English
Overview
Knowledge is at the heart of English. At Forge Valley we believe that English is the foundation of all other subjects. It is essential for increasing the life chances of our pupils and for opening a world to them that reaches far beyond their experiences. English also equips pupils to confidently challenge viewpoints and empowers them to express themselves succinctly.
Everyone will explore the best that has ever been thought and written, and we will be encouraged to empathise with the lives of people past and present and allow us to embark on a journey of self-discovery. Studying English will provide pupils with the opportunity to broaden their cultural capital and develop their creative and critical thinking skills.
Teachers will model the processes of thinking, writing, analysing and reading in order to inspire pupils to become successful, responsible and resilient learners.
Key Stage 3 Curriculum Content
Mastery Learning
All pupils have been given an English mastery booklet covering the work they have studied in class so far this half-term. The purpose of this is to allow pupils the opportunity to consolidate their knowledge at home. Pupils are expected to do as much as they can from the booklet.
All pupils will have an end of unit quiz in the final week of half-term which will be based on the contents of the mastery booklet. We wish to emphasise that this is a low-stakes quiz. We will use the information as a diagnostic tool to inform teachers of any knowledge gaps which may need to be addressed.
Mastery Booklets Unit 1-5
Key Stage 4 Curriculum Content
In KS4, pupils will take AQA GCSE English Language and English Literature and gain two qualifications.
English Language builds on reading and writing skills from KS3. The GCSE allows pupils to explore language in different contexts and also requires them to write creatively for different audiences. Pupils need to show a range of reading skills such as comprehension, summary, analysis and evaluation. This GCSE is assessed by two examinations.
English Literature builds on the love of reading novels, plays and poetry studied in KS3. The GCSE develops pupils’ ability to read in depth, critically and evaluatively, so that they are able to discuss and explain their understanding and ideas. For English Literature pupils will study a range of texts, Shakespeare’s Macbeth, DNA by Dennis Kelly, The Sign of Four by Arthur Conon Doyle and poetry from the ‘Love and Relationship’ collection, both past and present. This GCSE is assessed by two examinations.