English

English is more than reading and writing; it is the key to understanding the world, shaping ideas, and finding your voice.

'English has a pre-eminent place in education and in society. A high-quality education in English will teach pupils to speak and write fluently so that they can communicate their ideas and emotions to others, and through their reading and listening, others can communicate with them. Through reading in particular, pupils have a chance to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually. Literature, especially, plays a key role in such development. Reading also enables pupils both to acquire knowledge and to build on what they already know. All the skills of language are essential to participating fully as a member of society; pupils who do not learn to speak, read and write fluently and confidently are effectively disenfranchised.' Adapted from National Curriculum, DfE, 2014.

The English curriculum develops students’ ability to communicate ideas fluently, confidently, and accurately, both in speech and in writing. Literature plays a vital role in building knowledge, deepening understanding, and fostering a lifelong love of reading, ensuring students read widely and deeply as they progress through the curriculum.

Students engage with a rich and ambitious range of texts, from Shakespeare to challenging non-fiction, spanning pre-1914 and contemporary literature, including prose, poetry, and drama. Texts increase in complexity over time, promoting academic rigour, resilience, and the ability to analyse language with confidence and precision. This broad literary experience supports the development of an extensive vocabulary and enables students to become articulate and effective communicators, while also gaining an appreciation of the contexts that have shaped influential texts.

Alongside reading, students practise writing for a range of purposes, audiences, and contexts. They learn to adapt form, structure, and language creatively and accurately, with a strong focus on grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Opportunities for discussion, debate, and presentation are embedded throughout, supporting the development of confident spoken language and well-justified viewpoints.

Across all key stages, reading sits at the heart of the curriculum. Students are encouraged to reflect on and evaluate their reading experiences and to develop into independent readers and assured writers, equipped with the literacy skills needed for future learning and life beyond the classroom.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum 

Key Stage 4 Curriculum