English
Senior
"The reading of all good books is like a conversation with the finest minds of past centuries."
Descartes
Our curriculum has been designed to approach, explore and enjoy different aspects of English, with the ultimate goal to develop our students as intelligent and creative readers and writers. We support and guide independence and hope to prompt our students into adopting a sophisticated and creative mind-set as they embark upon their literary journey. The Kingswood English department is comprised of staff who are passionate about their subject and hope to instil a lifelong love of language and literature.
KEY STAGE 3
At Key Stage 3, pupils will study a wide range of texts from different historical periods and consider how to respond to them. These texts encompass fiction, non-fiction, drama and poetry through which we hope to introduce our students to a multitude of literary voices, perspectives and contexts in order to deepen our awareness of writers’ voices.
In Year 7, we focus on ancient texts and writers of significant literary importance, including: Beowulf, Chaucer and Shakespeare.
In Year 8, we look at the development of literature from the Gothic to the Romantic period, with works by Dickens, Hardy and Wordsworth.
In Year 9, we move to the modern era, looking at 20th century texts including ‘Animal Farm’ and ‘An Inspector Calls’ and a selection of war poetry. We conclude the year with a genre study of dystopia.
Additionally, pupils will develop their creative writing skills by producing different types of texts.
Year 7 offers our students the opportunity to write autobiographically, as well as to learn narrative and descriptive skills.
Year 8 introduces our students to the art of rhetoric and article writing.
Year 9 furthers these skills with a range of persuasive tasks as well as honing their writing ability from previous years.
Students are offered a regularly revised reading list to accompany each module and are expected to read for pleasure daily as well as at the beginning of their lessons.
KEY STAGE 4
At KS4, pupils study for both language and literature using the Cambridge IGCSE exam board.
Pupils will be able to develop their ideas fully in writing, using a variety of formats for their coursework element; including narrative, descriptive and responding to different texts. They will study a novel, a poetry anthology and a Drama text in full; applying skills and knowledge that has been embedded further down the curriculum.
A-LEVEL - ENGLISH LITERATURE
At A-Level, pupils follow the AQA specification.
The course is separated into two strands: tragedy and crime.
For tragedy, students will study ‘Othello’, ‘Death of a Salesman’ and the poetry of Keats.
For crime, students will study a modern crime novel, ‘Atonement’ and a selection of poetry including Browning, Wilde and Crabbe.
There are also two coursework essays, looking at texts through a critical lens. The first is based on a study of Carol Ann Duffy’s ‘The World’s Wife’. The second is a novel-based essay of the student’s choice.
AFA (Associate Fine Arts) in Creative Writing
In addition to English Literature A-Level, the department also offers the opportunity to study creative writing with students exploring a range of different genres and topics. In a workshop environment, students will produce a portfolio of their own work and prepare for examinations at the end of the two year course. This qualification is recognised by UCAS.
Co-curricular
The English department offer a range of opportunities for students to further their enjoyment of the subject. These include:
Book Club - of which we offer a half-termly slot to discuss books, with a chosen novel for each key stage.
Cultural Chit Chat – in which students discuss and recommend books, podcasts, or films that they believe are of interest or culturally relevant.
Poetry and Creative Writing – giving KS3 and KS4 students the opportunity to write poetry using a range of forms and with different stimuli.
Film Club – The chance to watch and discuss a range of films.
Sixth Form Literary Society – An evening of casual discussion on a range of student-prompted topics.