English
Intent
Our curriculum is designed in order to encourage learners to have a passion for English beyond the classroom. We would like our learners to have opportunities for memorable learning experiences and extracurricular activities. It is our intent that all students will sit appropriate, external examinations and leave Standish High with the qualifications they need in order to make the next step in their lives.
We want our learners to become enthusiastic readers who understand the importance of, and enjoy, independent reading. We would like them to become thoughtful, perceptive and resilient readers. Our learners should read a range of fiction, non-fiction and literature from different centuries and genres and be equipped with the skills necessary to analyse these texts thoroughly and critically.
We want our learners to be able to write fluently, with clarity and ambition, and understand the need for technical accuracy. They should be able to shape their writing for real-life purposes and audiences. The curriculum will encourage them to write with flair and imagination and be able to develop their ideas at length.
We want our learners to make extended contributions to discussions and listen and respond to others perceptively. We would like them to be confident in expressing their opinions and challenging the thinking of others. Our curriculum will encourage them to become socially and culturally aware and enhance their understanding of British values.
English
An extensive team of dedicated, conscientious English specialists cover all aspects of English at both Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. This high performing department consistently exceeds national targets for both English and English Literature at Key Stage 4 whilst engaging the pupils with rigorous and stimulating texts.
The department understands the importance of enriching the curriculum; it offers a variety of extra-curricular experiences including visiting writers, GCSE theatre trips and residential visits to London.
In addition to following a particular topic, students will also engage in one lesson a week which focuses on developing their passion for reading through the Read N Quiz programme. Students will receive prizes for reading books throughout the year and successfully passing quizzes on them in order to check their understanding. In addition to this, students will read a variety of high quality class readers designed to enthuse and engage students about their lifelong reading journey.
Enrichment Opportunities
- Pantomime Trip (December)
- In house performance of A Christmas Carol
- Visiting Authors
- Local competitions including The Portico Writing Competition and Poetry By Heart.
- London Trip – activities have included various West End Theatre productions.
- English Extravaganza week – a week long celebration of the subject in July!
- Workshops at the Shakespeare North Playhouse
- Lunchtime and after school reading and writing clubs
KS4 Enrichment Opportunities
Theatre Experiences – wherever possible, students will be given the opportunity enhance their understanding and enjoyment of their studied texts with theatre opportunities. In recent years, we have organised trips to see stage adaptations of An Inspector Calls and Macbeth. We have also brought in theatre groups to perform A Christmas Carol, An Inspector Calls and Macbeth.
More Information
Curriculum Map
Learning Journey
Student Resources
Subject Assessment Dates
