Hellesdon High School

English

English Vision Statement

Cultivate a Love for Reading: 

We want our students to find joy in reading, to lose themselves in the pages of a book, and to discover the transformative power of literature. By introducing them to a wide range of genres and authors, we aim to ignite a lifelong passion for reading.

Develop Literacy Skills:

Literacy is the foundation of learning. We are committed to developing our students’ reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills to ensure they are proficient and confident communicators. Our curriculum is developing to further build and sustain these skills, equipping students with the tools they need for academic success and informed citizenship.

Engage with the Canon and Beyond: 

While we value the traditional canon of English literature, we also recognise the importance of including diverse voices and contemporary texts. Our curriculum balances the study of classic works with modern literature, ensuring that students encounter a broad spectrum of narratives and viewpoints.

Encourage Critical Thinking: 

We aim to develop our students' ability to think critically and analytically. By engaging with complex texts and diverse interpretations, students learn to question assumptions, consider multiple perspectives, and support their ideas with evidence.

Foster Creativity and Expression:

English is a subject that thrives on creativity. We encourage students to express themselves through writing, drama, and discussion. Whether crafting a poem, writing an essay, or performing a play, students learn to articulate their thoughts and emotions in imaginative ways.

Build Empathy and Understanding:

Through the study of literature, students gain insight into the lives and experiences of others. This fosters empathy and helps students to understand and appreciate the diversity of the human experience. We want our students to be compassionate individuals who can navigate the world with sensitivity and awareness.

Prepare for the Future:

Our ultimate goal is to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the future. Whether they pursue higher education, enter the workforce, or travel the world, the skills and knowledge gained in our English department will serve them well. We strive to develop resilient, informed, and articulate individuals who are ready to contribute positively to society.

In summary, our vision is to create an English department that not only meets the academic needs of our students but also inspires them to become lifelong learners and thoughtful, engaged citizens. We believe that by fostering a love for reading, developing strong literacy skills, and encouraging critical and creative thinking, we can empower our students to reach their full potential.

 

 

Useful Links

OTHER USEFUL LINKS

 

English at Key Stage 4

The department delivers two statutory qualifications at Key Stage 4. Please click on the items below for more information.

AQA GCSE English Literature - 2 exams, no coursework

PAPER 1  - Shakespeare and the 19th Century novel (1 hour 45 minutes) (64 marks):
Romeo and Juliet – William Shakespeare (34 marks)
A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens (30 marks)

PAPER 2 – Modern Texts and Poetry (2 hours 15 minutes)  (96 marks)
An Inspector Calls – J.B. Priestley (34 marks)
Power and Conflict Poetry Anthology – Various (30 marks)
Unseen Poetry (32 marks)

AQA GCSE English Language - 2 exams, no coursework

Paper 1 – Explorations in creative reading and writing (1 hour 45 minutes) (80 marks)
Paper 2 Writer’s viewpoints and perspectives (1 hour 45 minutes) (80 marks)

 

English at Key Stage 5

The department currently offers two A-Levels for study at Sixth Form

Edexcel A-Level English Literature (9ET0) - 3 exams, 1 coursework essay

Component 1: Drama – two texts
Othello, and A Streetcar Named Desire

Component 2: Prose – two texts
Dracula and Beloved

Component 3: Poetry - various
Geoffery Chaucer a poetry anthology

Coursework:
A comparison of 2 core texts , e.g. two dystopian novels

EdExcel GCE English Language & Literature (9EL0): 2 exam, one coursework project

Component (exam) 1: 40% of A-Level

Study one anthology of non-fiction texts

Study one drama text (currently A Streetcar Named Desire, but subject to change)

Component (exam) 2: 40% of A-Level

A wide range of non-fiction texts, related to a defined theme (e.g. Loss, Journeys etc.)

A comparative study of 2 fiction texts

NEA (coursework): 20% of A-Level

2 pieces of original writing - one fiction, one non-fiction - and a reflective analysis.

Approximately 3500 words.