English

In English, we aim to deliver an enriching, inspiring and challenging curriculum which immerses pupils in different places, contexts and cultures. Our focus is on creating an atmosphere in which pupils develop their curiosity for the written word and enjoy taking an active part in their lessons. Our intention is to channel a love of literature so that we can develop confident speakers, reflective readers and fluent, accurate and imaginative writers. The curriculum is designed with a clear rationale at the heart of it, where content, expertise and skill-sets are purposefully built upon across the 5 years of study. By interleaving content and skills, and progressively increasing the level of difficulty and challenge, all pupils are provided with a learning experience that develops them academically, personally and spiritually.

Our curriculum is creative and innovative and designed in such a way that it enhances a wide array of important literacy skills within all of our pupils, regardless of ability. The department uses a number of methods of assessment to ensure that our pupils are provided with personalised, individual targets that they can work towards in order to make progress. The teachers in the English department are all subject specialists who have a passion for the subject and a love of teaching. There is close liaison with the Learning Support Department to identify and provide support for those who need it. A number of visits are organised each year from professional writers, poets and theatre companies so that literature is brought to life for our pupils.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning in English

In English lessons, pupils are taught to master the English language and to learn to love literature. All pupils study the subject throughout Years 7, 8 and 9 and at GCSE we enter every child for both English Language and English Literature (AQA syllabus). Our lessons are focused primarily on collective enquiry of ‘BIG QUESTIONS’ in which pupils are encouraged to approach texts with a critical, analytical and creative mindset whilst also learning from the viewpoints of others. Indeed, rigorous academic debate and discussion of alternative viewpoints and perspectives is central to a pupil’s experience of English at Broughton. Furthermore, our expectations of our pupils are extremely high. Pupils are constantly encouraged to reflect upon their own work and to always seek to improve once given feedback. Modelling, quality teacher explanation and questioning, proofreading and editing are fundamental components of our curriculum as they ensure that pupils continue to make progress across all years.

Across both key stages, pupils are exposed to an array of fiction texts (including the use of ‘class readers’), non-fiction texts and poetry from different cultures. Writing for specific audiences and purposes also accounts for a significant portion of our curriculum time.

English Department Staff

Mr R Alston - Head of English
Mrs E Wright - Assistant Head of English
Mrs K Armstrong - Lead Practitioner English
Mrs H Lees - Specialist Teacher of English
Mrs H Hardman - Specialist Teacher of English
Mr J Webster - Assistant Headteacher/Specialist Teacher of English
Mrs J Smethurst - Specialist Teacher of English/Head of Careers
Miss L Hesketh - Specialist Teacher of English
Mrs L Gornall - Specialist Teacher of English
Mrs L Wallace - Specialist Teacher of English/Head of CPSHE
Miss G Meikle - Specialist Teacher of English

Lessons

Year 7 3 hours per week ... approx. 117 hours

Year 8 3 hours per week ... approx. 117 hours

Year 9 3 hours per week ... approx. 117 hours

Year 10 4 hours per week ... approx. 156 hours

Year 11 4 hours per week ... approx. 140 hours