English
Key Stage 3
Subject Introduction
Students build on the skills gained in Year 6 and continue their learning journey at St Wilfrid’s. We aim to equip students with the skills required to read, comprehend, write, and communicate in ‘real-world’ contexts, empowering them to respond appropriately to society. Students are provided with additional opportunities for self-expression through creativity. During Year 7, students also continue to experience the world through literature, in order to gain an appreciation of texts and equip them with the knowledge and values they need to engage with the social, spiritual, moral, historical and cultural contexts in literature.
Modules and Assessment
Autumn Term 1st Half: The Magic of Fiction.
Using the text Cornelia Funke’s ‘The Glass of Lead and Gold’ as an introduction to English, students then write their own descriptive piece based on a fantasy image.
Mid-unit reflection
- Response to a fiction text – Reading benchmark
Assessment
- Continuing a fiction text - Writing benchmark
Autumn Term 2nd Half: Health Habits
This unit of work develops students’ analysis of non-fiction texts and transactional writing skills. Students read, explore and analyse a range of quality non-fiction texts based on the topic of food and nutrition to develop their understanding of the techniques used to inform, argue and persuade.
Mid-unit reflection
- Response to a non-fiction text.
- Introduction to a speech.
- Speech Writing
Assessment
- Oracy
Spring Term 1st Half: Identity Poetry
Students read, interpret and respond to a range of poems from different cultures and identities. Students analyse poems and draw comparisons where appropriate. Students are encouraged to celebrate different cultures and empathise with the experiences and voices of different multicultural writers.
Mid-unit reflection
- Personal response oracy: “Who am I?
Assessment
- Poetry comprehension
Spring Term 2nd Half: You and Your Heroes
Throughout this unit of work, students reflect on what it means to be a morally good person. Students explore and analyse the presentation of a variety of contemporary and historical heroes across a range of fiction and non-fiction genres. Students build on their descriptive writing skills acquired in Year 6 to present a fictional character. They also write their own lively articles based on their own real-life hero.
Mid-unit reflection
- Inference and analysis task
Assessment
- Article: My Hero
Summer Term: Year 7 Novel / End of Year Exams
Students read ‘When the Sky Falls’ by Phil Earle. The novel is used to develop student’s analytical skills.
Assessment
- Preparation for the Year 7 end of year exam: reading, inference and analysis; writing for a specific audience.
- Year 7 end of year exam.
Assessment
- Spoken Language assessment in response to an issue in the novel
Homework
Homework is varied. Some homework will be completing tasks started in class, some research based, and some linked to assessment preparation. Students will also complete regular spelling, punctuation and grammar learning activities.
Enrichment activities
Students are provided with the opportunity to enter a range of writing competitions throughout the year. Students make full use of the technology available to us. They enjoy visiting the Globe Theatre virtually! Also, students are invited to the Creative Writing Club which takes place every half term with Mr O’Rourke.
Subject Introduction
Students build on the skills gained in Year 7. We aim to equip students with the skills required to read, comprehend, write, and communicate in ‘real-world’ contexts, empowering them to respond appropriately to society. Students are provided with additional opportunities for self-expression through creativity. During Year 8, students also continue to experience the world through literature, in order to gain an appreciation of texts and equip them with the knowledge and values they need to engage with the social, spiritual, moral, historical and cultural contexts in literature.
Modules and Assessment
Autumn Term 1st Half: Gothic Literature
This unit of work explores the gothic genre. Students analyse and study a range of short stories and extracts. Students learn about the context and conventions of the gothic genre in order to contextualise their studies. Students analyse the craft of the writer and how the narrator is characterised.
Mid-unit reflection
- Analysis of a Gothic extract (reading assessment)
Assessment
- The opening to a gothic narrative based on an image (writing assessment)
Autumn Term 2nd Half: Year 8 Novel
The novel for this unit of work is ‘The Hunger Games’ where students will explore the theme of survival whilst building on their knowledge of dystopian fiction.
Mid- unit reflection
- Oracy: character I most connect with from The Hunger Games
Assessment
- An informal letter from the perspective of a character (writing assessment)
Spring Term 1st Half: Survival
Students will study a range of modern and 19th century non-fiction texts based on the theme of survival. Students will produce their own non-fiction texts, ultimately producing a ‘Survival Guide’ for participants of ‘The Hunger Games’.
Mid-unit reflection
- Analysis of a non-fiction text (reading assessment)
Assessment
- Survival Guide final draft (writing assessment)
Spring Term 2nd Half: Poetry Through Time
During this half term, students travel through time periods studying a range of engaging and challenging poetry whilst exploring the historical context of these eras and how they may influence the poetic form. Students are encouraged to develop a sensitive and appreciative response to each of the poems.
