper [20%]
Unit 2: Drama
Section A: Shakespeare One extract based task and one essay style question from a choice of two based on the reading of a Shakespeare play. Section B: Post- 1900 Drama One question from a choice of two based on the reading of one play from a prescribed list.
Assessment: Exam Paper [30%]
Unit 4: Coursework
Section A: Genre study A critical and sustained study of a prose genre. Section B: Related creative writing Two writing assignments (one literary and one non-literary).
Assessment: Coursework [20%]
English Literature
A LEVEL
KS5
Step Up to Sixth Form
Revision Guides
Exam information
Extra Curricular & Trips
YEARS
What is 'English Literature' at KS5?
English Literature involves the study of all written texts (drama, prose, poetry) from varying periods of time, including work published in recent years. These will obviously be written in English, however, some of the texts may be an English translation of a foreign work.
12&13
Who is it for?
What will i study?
This course is for anyone who is interested in building a mature and advanced understanding of how and why authors create particular effects, or convey specific messages. People who enrol on this course should enjoy reading a range of texts which may stretch beyond what they would normally select. They should also be prepared to conduct independent research to compliment class work. To join the course Grade 5 is preferred - it will make the transition to A Level easier; Grade 4 may be accepted following discussions with SPL/ Head of Sixth Form on suitability. You must be an avid reader!
Apart from understanding the many advanced techniques employed by an author, you will learn to look beyond the piece of literature and investigate its history, to understand the deeper social, political and philosophical meanings behind it. As a result you will learn to look closer at the world around you today, not only of literature, but of politics and the media. Through texts from the past we will gain the key to exploring those of the present and examine how issues 100 years ago are still surprisingly relevant today.
Course Content:
Unit 1: Poetry and Prose
Section A: Poetry pre-1900 (open book) One two-part question based on the reading of one pre-1900 poetry text from a prescribed list.
Section B: Poetry post-1900 (open book, clean copy) One question from a choice of two based on the reading of two post-1900 poetry texts from a prescribed list.
Assessment: Exam Paper [30%]
Unit 3: Non-Literary Texts
Section A: Unseen Prose One question from a choice of two, analysing an unseen passage of prise, taken from one of the two prescribed periods for study.
Section B: Unseen Poetry One question from a choice of two, analysing an unseen poem or poetry extract.
Assessment: Exam Paper [20%]
Unit 2: Drama
Section A: Shakespeare (closed book) One two-part question based on the reading of one Shakespeare play from a prescribed list.
Section B: Drama (closed book) One question from a choice of two based on the reading of a pair of plays: one pre1900 and one post-1900, from a prescribed list.
Assessment: Exam Paper [30%]
Unit 4: Coursework
One 2500-3500 word assignment based on the reading of two prose texts from different periods, one pre-2000 and one post-2000, nominated by the student or school.
Assessment: Coursework [20%]
English Literature at KS5
After each lesson you should:
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Review your lesson notes and highlight anything that you do not understand so that you can ask about this in the next lesson
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Locate and read the relevant material in the textbook and add anything extra or interesting to your notes
• complete any outstanding questions or exercises
Each week you should:
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Review the work you have done over the week and make some active revision resources. Examplesmay include glossaries, mindmaps, flash cards, flow diagrams, quizzes, mood boards, drawings for understanding … be creative!
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Be proactive when using revision sites - locate the pages relevant to the material that you have been covering in lessons. Add any extra or interesting information to your notes
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Complete the independent work set each week
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Below are some particularly useful sites for elements of the course Website: Useful for:
The British Library - The British Library (bl.uk) Context (AO3) and Critical Theory (AO5)
Learning tools, flashcards, and textbook solutions | Quizlet
Useful for pre-made Critical Interpretation flashcards for each unit.
CliffsNotes Study Guides | Book Summaries, Test Preparation & Homework Help | Written by Teachers Useful for strengthening your understanding of a text
At least once per half-term you should:
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Carry out a folder cleanse. Ensure work is in a sensible order (chronological or by theme) and that sections are clearly divided ( e.g. different teachers / different topics / assessments v class work)
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Identify any missing work and take steps to fill gaps – liaise with a trusted study partner or your teacher.
Throughout the year you should:
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Complete past paper questions with mark schemes from the Eduqas website: AS and A Level English Literature | Eduqas
You should work through these questions to test your knowledge and critically assess your work using the mark schemes. This will be most useful in the run up to your mock exams and Summer exams.
Keep up with your own personal reading. An English student should be reading a wide variety of texts, improving your knowledge and understanding of genres and the writer’s craft
Y12/13 Guide to Independent Learning
English Language & Literature at KS5
After each lesson you should:
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Review your lesson notes and highlight anything that you do not understand so that you can ask about this in the next lesson
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Glue in and label any handouts from the lesson
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Check that the linguistic or literary terms used in the lesson (or used on any handout) are added to your glossary book.
Each fortnight you should:
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Each fortnight you should:
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Complete further background reading on the texts you are studying in class. This might include using YouTube or Google or a podcast to learn more about the scenes / chapters / poems you read in class.
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Be proactive when completing your background reading - add any extra or interesting information to your notes
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Below are some particularly useful sites for elements of the course Website: Find a ‘walk through’ of the different exams. Interactive quiz on terms.
www.cliffnotes.com Great for plot summaries and character analysis of the texts we study https://www.cram.com/flashcards/a-level-english-literature-andlanguage- terminology-6718949
Great for checking that your terms are correct.
At least once per half-term you should:
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Carry out a book/ folder cleanse. Ensure work is in a sensible order (chronological or by theme) and that sections are clearly divided ( e.g. different teachers / different topics / assessments v class work)
-
Identify any missing work and take steps to fill gaps – liaise with a trusted study partner or your teacher
-
Review the work you have done over the half-term and make some active revision resources. Examples may include glossaries, mindmaps, flash cards, flow diagrams, quizzes, mood boards, drawings for understanding … be creative! It might be a good idea to produce quotation reminders /revision resources
Throughout the year you should:
-
Complete past paper questions with mark schemes from the Eduqas website. You should work through these questions to test your knowledge and critically assess your work using the mark schemes. This will be most useful in the run up to your mock exams and Summer exams. Keep up with your own personal reading. An English student should be reading a wide variety of texts, improving your knowledge and understanding of genres and the writer’s craft.
Where can this subject take me?
*Updates Pending*
Students of may wish to progress to a number of related courses that offer such specializations as:
Education
English
Journalism
Further Education or vocation based training would significantly help towards freelance practices or careers in:
Teacher
Journalist/Editor
Novelist
Screenwriter
Travel writer/blogger
Copy Manager
For more information of post-school progression please check out our dedicated Careers Page for related links and guidance.
For more information on this course throughout all key stages please contact Miss M. Brock
m.brock@kimberleyschool.co.uk
