English - KS4

The English department at Salesian seeks to inspire to educate the whole child by developing their understanding of who they are, how they interact and communicate with others and ultimately to grow each student in our care so they can go out to the world as empathic and considered individuals ready to make a positive impact on society.

This notion of existing as a community is central to the intention of the English curriculum through the study of a diverse range of literature and non-fiction texts that span different time periods, backgrounds and experiences. We aim, through appropriately challenging texts studied at all key stages, to ensure that students continually develop their appreciation of a range of literature. Through the English curriculum, we also aim to develop the key skills of critical thinking, evaluation and problem solving when unpicking language in a text and reading for nuance. We also ensure students gain experience in experimenting with a range of different forms of writing as well as planning in opportunities for students to develop their oral literacy through discussion and debate in the classroom.

Throughout Key Stage 4 students are guided through a curriculum of English Language and English Literature, culminating in two separate GCSEs at the end of Year 11. Students study a varied, rich and challenging curriculum enabling them to progress their reading and writing skills. Students will explore how set texts are deliberately constructed by writers and are encouraged to develop individual interpretations. Students will also develop their writing skills, their ability to think critically and engage in the creation of well-informed personal responses to set texts and extracts. Furthermore, we ensure students feel confident approaching an extensive variety of genres from different authors spanning different time periods: from investigating a modern text, 19th Century novel, Shakespeare and poetry. Students will feel confident analysing the language, structure and form of these texts whilst also exploring their contextual significance. The English curriculum aims to ensure our students are proficient and confident communicators; we will harness these skills to encourage and support students to realise their vocation after their Key Stage 4 journey with us.