Intent
At Churchmead, our English curriculum is designed to inspire a lifelong love of language and literature. We aim to cultivate articulate, empathetic, and critical thinkers who can communicate confidently in a range of contexts. Our curriculum is rooted in high expectations and inclusivity, ensuring every pupil—regardless of background—can access, enjoy, and succeed in English.
Guided by our core values of courage, compassion, and commitment, we strive to:
- Foster a deep appreciation for literature from diverse voices, cultures, and time periods.
- Develop pupils’ ability to read analytically, write creatively and persuasively, and speak with clarity and confidence.
- Equip students with the literacy skills essential for academic success and life beyond school.
- Promote emotional resilience, self-awareness, and empathy through engagement with powerful texts and ideas.
- Encourage curiosity, independence, and a desire to explore the world through language.
Implementation
Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to build knowledge and skills progressively from Year 7 to Year 11. In Key Stage 3, English is taught thematically, allowing students to explore a wide range of genres, authors, and contexts. Each unit integrates reading, writing, and spoken language, with regular opportunities for formative and summative assessment.
Key features of our implementation include:
- A three-year Key Stage 4 model, allowing for depth, consolidation, and mastery of GCSE content (Edexcel English Language and Literature).
- A strong emphasis on reading for pleasure, supported by the school’s reading policy, library provision, and enrichment activities.
- Regular use of modelling, discussion, and metacognitive strategies to support high-quality responses.
- Cross-curricular links with subjects such as History and Drama to deepen contextual understanding.
- A commitment to inclusive texts that reflect the diversity of our school community and the wider world.
- Targeted interventions and scaffolding to support all learners, including those with SEND and EAL needs.
Impact
The impact of our curriculum is seen in the confidence, creativity, and critical thinking our students demonstrate. Through English, pupils develop the cultural capital and communication skills needed to thrive in further education, employment, and society.
Our students:
- Make strong progress from their starting points, achieving well in both English Language and Literature.
- Engage meaningfully with texts, demonstrating empathy, insight, and the ability to evaluate complex ideas.
- Write with fluency, accuracy, and purpose across a range of forms and audiences.
- Speak with confidence in formal and informal settings, including debates, presentations, and performances.
- Develop a lifelong appreciation for reading and the power of storytelling.
Enrichment and Extra-Curricular Opportunities
We believe that English extends far beyond the classroom. Our students benefit from a rich programme of enrichment, including:
- Theatre trips and author visits
- World Book Day and National Poetry Day celebrations
- Readathons, book clubs, and creative writing competitions
- Cross-curricular projects and themed literacy events
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