Skip to content ↓
Stewards Academy

Stewards Academy

Science Specialist

English Literature

Subject Intent

The study of English underpins all subjects and has a pre-eminent place in society. All the skills are integral to participating fully as a member of society and help them progress in the wider world of employment. A high quality and enriching education in English will teach pupils to speak and write fluently, so that they can communicate their ideas in a developed and articulate way. Through reading, pupils have the opportunity to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually and socially and reading for pleasure is encouraged across all year groups. The study of English is a study of what it is to be a human being in the wider world, where emotions, thoughts and views are expressed in the classroom environment as well as through the literature texts we use.

Aims

The overarching aim for English is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word. We aim to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for pleasure. The curriculum for both English Language and Literature aims to ensure that all pupils:
  • Read easily, fluently and with good understanding of a range of fiction and non-fiction texts
  • Acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language and write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language choices and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences
  • Use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain their understanding and ideas clearly
  • Use their lessons to become more independent, creative and foster a desire for learning, so that they may contribute to an ever-evolving society and be prepared for the world of work

Key Stage 3

Our curriculum at Key Stage 3 is designed to prepare students for their GCSEs whilst also developing a life-long love for learning. We want students to develop the mutually enhancing skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing in equal measure, as well as experiencing an inspiring range of texts in different forms, including a contemporary novel, 19th Century fiction, Shakespearean plays and poetry. Through the study of a range of challenging novels, plays, and poetry, we endeavour to raise the expectations of all our students so that they each fulfil their potential and achieve their very best. Everyone in the English Department has a genuine enthusiasm for the subject, which we hope to convey to our students.

 

Year 7 Unit Titles

Year 8 Unit Titles
  • Telling Tales
  • Wild Boy
  • Nature Poetry
  • Frankenstein (play text)
  • Food, Glorious Food
  • Shakespearience – an introduction to Shakespeare
  • Dystopian Fiction
  • Conflict Poetry
  • Contemporary Novel (TBC)
  • The Museum of My Life
  • The Tempest

 

 Brief description of the departments homework policy for pupils in year 7+8

All students are expected to learn weekly spellings and to read independently for 30 minutes every day to improve their understanding of writers’ craft, to gain a wider range of vocabulary and to develop their imagination. Students are also expected to learn from a Knowledge Organiser that is progressed in line with their lessons.

Year 7 Homework Tasks

Year 8  Homework Tasks
  • Knowledge Organiser
  • Weekly spellings linked to the topic being studied
  • Read Theory
  • Knowledge Organiser
  • Weekly spellings linked to the topic being studied
  • Read Theory

 

Key Stage 4

Students will study a range of different literature texts from the Edexcel exam board. Shakespeare, poetry, the 19th century novel and a contemporary play will be analysed and discussed throughout their literature lessons. Pupils have closed book examinations, so revision and resilience are integral to success. Students will be expected to write a range of essays about characters and themes from the literature text they study.
The following information has been taken from the Pearson website. For more information about this GCSE please click the link below:

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/english-literature-2015.html

GCSE English Literature examinations uphold a ‘closed book’ policy. No materials are allowed to be brought into the examination hall.

Component 1: Shakespeare and Post-1914 Literature Paper = 50% of the total GCSE

Overview of content:

  • Study a Shakespeare play and a post-1914 British play or novel.
  • Develop skills to analyse how the language, form, structure and context of texts can create meanings and effects.
  • Develop skills to maintain a critical style and informed personal response.

Overview of assessment:

  • Section A – Shakespeare: a two-part question, with the first task focused on an extract of approximately 30 lines. The second task is focused on how a theme reflected in the extract is explored elsewhere in the play.
  • Section B – Post-1914 British play or novel: ONE essay question

 

Component 2: 19th-century Novel and Poetry since 1789 Paper = 50% of the total GCSE

Overview of content:

  • Study a 19th-century novel and a poetry collection from the Pearson Poetry Anthology.
  • Develop skills to analyse how the language, form, structure and context of texts can create meanings and effects.
  • Develop skills to maintain a critical style and informed personal response.
  • Develop comparison skills.

Overview of assessment:

  • Section A – 19th-century novel: a two-part question, with the first part focussed on an extract of approximately 400 words. The second part is an essay question exploring the whole text.
  • Section B – Part 1: ONE question comparing a named poem from the Pearson Poetry Anthology collection to another poem from that collection. The named poem will be shown in the question paper. Part 2: ONE question comparing two unseen contemporary poems

 

Examination 

Pupils will sit two external examinations:

Component 1:  Shakespeare and Post-1914 Literature  – 1 hour and 45 minutes = 80 marks

Component 2: 19th-century Novel and Poetry Anthology since 1789 – 2 hours and 15 minutes = 80 marks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GCSE Literature Homework

GCSE English Literature homework could include:

  • PPE revision using mark schemes and model answers
  • Reading the literature required for the exam
  • Creating questions based on the texts
  • Practising questions for both exams
  • Preparing annotations for poems and extract questions

Interventions and revision sessions will run throughout the year. Your son/daughter will be notified if they are expected to attend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. English Five Year Subject Map Language and Literature Extended Information

Cookie Policy