Why Study English?
With Literacy lauded as the cornerstone of learning, English is undeniably a gateway to becoming a successful citizen in tomorrow’s world: the very vision that drives King’s Leadership Academy. We believe that, alongside the conscious honing of reading, writing and oracy skills, studying English is essential for building valuable cultural capital; exposure to a wide range of fiction and non-fiction texts from different moments in time allows students to develop an understanding of a range of contexts and perspectives. By fostering empathy and challenging students to be exploratory, students are empowered to confidently negotiate life beyond King’s.
What will you study at KS3?
In KS3, students will embark on an exciting literary journey that carefully facilitates both breadth and depth. Beginning with the very origins of story-telling, students are immersed into the complex tapestry of Greek Mythology, before being challenged to showcase their own story-telling skills, thus igniting imagination and creativity. An exploration of the History of the English Language nurtures a deep appreciation and curiosity for English that stands students in good stead for subsequent exposure to Shakespeare’s writing, an endeavour that first involves diving into a diverse range of extracts, before then grappling with a full play: The Merchant of Venice. In Year 8, students continue to encounter a challenging mixture of prose, drama and poetry, such as Conan-Doyle’s The Speckled Band, Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black and J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls, each text acting as a provoking stimulus for thought, discussion, debate, analysis and extended writing.
What will you study at KS4?
The AQA English Language and Literature GCSE courses allow students to logically build on the foundations afforded by KS3, thus improving confidence and encouraging mastery. The creative writing skills cultivated from the very outset continue to find an outlet in KS4, with students transitioning into a more independent and conscious craft. Transactional writing is also given further attention, with students practising writing for different purposes and audiences, a valuable pursuit beyond the confines of the classroom. In terms of Literature, with students well accustomed to the demands of Shakespearean language by the time they approach Romeo and Juliet, they are well-placed to go beyond comprehension and, instead, delve deeply into the intricacies of the play. Solid KS3 coverage of Detective and Gothic genres, as well as familiarity with the 19th century context, position students to be able to access Stevenson’s complex assertions about morality and humanity in Jekyll and Hyde. Engagement remains a key curriculum priority, with the comedic Blood Brothers a firm favourite in English classrooms.
What opportunities will I have studying English?
Students studying English Language and Literature will have a wide range of opportunities. They will gain indispensable literacy skills that will, in turn, inevitably lead to countless other opportunities. As well as skills, students will have the chance to develop their understanding of our society, with multi-dimensional characters sparking inquisitive natures and non-fiction texts tapping into topical controversies. The English department relishes the opportunity to take students to the theatre or to invite performers to school so, where possible, students will have the opportunity to see their learning brought to life.