Communication is at the heart of what it is to be human. In a rapidly changing world, pupils’ ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and understand and respond to what they read, hear, and experience is more important than ever.
The English department is committed to developing these skills. Our aim is to develop pupils’ creativity and give them the skills to communicate with accuracy, passion and an inquisitive mind.
We aim to promote a love of reading and ensure all pupils are exposed to a wide range of literature. Studying English gives pupils the opportunity to escape from the real world and become captivated in spellbinding stories, which in turn allows them to better understand the world they live in.
Key Stage 3
Pupils in KS3 study English for five lessons a week. The curriculum is designed to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum and develop pupils’ language and literature skills.
Pupils study a wide range of literature texts from different time periods, cultures and traditions. These include two Shakespeare plays, modern novels and plays, poetry from different centuries and countries, and a range of non-fiction texts. Pupils develop the ability to analyse language and explore unseen texts.
Pupils also develop their writing skills in a number of forms: narrative, descriptive, persuasive, formal letters, articles, and speeches. They are encouraged to adapt their language and styles to match this wide range of contexts, purposes, and audiences. Opportunities for discussion and debate are also embedded within the lessons.
All KS3 pupils have a weekly library session using the Accelerated Reader programme. This programme encourages pupils to read widely, both inside and outside school, and helps foster a love of reading.
Key Stage 4
In year 10 and 11 pupils will be studying for two GCSE qualifications following the AQA specification: English Language and English Literature.
English Language
The qualification will enable pupils of all abilities to develop the skills to understand and analyse a range of different texts spanning from the 19th century to the modern day. Pupils will also improve their ability to write clearly, accurately, and coherently using a wide range of vocabulary and sentence structures to match different forms. Pupils will be given lots of opportunities to improve their oral communication, discuss their ideas, and give effective presentations.
English Literature
Pupils will study Romeo and Juliet, An Inspector Calls, A Christmas Carol, and a poetry anthology which includes poems from a range of different time periods. Pupils will also develop their ability to respond to unseen poems.
Extra Curricular
The faculty aims to encourage creative, enthusiastic pupils through sparking their imagination and love of language. Together with the school library, every year pupils take part in the Swindon Literature festival. Pupils enjoy events such as the fastest story, poetry slams, author workshops, and inter-school quizzes. Pupils also enter the Literature Festival writing competitions and this year Lawn Manor pupils won two age categories and the overall competition prize.
We hold events on World Book Day, have a creative writing club, hold Poetry By Heart competitions, and support our pupils to enter a range of writing competitions.
