CGS students are reflective and resourceful with a passion for learning; they have the courage to take risks and to learn from their mistakes.  The English Department’s subject specialist teachers focus on challenging and inspiring students as well as stimulating their curiosity and motivation.  Feedback and marking is detailed and personalised, enabling every student to make progress by acting on targets for improvement.  The department’s recognition of the importance of reading for pleasure is highlighted through dedicated reading lessons for Years 7, 8 and 9.

 

The study of English Language and English Literature enables students to become confident orators, perceptive readers and evaluative writers. Communication skills, analytical ability and interpersonal qualities are all key skills required in the workplace and these vital attributes are nurtured and developed from Year 7 onwards.

 

The Curriculum at Key Stage 3

Year 7

Students are challenged from the very start of the year by tracing the development of English Language and English Literature over time.  Students explore fiction extracts and poetry in Old English, Middle English, Early Modern English, Modern English and Postmodern English.  Over the course of the year, language and literature study and skills are combined through reading a modern novel, aspects of the media and travel writing, the poetry of Blake and Wordsworth, Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and creative writing.

 

Year 8

The level of challenge is increased in Year 8 and reading and writing skills are continued through the study of the Gothic, a fully independent and individual extended project, imaginative writing, the study of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing and analysis of a selection of modern poetry.

 

Year 9

In Year 9, students move to their work being assessed and marked using 9-1 GCSE criteria.  This gives students experience of what to expect in years 10 and 11.  The Programme of Study for English Language comprises creative writing, comprehension of a range of texts, non-fiction comparative skills and spoken language.  English Literature skills are explored through the study of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Golding’s Lord of the Flies, Shaw’s Pygmalion and study of a selection of modern poetry.

 

The Curriculum at Key Stage 4

Edexcel GCSE (9-1) English Language

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

• read a wide range of texts fluently and with good understanding
• read critically and use knowledge gained from wide reading to inform and improve writing
• write effectively and coherently using Standard English appropriately
• use grammar correctly, punctuate and spell accurately
• acquire and apply a wide vocabulary alongside knowledge and understanding of grammatical terminology, and linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language
• listen to and understand spoken language, and use spoken Standard English effectively.Spoken Language will be reported as a separate grade on the student’s certificate.

 

 

Edexcel GCSE (9-1) English Literature

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

• read a wide range of classic literature fluently and with good understanding, and make connections across their reading
• read in depth, critically and evaluatively, so that they are able to discuss and explain their understanding and ideas
• develop the habit of reading widely and often
• appreciate the depth and power of the English literary heritage
• write accurately, effectively and analytically about their reading, using Standard English
• acquire and use a wide vocabulary, including grammatical terminology, and other literary and linguistic terms they need to criticise and analyse what they read.

 

 

The Curriculum at Key Stage 5

Cambridge Pre-U Literature in English

The syllabus is designed to encourage learners to read both closely and widely, beyond the demands of assessment, to enjoy their reading and to be able to debate their responses to it.  The syllabus aims to encourage:

• a critical and informed response to texts in a range of forms, styles and contexts
• the use of knowledge and understanding of individual texts to explore comparisons and connections between texts, informed by an appreciation of the traditions of English literature
• an understanding and appreciation of the ways in which writers use form, structure and language to shape meaning and effect
• confident, independent, reflective engagement with a range of texts, leading to effective expression of responses to texts in speech and writing
• the use of critical concepts and terminology with understanding and discrimination
• reflection on learners’ own responses to texts, informed by other readers’ interpretations, with an awareness of the contexts in which texts were written and the significance of cultural and historical influences upon readers and writers
• a habit of critical thinking. 
   

 

Edexcel A level English Language

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

• develop and apply their understanding of the concepts and methods appropriate for the analysis and study of language
• explore data and examples of language in use
• engage creatively and critically with a varied programme for the study of English
  • develop their skills as producers and interpreters of language
  • independently investigate language in use

 

For further details on these courses please see the Sixth Form Section of our website: sixth-form-subject-information

 

Extra Curricular Activities

Enrichment is highly valued and offered through a wide range of clubs and activities, including theatre trips, lectures, author visits, entry to national competitions, debating societies and a creative writing club.

 

‘An English degree will equip you with analytical and writing skills that are readily transferable into many other situations and many professions. It opens up the opportunity to go into a great variety of careers.’       Oxford University