Subject: English
Subject Overview:

The study of English is essential to support learners on their way to becoming productive, engaged members of society. Developing reading and writing skills allows learners to understand a wide variety of texts and communicate their ideas clearly, effectively using a wide range of vocabulary.
In KS3 we aim to foster a real enthusiasm for the subject and develop the skills needed to be successful at KS4. We ensure that all learners are challenged and lessons are structured to ensure that all learners can realise their potential. All KS3 learners have a dedicated reading lesson that not only breeds a love of reading but also develops one of the most important skills that learners need for their academic school journey.

At GCSE level, learners will study for:
AQA GCSE English Language involves the study of Creative Reading and Writing in Paper 1 and the study of Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives in Paper 2.
AQA GCSE English Literature comprises the following examination units:
Paper 1 – Shakespeare (Macbeth) and the 19th century novel (The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde).
Paper 2 – Modern Texts (An Inspector Calls) and Poetry Anthology (Power and Conflict)

The Kepier English curriculum allows learners to immerse themselves in powerful knowledge; enabling them to see, understand and explore the underpinning ideas and intentions of writers from across literary history and a range of cultures. Learners will study a broad range of inspiring heritage and modern texts from outside of their day to day experience. After studying English at Kepier, learners will be able to read, write, think critically and communicate at a high standard, enabling them to become independent and knowledgeable contributors to their community, and society as a whole.

Key Stage 3
Content: Year 7: Year 8: Year 9:
Autumn Term 1: Extended Reading – The Woman in Black
Focus: Fiction reading + linked creative writing
History and Culture – Animal Farm

Focus: Reading, analysis and context

Society – Non Fiction extracts
Focus: NF reading and analysis + transactional writing
Autumn Term 2: Extended Reading – The Woman in Black
Focus: Fiction reading + linked creative writing
History and Culture – Animal Farm

Focus: Reading, analysis and context

British Literature – A Christmas Carol
Focus: Reading, analysis and context
Spring Term 1: Extended Reading – My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece
Focus: Fiction reading + linked creative writing
In the News – Non Fiction
Focus: Transactional writing
British Literature – A Christmas Carol
Focus: Reading, analysis and context
Spring Term 2: Introduction to Shakespeare – A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Focus: Reading, analysis and context
Love and Relationships – Romeo and Juliet
Focus: Reading, language analysis and context
Short Story Anthology and creative writing

Focus: Reading, analysis and  Creative writing

Summer Term 1: Introduction to Shakespeare – A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Focus: Reading, analysis and context
Gothic/Detective Fiction – Hound of the Baskervilles

Focus: Reading, language analysis and context

Conflict – Non Fiction Extracts
Focus: NF reading and analysis + transactional writing
Summer Term 2: Anthology of Non-Fiction Extracts
Focus: Transactional writing
Victorian Literature – Gothic Writing
Focus: Creative writing
Poetry Anthology – Unseen + Power and Conflict
Focus: Language analysis and context
Key Stage 4
Content: Year 10: Year 11:
Autumn Term 1: Lang: Viewpoints and Attitudes
Focus: P2 NF extracts + linked transactional writing
Lit: An Inspector Calls
Focus: Review of texts, in-depth analysis and comparisons
Lang: Crime and Punishment
Focus: P2 NF extracts + linked transactional writing
Lit: An Inspector Calls
Focus: First teaching of character, plot, themes and exam technique
Autumn Term 2: Lang: Redemption and Judgement
Focus: P1 F extracts + linked creative writing
Lit: An Inspector Calls
Focus: 1st teaching of text, in-depth plot and character study
Lang: Family Life / Society
Focus: P1 F extracts + linked creative writing
Lit: An Inspector CallsFocus: First teaching of character, plot, themes and exam technique.
Spring Term 1: Lang: Fate and Freewill
Focus: P2 NF extracts + linked transactional writing
Lit: Jekyll and Hyde
Focus: (1st teaching of text, in-depth plot and character study)
Lang: Identity
Focus: P2 NF extracts + linked transactional writing + explicit exam question focus
Lit: Jekyll and HydeFocus: Revision of character, plot, themes and teaching of exam techniques
Spring Term 2: Lang: Tragedy
Focus: P1 F extracts + linked creative writing
Lit: Macbeth
Focus: (1st teaching of text, in-depth plot and character study)
Lang: The Supernatural / Mythology
Focus: P1 F extracts + linked creative writing + explicit exam question focus
Lit: MacbethFocus: Revision of character, plot, themes and teaching of exam techniques
Summer Term 1: Lang: Morality
Focus: P2 NF extracts + linked transactional writing
Lit: MacbethFocus: (1st teaching of text, in-depth plot and character study)
Lang: Exam Preparation
Focus: P1 + P2 revision with explicit focus on exam technique
Lit: Exam PreparationFocus: P1 + P2 revision with explicit focus on exam techniques
Summer Term 2: Lang: Narratives and Narrators
Focus: P1 F extracts critical evaluation + linked creative writing
S+L
Lit: Power and Conflict Poetry
Focus: Review of texts and in-depth study.
N/A

Additional Information:

If you have a question about the English curriculum you can use the form below to contact the English department.

    Revision Links for GCSE Course:

    English Literature:
    GCSE Pod: https://members.gcsepod.com/shared/podcasts#6002/6062
    Macbeth: https://www.bbc.co.uk/education/topics/zgq3dmn
    Jekyll and Hyde: https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/topics/z8642p3
    An Inspector Calls: https://www.bbc.co.uk/education/topics/zpr639q
    Poetry: https://www.bbc.co.uk/education/topics/zs43ycw

    English Language:
    GCSE Pod: https://members.gcsepod.com/shared/podcasts#6002/6061
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/education/topics/zgkj39q
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/education/topics/z34dycw
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/education/topics/zyg9nbk
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/education/topics/zs3chv4
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/education/topics/zpyg6fr

    How can parents support their child’s progress in this subject?

    1. Encourage your child to read something every day. This could be novels, magazines, newspapers, online blogs and other articles.
    2. Talk to your child about their reading: ask them to summarise briefly what the piece was about: can they give you the overall viewpoint of the article? Can they say anything about how the writer got that viewpoint across? Do they agree or disagree with the article? Why?
    3. Whenever your child completes any written work at home, ask them to carefully check their spelling and punctuation before they finish.
    4. Re-read texts studied for Literature.
    5. Watch film/TV versions of Literature texts.
    6. Regularly use GCSE Pod for revision.

    Extra-Curricular Activities:

    1. Creative Writing Club
    2. Media Club
    3. Reading in the library
    4. Extra-Curricular revision for Y11 learners