English

English

In English the emphasis is on cultivating a love of literature while developing skills in written and spoken English. We offer the opportunity to study the great works of literature with both classic and modern texts.

“But in reading great literature I become a thousand men and yet remain myself. Like the night sky in the Greek poem, I see with a myriad eyes, but it is still I who see… I transcend myself; and am never more myself than when I do.”  C S Lewis  An Experiment in Criticism

In English the emphasis is on cultivating a love of literature while developing skills in written and spoken English. We offer the opportunity to study the great works of literature with both classic and modern texts.

Reading widely is highly valued and strongly encouraged through regular reading sessions and through independent reading initiatives. Pupils are encouraged to read a wide range of texts and genres.

In the development of written and spoken English we aim at ensuring a high standard is achieved in fluency, accuracy, grammar and spelling.

Speaking and listening is fostered in conjunction with the Drama department to ensure pupils are all confident and articulate speakers with experience of public speaking.

My Learning at The Laurels

You will participate actively in English lessons where you will work independently, in groups and in pairs in order to encourage you to share your opinions regularly and develop a mature and effective method of communication in a supportive environment.

You will be able to get involved in the many co-curricular activities on offer and enter into competitions that include poetry, creative writing and reading.

Course Content

Year 7 to 9

Each year group from Year 7 to 9 will study a Shakespeare play in depth. The focus will be on stagecraft, language and dialogue, characterisation, theme and structure. The play will come alive in the classroom and by nurturing their enthusiasm our pupils can develop their analytical skills.

Pupils read one fiction text each year and will be encouraged to read a wide variety of texts to help them develop their literature knowledge and experience. Poetry is studied and pupils develop their poetry writing skills by creating a class anthology. A variety of non-fiction texts are also read and a project is based on these non-fiction extracts with a final presentation made to the class.

Each term pupils participate in class discussions, debates and individual presentations and we take every opportunity to enrich the curriculum by taking advantage of the close proximity of London’s cultural venues and events.

GCSE English Language Edexcel Exam Board

Subject Overview 

This qualification is designed to inspire and motivate pupils, by enabling them to develop the skills they need to read, understand and critically analyse a wide range of different texts, in addition to producing texts of their own. Pupils are assessed via two equally balanced papers, each including reading and writing in an integrated way and drawing upon both fiction and non-fiction texts. Pupils will encounter texts from the nineteenth century to the present day. Pupils will develop skills in planning, writing, and editing in a range of styles and for a variety of audiences and purposes. There is also a compulsory spoken language component, in which pupils prepare a speech or presentation on a topic of their choice.

 Course Content In English Language:

Pupils will study: 

• Literary fiction; 
• Non-fiction reading and writing – presenting a point of view; 
• Composition: narrative and descriptive; transactional writing
• Spoken Language component : presenting on a topic of one’s choice. The Spoken Language Component is a separate endorsement ( it does not contribute to the Language grade). 

GCSE English Literature Edexcel Exam Board

Subject Overview

This course is designed to immerse pupils in challenging literature from a range of times and places. Pupils will develop skills as critical readers and will learn about texts and the contexts in which they have been produced and received. It aims to foster a love of reading and an understanding of the significant role that literature plays in both responding to, and shaping, societies and cultures. 

Course Content In English Literature:

 Pupils will study: 

• A collection of poetry from the set anthology
• One literary fiction prose text from the 19th century (novel); 
• One modern drama text (play); 
• One Shakespeare play



GCSE Examination Board

• English Literature Edexcel (9-1) Paper codes 1ET0/01 & 1ET0/02
• English Language Edexcel (9-1) Paper code 1EN0/01 & 1EN0/02