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English
Through English, students are empowered to be independent, thoughtful, literate members of society who are ready for life beyond school. Via diverse and varied study, our students become confident readers, articulate communicators and empathic citizens interested in the world around them. Students have a strong understanding of literary history and how creative texts can offer a window into the events that have shaped our identities as individuals, as communities, nationally and globally. Students grow an appreciation for the power of the written and spoken word as a tool used to empower and inspire, to oppress and torture. Analysis of evidence, structuring arguments, evaluation of writers’ aims and an appreciation of big ideas forms the bedrock of the TLA English skills’ curriculum. English will engender empathy and tolerance, and a diverse classroom environment, whereby a wealth of texts immerse students in the rich lived experience of those different from them.
KS3
In KS3, students will build on the KS2 technical knowledge of the language as well as the reading and writing skills developed in the primary journey. Students will explore, analyse and evaluate the language and structure of a range of texts, including reading fiction from different cultures and time periods as well as non-fiction, drama and poetry from a range of authors and poets. Students will be grounded in the communicative traditions of the ancients before exploring a range of Shakespeare pieces, Romanticism and the Gothic as well as other seminary texts. Amongst this, students will learn the craft of writing with intent; exploring rhetoric and the art of considered storytelling, students will become competent writers themselves.
KS4
In KS4 students are provided with a rich and diverse learning experience. Throughout these pivotal years, our students delve into a variety of texts and themes that not only enhance their academic skills but also foster critical thinking and personal growth. Year 10 is marked by an exploration of iconic works such as ‘Macbeth’, ‘An Inspector Calls’ and ‘A Christmas Carol’, alongside a study of poignant ‘Power and Conflict’ poetry from the AQA selected anthology. Students learn to analyse complex characters, historical contexts, and literary techniques, developing their ability to craft insightful essays and articulate nuanced interpretations. Year 11 builds on this foundation, with a focus on unseen poetry and advanced language skills. Students refine their abilities in both fiction and non-fiction writing, honing their skills through rigorous assessments and personalised exam preparation. Our aim is to give every student the opportunity to become a confident communicator, capable of expressing their ideas with clarity and conviction. By engaging with a broad spectrum of literary forms and themes, students not only prepare for their GCSEs but also gain a deeper understanding of the world and their place within it.
KS5
In KS5 students will with study English Language or English Literature
English Language: Students will have the opportunity to develop their knowledge of the frameworks of language before applying this to analysing texts, meanings and representations. Students will explore studies and theories, discovering the academic arguments across the varieties and diversity of the English language as well as exploring the journey of child language acquisition and language change.
English Literature: Students will explore a rich tapestry of texts from diverse authors historical traditions, deepening understanding and appreciation of the English literary canon from prose, poetry and drama. Students will build empathy by appreciating the lived experience of those from different times, places and worlds from us by embracing all the complexities of literary analysis within a world of exciting, stimulating and enjoyable texts.
Exam board(s)
AQA GCSE English Language
AQA GCSE English Literature
AQA A Level English Language
EDUQAS A Level English Literature
