Head of Faculty: Mrs R Kelly
Vision of subject
Communication is crucial in our fast-paced global society and, at Kirkby High School, we aim to equip our students with the skills to be able to effectively and concisely express themselves in a wide range of situations. In English, students will explore a breadth of written, spoken and reading skills through immersion in a wide range of challenging texts that will foster their inherent curiosity. English at Kirkby High School will ensure that all students become purposeful and successful members of society.
KS3
Throughout their time at Kirkby High School, students are taught English in ability groups. Teaching focuses on developing the key skills of reading, writing and speaking and listening.
In Key Stage 3 (Year 7-9), students have either 4 hours per week of English and 30 minute homework tasks are set weekly. Homework consists of written tasks, reading, research, and revision.
Work is assessed every two weeks with students receiving WWW (what went well)/ EBI (even better if) feedback which is linked to a MAD (make a difference) task. Formal assessments are completed every half term to track and monitor the progress of students. Feedback is provided to students in terms of the skills they are working towards or have mastered.
KS4
Students in Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) are working towards two GCSE qualifications: English language and English literature. They follow the EDUQAS exam board.
- The specification code for English language is 601/4505/5
- The specification code for English literature is 601/5246/1
Year 11 students have 4 lessons each week and Year 10 have 5 lessons each week. Weekly, 60 minute homework tasks are set and consist of written tasks, reading, research, and revision. Assessments to track progress are set regularly throughout each half term. Students are expected to complete independent revision alongside set homework.
Throughout their time at Kirkby High School, students are taught the following key skills:
Reading
- Identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas. Select and synthesise evidence from different texts
- Explain, comment on analyse how writers use language and structure to achieve effects and influence readers, using relevant subject terminology to support their views
- Compare writers’ ideas and perspectives, as well as how these are conveyed, across two or more texts
- Read and understand a range of texts to: Evaluate texts critically and support this with appropriate textual references
Writing
- Communicate clearly, effectively, and imaginatively, selecting and adapting tone, style and register for different forms, purposes and audiences. Organise information and ideas, using structural and grammatical features to support coherence and cohesion of texts
- Candidates must use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation. (This requirement must constitute 20% of the marks for each specification as a whole)
Spoken Language
- Demonstrate presentation skills in a formal setting
- Listen and respond appropriately to spoken language, including to questions and feedback to presentations
- Use spoken Standard English effectively in speeches and presentations
Overview of the English Curriculum
The topics students cover throughout Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 are outlined in the table below:
| Year | Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
| 7 | Language: Creative Writing | Literature:Analysis of a play script | Language: Transactional writing | Literature: The Language of Shakespeare | Language: Analysis of a prose extract | Literature: Prescribed poetry |
| 8 | Literature: Extract from a novel | Language: Transactional writing | Literature: Unseen poetry | Language: Comprehension of 19th and 21st century non-fiction | Literature: Scenes from a Shakespeare Play | Language: Analysis of Prose |
| 9 | Literature:An essay linked to a novel | Language: creative writing | Literature: Anthology poetry | Language: Comprehension of 19th and 21st century non-fiction | Language: Transactional writing | Literature: Shakespeare for GCSE |
| 10 | Literature:Blood Brothers | Literature:A Christmas Carol | Literature:Macbeth | Literature:Poetry – anthology and unseen | Literature:Exam revision | Language:Preparation for GCSE English language |
| 11 | Language: Component 1 | Language: Component 1 | Language:Component 2 | Language:Component 2 | Language:Exam revision |
Links to GCSE Exam Board Specifications
The specification code for English language is 601/4505/5
The specification code for English literature is 601/5246/1
Additional Information
Include details of any extra-curricular activities including:
- Interventions – lesson withdrawal
- Revision sessions – after school
- Homework support – lunch and after school
- Trips – theatre/ cinema
- Reading Zone – quiet reading time after school and at lunchtimes
Teaching Staff
| Mrs R Kelly | Head of Faculty |
| Mrs W Lyons | Deputy Head of Faculty |
| Mrs L Dahl | English Lead Practitioner |
| Miss L Shipsides | Key Stage 3 Coordinator |
| Mr J Greenbank | Head of PSHE |
| Miss S Kelly | Literacy Coordinator |
| Miss T Regan | Teacher of English |
| Ms A McArthur | Teacher of English |
| Mr D Pearson | Teacher of English |
| VACANCY | Cover Supervisor |