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As a compulsory subject up until the end of KS4, English has an essential place in helping young people find and understand their identity and place in the modern world. This begins in their very first English lesson at Lancaster Girls’ Grammar with the topic of language and identity and continues all the way through into KS5 where students explore complex and sensitive contemporary issues, acknowledging the power of words as a representational force. In order to do so, they are given opportunities to delve into both our rich literary heritage and to explore modern contemporary fiction and non-fiction. In lessons, they are encouraged to trust their own interpretations and ideas: English is a subject where, technical accuracy excepted, there is no right answer. All viewpoints, opinions and perspectives are acknowledged for their individual merit– and equally respected within the classroom. Communicating effectively with others is an essential life skill; knowing that your view can be heard and is valued is a fundamental human right. In English, students’ skills in the former are developed and nurtured through providing a safe space in the classroom for the latter. To facilitate this, inclusivity has been at the heart of amendments to our curriculum content over the past eighteen months – ensuring that the texts our students encounter are representational of their diverse school community.
Contribute
The three strands to the English curriculum (reading, writing and communicating) offer opportunities for students to play to their own strengths. Not everyone is confident in speaking in front of their peers during a class discussion, although these students may excel in absorbing the views of others, assimilating these ideas with their own to produce a comprehensive literary analysis of either prose, poetry or drama. Others may find the analysis of Shakespeare’s use of language and structure difficult - or less enticing - yet can manipulate both to great effect within their own original writing. Context is vital in a subject like English and, again, from early in their studies, students are encouraged to recognise and appreciate the ways in which it contributes to the creation of meaning.
Acknowledging the positive contribution reading and creative writing can have on a young person’s mental well-being, students are provided with opportunities to participate in both local and national competitions. In partnership with the library, we facilitate student participation in the judging and shadowing of Lancashire Book of the Year with year 8 and the CILIP Carnegie Medal with year 9. This academic year, several year 7 and 8 students have had their work included in the Lancaster Litfest 2021 Poetry Mosaic and we have plans in place to submit entries for Poetry by Heart.
Challenge
There is no subject in the school curriculum quite like English. It is a subject where anyone, irrespective of gender, age, ethnicity or academic ability, can engage in discussion on a diverse range of topics. In their literary studies, students must learn to have conviction in their own interpretations and be able to express them in a coherent and logical manner. They must assimilate the writing styles and techniques of a range of different authors and genres in order to create a distinctive authorial voice of their own.
The overarching aim of the KS3 English Curriculum is to not just prepare students for the rigorous demands of AQA’s English Language (8700) and English Literature (8702) specifications, but rather to instil within them an appreciation of their language and literary heritage. Whilst the core reading and writing skills are fundamentally the same – and do echo those at KS4 - the curriculum content is staggered in degrees of difficulty. Year 7 students will study a novel featuring a strong female protagonist. In year 8, a greater emphasis is given to literary context with the study of a novel set in a specific historical period. With each new topic or unit of work across the key stage, students are encouraged to reflect on its relation to their prior learning, with the long-term aim of enabling them to analyse an unseen literary fiction or non-fiction extract with precision and insight, and to consciously shape their writing to fulfil the criteria of a specific brief.
English Statement on Inclusivity
GCSE Exam Board AQA English Language: Specification 8700
AQA English Literature: Specification 8702
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KS3 English Learning Overview
LGGS Poet Laureates' Poem of the Month
Please find below our Poet Laureates' monthly poems for you to enjoy.