L4L – English

INTRODUCTION

The English curriculum is an interconnected body of knowledge based around the study of great, culturally-rich texts. The English curriculum is cumulative and sequential, focused on providing our students with knowledge which can be carried forward to underpin future learning; with skills taught, retrieved, and applied in successive years. 

AIMS

Overall, the curriculum aims to be challenging so that our students:

• Acquire knowledge that takes them beyond their usual experiences.
• Are well prepared for terminal examinations and further study.
• Build valuable academic and subject specific vocabulary and terminology.
• Develop cultural capital, the ideas and knowledge that can be drawn upon to participate successfully in society.
• Are exposed to and encouraged to critique the canon, the best of what has been thought and said, each unit will involve the study of a key literary text or set of extracts.
• Are exposed to and explicitly taught grammar and how to write effectively.

WHY STUDY ENGLISH?

English Language and Literature are delivered in seamless, interconnected ways underpinned by the equal importance of each component.

English Language is vital for young people to be successful in the world. Effective communication is key, be that written or verbal. It is equally important to read with perception, to see through the bias and comprehend the real meaning writers seek to create. Being skilled in English language allows students to think as free agents about what they hear, see, and read in the world. We do not have to accept one version of the truth when we can infer, and make our own decisions about the world.

English Literature is the study of plays, poetry and novels that have significance in helping us understand the world around us. These texts are influenced by events that changed the world. Students are encouraged to become agents of their thoughts about the big ideas which help to understand how events have shaped the society we live in today. Students will be immersed in exploring and understanding other perspectives through narratives and characters whereby they can analyse interpersonal relationships in a range of cultural contexts and develop empathy skills.

HOW IS ENGLISH DELIVERED AT SHIRELAND CBSO ACADEMY?

In Year 7 English and Literacy is delivered within our Literacy for Life Programme. Students receive 17 hours of Literacy for Life lessons per week which covers a range of subjects within the Key Stage 3 National Curriculum.

In Year 8, students receive 2 hours of discreet English teaching per week within ability group bands, in addition to English language and literature skills covered within the Year 8 L4L curriculum.

Students receive 4 hours of English per week in Year 9, within ability group bands. Literacy skills are also practised and applied within the L4L curriculum, that is delivered in 5 hours per week.

In Years 10 and 11, students will receive 5 hours of English per week, again, within ability group bands. 

WHAT THEMES AND TEXTS DO WE STUDY?

We study great, culturally rich texts across both Key Stages.