What matters most in English?
In English, we aspire to instil a love of reading, writing and literature to develop our students’ understanding of the world. At Melksham Oak Community School, we intend to ensure that all students can read fluently and with accuracy, as well as encouraging a passion for reading and guiding students to choosing books and genres they will want to pursue. We will encourage students’ curiosity and desire to read, make links with their own knowledge, reading and other curriculum subjects.
We develop students’ writing skills to equip them with core life skills, such as writing letters and job applications, while also encouraging writing as a form of expression and enjoyment. To ensure students succeed in English, we encourage their creative flair in writing, support them in forming personal, critical opinions when reading, and help them develop their ideas and arguments using evidence.
We also aim to develop students who listen respectfully, speak eloquently and can articulate themselves confidently in and out of the classroom.
Prior Learning
Students arrive having accessed a range of different levels of English. They should have developed skills across reading, writing, spoken language, grammar, punctuation and spelling.
Reading
In reading, students should be able to read fluently and with increasing confidence, demonstrating understanding of a wide range of fiction, non-fiction and poetry. They should be able to retrieve information, make inferences, summarise key ideas, identify themes and conventions, and comment on language choices and authorial intent.
Writing
In writing, students should be able to write for a range of purposes and audiences, including narratives, descriptions, explanations, persuasive texts and discussions. They should be able to plan, draft, edit and evaluate their work, using paragraphs to organise ideas and a growing range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity and effect.
Spoken Language
In spoken language, students should be able to take part in discussions, presentations and debates, sharing their ideas clearly and listening to the ideas of others.
Key Stage 3 Curriculum Concepts
The KS3 English curriculum equips students with a strong understanding of language, literature, and communication, enabling them to engage confidently with texts. Across Years 7-9, students build core English skills- including reading comprehension, writing for a range of purposes and audiences, speaking and listening, grammar, vocabulary, and analysis while exploring a variety of texts, genres, and themes.
By the end of KS3, they are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and analytical abilities needed for GCSE English Language and English Literature, and for engaging with texts and ideas as thoughtful and informed readers and communicators.
Subsequent Study
All students go on to study GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature. At GCSE, students develop their understanding in reading and analysing a range of fiction and non-fiction texts. They develop their ability to evaluate writers’ methods and viewpoints and create well-structured writing for different purposes and audiences. In Literature, students study whole texts in depth, including Shakespeare, a 19th-century novel, modern texts and poetry.
At A Level, students build on these foundations. English Literature involves exploring texts through different interpretations and critical perspectives, while English Language focuses on analysing language in use, including language change and issues of language and identity.
Beyond Study
As a degree subject, English is highly respected by universities and employers. English graduates pursue a wide range of career paths, underpinned by their ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and analyse complex ideas. Studying English develops a sophisticated understanding of language, literature, culture, and society, encouraging students to engage critically with texts and the world around them. The subject also develops a range of skills, including independent research, analytical thinking, and confident written and verbal expression, equipping students for a wide range of higher education pathways and professional opportunities.