Our carefully considered and methodical English curriculum for all key stages has been crafted to allow pupils to gain knowledge and wisdom through every unit of work. Opportunities of personal growth and independence that lead to critical and deep thinking are also intertwined into each scheme of learning to encourage pupils to grow into mature, intellectual and stable adults who will make sensible decisions. These wise openings are built upon from KS3 all the way to KS5 through the triumvirate of reading, writing and speaking along with explicit teaching of the grammar of English. 

In their time with us, all students at Manshead study both English Language and English Literature through to GCSE. These twin, interwoven disciplines help students to develop and embed the knowledge, language and communication skills that are necessary to succeed in the modern world, simultaneously building their cultural capital around Literature written in English. 

Our English department is a calm but energised space where students are challenged to read carefully, extract meanings, voice opinions, think deeply, create and reflect on ideas within and around texts. Our primary focus is helping students develop increasingly well-informed personal opinions and be able to provide robust, academically sound, explanations of their thoughts. By the end of their time with us, students are well prepared to face the challenges of communication in the world beyond school. Our specially constructed A-Level Literature course is testament to this; there are ample chances for pupils to develop their personal, confident and thoughtful responses to literature by examining Aspects of Tragedy and Political and Social Protest writing. 

In KS3 and KS4, specifically nominated texts are taught to the students and are selected due to their sublime presentation of ideas and key moral intentions. Through the love of learning in the English department, pupils will gain hope organically, helping them to promote positivity and optimism in their own lives and those around them. Key vocabulary and precise grammar skills are built into the curriculum to enrich schemes such as Year 9 reading A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens: pupils are taught to develop their use of ambitious vocabulary and mirror some of the skills that Dickens employs in their own writing. 

Reading biblical references and stories tied to the bible, surely helps pupils to have a wider understanding of Christian beliefs and compassion for others. In Year 7, we have a dedicated term to the reading of The Magician’s Nephew by C. S. Lewis that includes many references to the bible allowing pupils to follow the Christian way of living. Shakespeare texts are also selected to not only inspire the pupils with their own creative personal responses and imaginative ideas, but they are also taught to teach pupils that having faith is essential in living a valuable and wholesome life. Understanding how different cultures live through novels, poems and texts also helps pupils to enhance their cultural capital making them more compassionate and open-minded learners. 

Dignity and respect are yet more values that the English department hold with highest confidence. As well as teaching the art and divine skills of a variety of writers from different cultures, English teachers take great pride in modelling exemplary behaviour through their polite and full structured conversations with pupils in classes. Spoken Language is a key element within our curriculum that has been threaded through with accuracy to reinforce decorum and respectful values. We select key moments in each year group to conduct spoken language assessments which helps with pupils’ confidence and strength to deal with challenges in their further education and careers. 

The curriculum is sequenced to build upon prior knowledge and skills. The texts and extracts selected become increasingly challenging and mature as well as the different levels of PLPs and assessment objectives.  

In each scheme, we provide advice and resources for teachers on how to provide for learners who are disadvantaged and have special educational needs. Regularly we meet as a team to discuss ways to help all learners no matter their backgrounds and abilities. 

We take great pride in assessing pupils’ work through carefully created mark schemes in KS3 that link to the national curriculum. In KS4 and KS5, we use AQA mark schemes and encourage pupils to peer and self-assess their work so that they too can support their progress in English.