English
In Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9), students discover the power of storytelling across time and culture. They explore epic myths such as The Odyssey, Gothic fiction, Shakespearean drama, dystopian worlds, Romantic poetry and modern global voices, while developing confidence in reading, analysis and creative writing. Through studying texts like Animal Farm, Romeo and Juliet, A View from the Bridge and A Raisin in the Sun, students learn to interpret meaning, compare ideas and shape their own voice. By the end of Year 9, they can analyse themes and characters in depth and communicate viewpoints with clarity and imagination.
In Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11), students deepen their understanding of literature, language and rhetoric through texts such as A Christmas Carol, An Inspector Calls, Macbeth and the Power and Conflict poetry anthology. They learn to analyse unseen fiction and non-fiction, craft thoughtful essays and write creatively with control and purpose, culminating in spoken language presentations and final examinations. By the end of Year 11, students can respond to whole texts with insight and produce confident analytical and transactional writing.
In Key Stage 5 (Years 12–13), English becomes an intellectually challenging and deeply reflective study of literature, ideas and context. Students explore texts such as Frankenstein, The Handmaid’s Tale, Othello and Les Blancs, alongside diverse modern poetry, developing sophisticated comparative essays, critical interpretations and independent coursework. Through close reading, debate and research, they learn to construct controlled arguments and evaluate different perspectives. By the end of Year 13, students leave as thoughtful readers, confident writers and articulate thinkers, fully prepared for university study and careers shaped by communication, creativity and critical insight.
View the KS3 English curriculum map