English is fundamental in securing success in all aspects of education and society. It underpins progress, affects attainment and success beyond school. The teaching of it, however, goes beyond the mechanics of reading, writing, speaking and listening. Excellent teaching of English will undoubtedly ensure students have the skills and abilities to express themselves via the spoken and written word, and are equipped with an extensive vocabulary in order to communicate fluently and effectively with others. However, literacy and oracy in particular, have a direct impact on self-esteem, motivation, resourcefulness and independent learning.

At its most basic, English as a subject aims to promote and encourage high standards of language and literacy to develop reading skills, the written word and oracy to develop functioning members of society. Through Literature, students are immersed in cultures and experiences to enrich their understanding of human relations, historical and social contexts and perspectives as well as to inherently inspire a love of reading for enjoyment.

Our curriculum is planned around the concept of ‘Voice’. Each text and unit we study aims to expose our students to different voices, and to instill and develop voice within our own students. In doing this, we encourage our students to challenge norms, stereotypes, injustices and to build and develop their own sense of character through their study.

The aims of the curriculum are to ensure that all students:

• Are provided with opportunities to remember and recall information.
• Are provided with excellent explanations of new material.
• Are challenged, particularly through questioning, irrespective of ability.
• Have ample time to practice applying new information.
• Are able to review their learning to progress.
• Read easily, fluently and with good understanding.
• Actively read and interpret texts, retrieving and summarising information accurately.
• Infer and develop layers of meanings either intended by the writer, or through individual interpretations.
• Develop a habit of reading widely and often, for pleasure and information.
• Acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language.
• Appreciate the rich and varied literary heritage and are exposed to a range of text types and writing.
• Write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences.
• Draft and redraft their written work by practicing and consolidating skills to refine their written expression.
• Have opportunities to discuss, debate and elaborate and explain their ideas clearly.
• Are competent in expressing themselves through the arts of speaking and listening, making presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debates.
• Develop their voice and character through the study of Literature, Language and the use of oracy.
• Are excited and engaged through excellent teaching.
• Have opportunities to challenge theirs, and others’, beliefs.
• Are supported to read and write academically
• Are excited and engaged through excellent teaching.
• Have opportunities to challenge theirs, and others’, beliefs.
• Are supported to read and write academically