Our vision within English at Alderbrook is to create outstanding, personalised learning that develops our young people into confident, independent, lifelong learners, inspired by English and literacy.
Planning has been undertaken to develop a coherent, broad and balanced curriculum that inspires and challenges our students. We build on the prior learning of students from key stage 2, with a focus on developing students’ love of English through reading. Woven throughout the early years is a skills based programme which teaches students to become successful individuals at key stage 4 and beyond. This approach is founded on a positive reading ethos and the development of literacy in the early years of key stage 3. Through our curriculum, we aim to build resilience and encourage learners to be ambitious and aspirational in all that they do.
The Alderbrook English Faculty comprises fifteen teachers, each of whom are committed to developing the teaching of English and raising achievement in our subject. Our superb examination results are a product of a determination to push all pupils to excel. We work together as a faculty to improve all areas of our practice and have a number of staff who specialise in Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4, Media Studies, Intervention and Enhancement. We are a friendly and supportive faculty who genuinely love what we do!
In Key Stage 3, English groups are set by ability based on KS2 data and following our own baseline testing in the first two weeks of Year 7. There are 5 sets on each side of the year group.
Pupils follow a different scheme of work every half term. These schemes of work are designed to best equip pupils for success in the new GCSE Specifications of September 2015:
The Scheme Of Work will comprise: Fiction; Non-Fiction; Shakespeare; Poetry; Issue Based Writing, Modes of Address; Evolution of Language; Responses to Images, Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar.
Autumn 1: 19th Century Prose Study – Oliver Twist
Autumn 2: 19th Century Prose Study – Oliver Twist
Spring 1: English Language – Paper 2, Section B – The Power of Persuasion
Spring 2: 19th and 20th Century Women’s Literature with a focus on English Language Paper 1 skills
Summer 1: Heroes and Villains in Shakespeare
Summer 2: The Power of Identity: Poetry
Autumn 1: 19th Century Gothic Literature:
Autumn 2: Festive Dickens through a study of ‘A Christmas Carol’.
Spring 1: A study of Love and Relationships through Poetry
Spring 2: Reading Skills – in preparation for GCSE English Language
Summer 1: Reading Skills – in preparation for GCSE English Language Summer
Summer 2: An Inspector Calls. J.B Priestley
In Key Stage 4, English groups are set by ability based on KS3 performance. There are 5 sets on each side of the year group. Within Year 10 English Literature is examined at the end of the year, whilst English Language is examined separately at the end of Year 11.
For first examinations in June 2017 onwards (100% Examination): GCSE English Language –
AQA Examination Board; GCSE English Literature – AQA Examination Board
Autumn Term 1: Shakespeare – Macbeth
Autumn Term 2: AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1
Spring Term 1: AQA GCSE English Literature – Conflict Poetry Cluster
Spring Term 2: AQA GCSE English Literature – Unseen Poetry
Summer Term 1: AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1
Summer Term 2: AQA GCSE English Literature – An Inspector Calls
Autumn Term 1: AQA GCSE English Literature – An Inspector Calls
Autumn Term 2: AQA GCSE English Literature – Conflict Poetry Cluster/Unseen Poetry
Easter Term 1: AQA GCSE English Literature – Jekyll and Hyde
Easter Term 2: AQA GCSE English Literature – Macbeth
Summer Term 1: AQA GCSE English Literature Revision Unit
Summer Term 2: AQA GCSE English Language – Creative Writing/Spoken Language Unit
Autumn 1: AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1 – Reading Section
Autumn 2: AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1 – Writing Section
Spring 1: AQA GCSE English Language Paper 2 – Reading Section
Spring 2: AQA GCSE English Language Paper 2 – Writing Section
Summer 1: AQA GCSE English Language Revision
Proud to offer two courses at Key Stage 5: English Language and English Literature
The study of English Language is a complex, yet inspiring, journey into communication in its most diverse forms. Alongside the exploration of grammatical structures, students will have the opportunity to analyse how language impacts on individuals and communities, within a rigorous and academic framework.
A level English Language is quite different from the experience at GCSE, as it focuses on how the language is learnt, used and changed in different contexts, at different times.
English Literature, English Language and Linguistics, History, Media Studies, Drama, Modern Foreign Languages, European Studies and American Studies.
Minimum grade 6 in GCSE English Language.
‘The English Language is nobody’s special property. It is the property of the imagination. It is the property of the language itself.’
Derek Walcott, Poet
English Literature has enabled mankind to express itself and in return, we are able to question and affirm our own values and beliefs through the power of literature. By exploring a range of texts, we are able to enhance our experiences of different cultures, philosophies and eras.
A level English Literature provides a deepening insight into the social and historical contexts which influence writers. The exploration of literature enhances critical thinking and analysis, developing excellent communication skills. In the study of English Literature, classical and modern texts come alive and have relevance to our ever-changing world.
English Literature, English Language and Linguistics, History, Media Studies, Drama, Modern Foreign Languages, European Studies and American Studies.
Minimum grade 6 in GCSE English Literature
‘The beauty of literature is discovering that your longings are universal longings, that you are not lonely and isolated from anyone. You belong.’
Scott Fitzgerald
Recent Theatre Trips have included: RSC – Shakespeare; War Horse, Private Peaceful, The Curious
Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, The Woman in Black, Matilda, The Globe
Extra-Curricular Opportunities have included: “Beat Freeks” Poetry Workshops, Youth Speaks,
Solihull Public Speaking Competition, Spelling Bee, Year 7 Short Story Competition, Really Broad
Reading Award, Heartbreak Theatre Company, Year 7 Summer School
Directly related: Journalist, technical writer, editor, author, lecturer and teacher.
Further afield: Public relations specialist, lawyer, sales, stockbroker, brand manager and advertising.
Other qualities and key skills that can be gained from studying English: Critical Thinking, Confidence & Emotional Intelligence
For further information, please contact the Curriculum Leader for English, Miss S Astley
