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English Language & Literature

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The seven-year journey through the English curriculum is designed to align with the school's core intent of fostering academic achievement, enrichment, and enjoyment among students.

Our primary goal is to equip students with the skills and confidence to excel as fluent, confident, and effective communicators in reading, writing, and speaking. This journey is not just about passing exams; it's about nurturing a lifelong love for language and literature.

We strive to empower students to tackle the academic challenges of higher education while fostering empathy, clarity, and skill in communication for success in the workplace. Our curriculum encourages students to embrace their voices and believe in their ability to make a difference through thoughtful expression.

 

Students are exposed to a diverse range of challenging texts and relevant topics, sparking discussions, evaluations, and creative expressions. We aim for students to engage with language in new and meaningful ways, drawing connections to the real world and feeling empowered as learners.

Continuous assessment and feedback mechanisms are in place to monitor students' progress in these areas, ensuring that they are not just learning, but also growing, thriving, and finding joy in their education journey.

English KS4 2

Our comprehensive curriculum encompasses a wide range of literary forms and genres. Through the study of texts, plays, poetry, media, and various written text types, the department aims to support students' writing and reading development while embedding skills necessary for their examination years.

The curriculum is carefully structured to include works from both older and contemporary writers, ensuring a balanced exposure that prepares students for the breadth and depth of knowledge required not only at school but also as well-rounded global citizens. This approach reflects the department's commitment to providing a holistic literary education that encompasses diverse perspectives and cultural contexts.

By engaging with a variety of literary forms and genres, students hone their analytical skills, critical thinking abilities, and creativity. Through discussions, analyses, and writing assignments, students are encouraged to explore themes, dissect authors' techniques, and develop their own unique voices as writers.

Cambridge IGCSE English - First Language 

The Cambridge IGCSE syllabus enables learners to read, interpret and evaluate texts through the study of literature in English. Learners develop an understanding of literal meaning, relevant contexts and of the deeper themes or attitudes that may be expressed. 

Through their studies, students learn to recognise and appreciate the ways in which writers use English to achieve a range of effects, and will be able to present an informed, personal response to the material they have studied.


The syllabus also encourages the exploration of wider and universal issues, promoting learners' better understanding of themselves and of the world around them.

Syllabus Cambridge IGCSE™ First Language English

 

Cambridge IGCSE Literature in English  

The Cambridge English Literature syllabus empowers learners to delve into the world of literature, fostering skills to read, interpret, and evaluate texts with depth and insight. Students develop a nuanced understanding of literal meaning, relevant contexts, and the deeper themes or attitudes expressed within texts.

This journey of exploration allows students to recognise and appreciate the diverse ways in which writers use the English language to achieve a range of effects, from evoking emotions to conveying complex ideas. As a result, students are equipped to present informed and personal responses to the material they have studied, demonstrating their ability to engage critically with literary works.

In Literature, we offer two pathway option: Pathway A and B.

Pathway A Pathway B

Students undertake three examinations in literature 

 

  • Paper 1: Poetry and Prose 
  • Paper 2: Drama 
  • Paper 4: Unseen Poetry 

Students undertake two examinations and complete coursework, to replace the Unseen Poetry paper.  

  • Paper 1: Poetry and Prose 
  • Paper 2: Drama 
  • COURSEWORK: Two essays, each 12,00 words on a non-examination text.  

Syllabus Cambridge IGCSE™ Literature in English

The IB English Language and Literature course offers students the opportunity to explore literature, language, and non-literary texts at both Higher Level and Standard Level.

For the Standard Level, students delve into literary works from two different time periods, two geographical locations (covering at least two continents), and two literary forms.

At Higher Level, students broaden their literary horizons further by studying works from three different time periods, three geographical locations (including at least two continents), and three literary forms.

 

IB Diploma Programme Subject Brief Language A: language and literature