News & Letters

Key Stage 4


English

English is the bridge to global communication, driving progress in science, technology, diplomacy, and culture, while connecting people worldwide. ~ Laura Johnson

Qualifications

  • AQA English Language 601/4292/3 & AQA English Literature GCSE 601/447/6
  • AQA Functional Skills English Level 1 & Level 2 603/4284/5
  • ELC Step-up-to-English Silver & Gold 601/5978/9

About English at New Heights - Key Stage 4

The English curriculum is intended to ensure all students expand further their knowledge and understanding of reading and writing, spoken language and vocabulary development to the highest possible quality; equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word. This will then maximise potential at GCSE as well as developing skills of language which are essential to participating fully as a member of society.

Subject Content

Year 10
English language:
Paper 1: Fiction texts
  • Reading questions on a variety of extracts including Harry Potter, Where the Crawdads sing, Divergent and Hunger Games.
  • Creative writing: Descriptive writing using the 5 senses and language techniques and Narrative writing – developing characters and plot.
 
Paper 2: Non-fiction texts
  • Reading questions on a variety of forms of nonfiction text including articles on video games, political speeches and formal letters.
  • Transactional writing: writing to persuade, advise, inform or explain in different forms such as articles, speeches, letters and leaflets.
 
English Literature:
Term 1: (Modern texts) Blood Brothers by Willy Russell
Term 2: (19th Century novel) A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
Term 3: (Shakespeare) Macbeth by William Shakespeare.
Year 11
English language:
Paper 1: Fiction texts
  • Practice reading questions using extracts from: Down to a sunless sea, Printer’s Devil Court, Skullduggery, The Christmas Present and Rebecca.
  • Creative writing: Enhance descriptive writing skills using the 5 senses and language techniques, Narrative writing – developing characters and plot.
 
Paper 2: Non-fiction texts
  • Reading questions on a variety of forms of nonfiction text including articles on a range of topics including space travel, politics and crime and punishment. Including other forms of non-fiction texts such as Churchill’s speeches and formal letters.
  • Transactional writing: writing to persuade, advise, inform or explain in different forms such as articles, speeches, letters and leaflets.
 
English Literature:
Term 1: (Poetry) Power and Conflict Poetry Anthology.
Terms 2&3: Revision of all topids – Shakespeare, 19th century novel, poetry and modern texts.
 

English is prodigious

Curriculum Principles

Students will be able to:

  • Read and appreciate the depth and power of the English literary heritage.
  • Understand and critically evaluate texts.
  • Make an informed personal response, recognising that other responses to a text are possible and evaluating these.
  • Write accurately, fluently, effectively and at length for pleasure and information.
  • Make notes, draft and write, including using information provided by others.
  • Revise, edit and proof-read their writing.
  • Consolidate and build on their knowledge of grammar and vocabulary from KS3, using it to show effectiveness in texts they read/write.
  • Speak confidently, audibly and effectively.

Career Opportunities

Through the English curriculum, students will develop an understanding of how the skills they develop in lessons will relate to the wider world of work, such as clear and effective communication with a particular focus on transactional writing. They will also be introduced to careers with a link to English, such as journalism, scriptwriting and public speaking.

English is connection

Future Careers

Strong English skills open the door to a wide range of careers where clear communication is key. Some ideas:

  • Journalism
  • Teaching
  • Law
  • Publishing
  • Marketing
  • Public relations
  • Administration
  • Customer service

Those with a flair for writing might pursue creative paths such as content creation, copywriting, or authorship.

Beyond specific job roles, the ability to read critically, write effectively, and communicate with confidence is a transferable skill valued across almost all industries.

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