English is a seminal language at the heart of global society and culture. It has had a decisive impact in shaping the world we live in today.
"And speak to people good words"
The Noble Qur’an [2: 83-89]
The English department endeavours to develop in its students the skills of critical appreciation, analysis and evaluation, with a view of achieving GCSE success at a high level. In a wider sense, the qualities our students will form in terms of written and oral expression will lay the foundation for a prosperous future, whether this is in higher education, their chosen profession or their role in the community in general.
Students are encouraged to read with a critical eye and ask questions that will feed their intellectual curiosity. This includes the diverse viewpoints of those writing about Islam and its traditions through the medium of the English language.
In 2024, 100% of students achieved between grades 9-5 in English language and 95% achieved between 9-5 in English literature. You can see our school performance figures for 2024 GCSE exams here.
A solid foundation is laid in Years 7 and 8, with students introduced to prose, poetry, and drama from both pre-1914 and post-1914 texts. Genres studied include Victorian Gothic literature and World War I poetry. Authors we’ll be reading include Charles Dickens, Mary Shelley, Charlotte Brontë, and George Orwell.
Key analytical skills are developed throughout these years, alongside a strong focus on creative, argumentative, and persuasive writing. To deepen students’ understanding of classical forms and contexts, a full Shakespeare play is studied each year—Julius Caesar in Year 7 and The Tempest in Year 8.
Students study for two separate GCSEs in English Language and English Literature. We follow the Edexcel GCSE specification for both, and the curriculum is designed to develop knowledge and skills in reading, writing, critical thinking, and speaking.
English Language develops articulate, knowledgeable young people who can express their viewpoints confidently and concisely. Students gain a deep appreciation of the written and spoken word and are equipped with the skills necessary to communicate effectively, both in and beyond the classroom. We aim to enhance our students’ ability to read a wide range of texts fluently and with critical understanding—skills that, in turn, strengthen their own writing.
Students will sit two exam papers:
Paper 1- Fiction and Imaginative Writing
Paper 2- Non-fiction and Transactional Writing
English Literature nurtures students who can confidently engage with and independently interpret a range of literary texts. It aims to foster a love of literature, language, and words, while accommodating the needs and learning styles of all students to ensure everyone experiences success. Students gain insight into various social and historical contexts and draw connections between literary texts and contemporary issues.
Our KS4 syllabus focuses on developing students’ ability to read a wide range of classic literature fluently, build critical understanding, and make meaningful connections across their reading.
Students will sit two exam papers:
Paper 1 – Shakespeare and Post-1914 Literature
Macbeth by William Shakespeare
An Inspector Calls by J. B. Priestley
Paper 2 – 19th-Century Novel and Poetry Since 1789
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
Poetry Anthology: Power and Conflict
Unseen Poetry
