The English Intent is underpinned by four aims:
Together, staff and students explore the riches of communication whilst developing an appreciation for the written word in all its many forms considering how communication has evolved, changed, been manipulated and articulated to achieve effects.
Every student develops to become a more resilient and confident reader, writer and speaker. Communication is, after all, the architecture of expression; at The Hayfield School we believe that kindness and decency should be modelled in all forms of communication.
Our English Language and English Literature learning journeys abandon the constraints of time. This ensures the delivery of a rich and diverse curriculum that is representative of fundamental British values to inform students character and culture.
It is the overall aim of the English department to raise aspirations by ensuring every student reaches, achieves and strives to exceed their academic potential by instilling a strong work ethic in every student, a work ethic that will lead to success in life beyond school.
Subject objective:
Each topic is carefully chosen and sequenced to complement students’ learning in English Literature to allow students to build their cultural capital on the topic being explored.
Year 7: School Days: exploring fiction and descriptive writing, Nature and animals: exploring non-fiction and letter writing, The language of Warfare: exploring fiction and narrative writing
Year 8: Society and Me: exploring non-fiction and speech writing, Gothic explorations: exploring gothic fiction and creative writing, Fighting for Your Rights: exploring nonfiction and viewpoint writing.
Year 9: Language and Relationships: exploring fiction and creative writing, Language and Crime: exploring nonfiction, Morals and Values: article writing, Language and Society: exploring fiction, Language and Power: exploring nonfiction
7N: School Days: descriptive writing, Groosham Grange: exploring fiction, Nature and Animals: letter writing, The Language of Warfare: exploring fiction.
8N: Society and Me: speech writing, Gothic explorations: creative writing, Fighting for Your Rights: speech writing
Go4Schools 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 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 The Hayfield School 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 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
Students are formally assessed every half term to monitor progress.
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 The Hayfield School.
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.
