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English at The Hayfield School is central to providing all pupils with literacy skills, confidence and creativity required to succeed in all areas of the curriculum. As a core subject area we aim to provide enjoyable and challenging opportunities across both key stages. Across the Language and Literature curriculums pupils will experience and study a vast range of novels, drama texts and poetry in their time at Hayfield, taking into account different genres and periods. They will become confident in their written communication in areas such as descriptive, persuasive and analytical writing. Recognition is given to the changing face of Language and the effects of Media and Technology on English in the world around us. Pupils will be given an appreciation of the different contexts of spoken language and gain confidence in public speaking. Set Literature texts from different cultures provide pupils with insight into a variety of diverse traditions whilst a broad and balanced curriculum means that Shakespeare, pre-20th century texts, and the work of many contemporary writers are covered.
Our objective is to prepare all of our pupils for life beyond their school years, by ensuring they are equipped to:
The programme of study across the key stage offers pupils a strong foundation in all areas of the English Language and Literature Curriculum to engage, inspire and build upon existing skills. We aim to provide pupils with a curriculum which challenges their own skills as readers and writers and also encourages them to become aware of British values such as democracy and diversity; community and tolerance; and freedom and responsibility.
The schemes of learning have been designed to cover all areas of the new National Curriculum in KS3 through a wide range of engaging and challenging themes.
Topics include:
Best of British; Nature and Animals; and the Language of Warfare. These are taught alongside Literature units: An Introduction to Shakespeare; Of Mice and Men; An Anthology of Conflict Poetry
English Y7 PlanSocietal Issues; Adventure and Exploration; and Fighting for your Rights. These are taught alongside Literature units: Blood Brothers; Lord of the Flies; and Animal Farm
English Y8 PlanLove and Relationships; Language and Crime; and Language and Society. These are taught alongside Literature units: Romeo and Juliet; Frankenstein; Unseen Poetry; and An Inspector Calls.
English Y9 PlanGo4Schools is used to track student performance across KS3. This along with regular ‘Unseen’ and ‘STEP’ assessments are used to regularly assess Reading, Writing, and Speaking and Listening to monitor pupil achievement and progress.
You speak the language and are surrounded by the words that make up the English language, so why do you need to study it?
Being able to communicate is essential, but choosing words for effect is a skill. It’s a skill that could lead to an employer choosing you over other candidates, an audience being captivated by your speech and remembering you for the words you choose, or an investor choosing to invest in your company or product. Whatever life beyond Hayfield looks like, we can assure you that you will need, and use, the skills you develop in English Language.
Employers say that one of the most valuable skills they look for in the people who work for them is good communication skills and this means writing and presentation as well as talking. Being able to write a good cover letter which is free from mistakes can also be key to getting that job in the first place.
Essentially, whenever you need to persuade, entertain, inform or connect with someone, English Language is your best friend.
Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing (1hr 45 mins)
Section A: Reading – Exploring and analysis extract from fictional texts
Section B: Writing – Creative writing
Paper 2: Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives (1hr 45 mins)
Section A: Reading – Exploring, analysing and comparing how writers convey a viewpoint in nonfiction writing
Section B: Writing – Writing to present a clear viewpoint
100% examination.
Two, 1 hour 45 minute exams.
Developing your communication skills is at the core of English Language. In order to articulate your ideas and views in a clear way, you will develop a greater understanding of spelling, punctuation and grammar, as well as exploring how words can create and enhance meaning. These skills will help you succeed in every other subject that you study and will also help you to succeed in life beyond Hayfield.
Your pen, your voice and your imagination!
Wellbeing, diversity, aspirations and values are central to every text we explore in English Language. You will be encouraged to share your viewpoint on controversial topics and to challenge the values of others in a respectful, yet impactful way. You will achieve this by choosing your words and structuring your argument carefully!
Here’s a snippet of what you can expect to explore throughout Key Stage 4 English Language: diverse viewpoints on hunting and animal cruelty; how nurses were valued 100 years ago and how those values compare to today; how people in the public eye such as Marcus Rashford use their voice to make change happen and to raise aspirations of young people; how criminals use words to convey ideas about their wellbeing as well as their values; how attitudes towards slavery, religion, disabilities and teaching have changed over time; and how protestors use their words to make change happen through purposeful campaigns.
A grade 4 in English is usually desirable, sometimes essential, to secure a place at sixth form, college or an apprenticeship. A number of Post-16 centres will require students to complete this qualification with them if they do not have it when starting their course. However, you may study english language as part of a wider career, this could include:
Your teacher will be happy to share knowledge of linked professions with you.