Mid-unit reflection
- Poetry inference and analysis task
Assessment
- Oracy: favourite historical period of poetry and why
Summer Term 1st Half: The Tempest
This unit of work is designed to build on students’ existing knowledge of Shakespearean language. Students study the plot of ‘The Tempest’, analysing the presentation of Caliban and the issues surrounding colonialism.
Mid-unit reflection
- Preparation for the Year 8 end of year exam: reading, inference and analysis; writing for a specific audience.
Assessment
- Year 8 end of year exam: reading and writing.
Summer Term 2nd Half: 19th Century Life
Students study the historical context of the Victorian era, alongside fiction extracts from Dickens’ 19th Century text ‘Oliver Twist’ and some non-fiction texts on factory work and child poverty.
Assessment
- Oracy: life in the 19th century – how has the past influenced the present?
Homework
Homework is varied. Some homework will be completing tasks started in class, some research based, and some linked to assessment preparation. Students will also complete regular spelling, punctuation and grammar learning activities.
Enrichment activities
Students are provided with the opportunity to enter a range of writing competitions throughout the year. Also, students are invited to the Creative Writing Club which takes place every half term with Mr O’Rourke.
Subject Introduction
Students in Year 9 will build on the skills they have developed in Year 8. They will cover a variety of fiction and non-fiction texts for English Language, addressing their comprehension and writing skills. In English Literature, students will cover poetry, plays and short stories from a range of social, cultural and historical perspectives.
Modules and Assessment
Autumn Term 1st Half: William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
Students will explore Shakespeare’s famous tragedy play and learn about the key characters, themes and issues within the text. They will explore characters as constructs and learn how to analyse an extract ahead of the GCSE literature course.
Mid-unit reflection
- Spoken language: who is most responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet?
Assessment
- GCSE style extract response
Autumn Term 2nd Half: Appreciation of 19th Century Fiction (The Tell Tale Heart) and Narrative Writing.
Students will appreciate the craft of Victorian short story writing. They will learn how to craft responses to GCSE language component 1 style questions (building on their AO1-AO2 skills).
Mid-unit reflection
- Reading assessment in the style of a GCSE language 10-mark question (reading assessment)
Assessment
- Narrative writing (writing assessment)
Spring Term 1st Half: An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley.
Students will explore Priestley's fictional and dramatic world of Brumley in An Inspector Calls. They will explore historical context, characterisation, key themes and social issues within the play.
Mid-unit reflection
- Inference and analysis task based on a key scene in the play (reading assessment)
Assessment
- Spoken Language: who is the most responsible for the death of Eva Smith?
Spring Term 2nd Half: Living Life to the Full Non-fiction.
An exploration into the various forms of transactional writing (formal and informal letters, speeches, reviews, articles, reports and guides). Students will have the opportunity to practise writing for a variety of purposes and audiences.
Mid-unit reflection
- Preparation for the Year 9 end of year exam: reading, inference and analysis; transactional style writing task (reading and writing).
Assessment
- Year 9 end of year exam.
Summer Term 1st Half: The Poetry of Conflict
Students will explore a variety of poets and famous war poems. They will consider language, form and structure of poems and their effects whilst considering the historical context underpinning these.
Assessment
- Essay style poetry response (reading assessment)
Assessment
- Inference and analysis task
Summer Term 2nd Half: Spoken Language
Designing the ‘perfect’ school
Assessment
- Spoken Language group presentations in the Dragons’ Den format
Homework
Homework is varied. Some homework will be completing tasks started in class, some research based, and some linked to assessment preparation.
Enrichment activities
Students undertake regular current affair quizzes whilst engaging in the non-fiction units of work; students are also invited to the Creative Writing Club which takes place every half term with Mr O’Rourke.
Key Stage 4
Subject Introduction
Students in Year 10 will continue to develop the skills and content necessary for EDUQAS GCSE English Language and Literature, but with a stronger emphasis on the content of the English Literature GCSE. They will cover a variety of fiction and non-fiction texts for English Language, addressing their comprehension and writing skills, whilst in English Literature, students will cover poetry and plays from a range of social, cultural and historical perspectives.
Modules and Assessment
Autumn Term 1st Half:
Macbeth by William Shakespeare – with a focus on extract responses and whole text essays.
Transactional Writing: Review.
Retrieval Focus: Word class/ terminology
Assessment:
GCSE style extract response. (AO1, AO2)
Review (AO5, AO6)
Autumn Term 2nd Half:
War cluster of poems from the EDUQAS Poetry Anthology.
Transactional Writing: Speech
Retrieval Focus: Macbeth plot and quotations
Assessment:
GCSE whole text essay (A01, A02 and A03.)
Knowledge check of the War Poetry.
Speech. (A05, A06)
Spring Term 1st Half:
Unseen Poetry Introduction and Practice.
Fiction Reading Paper
Retrieval Focus: Macbeth themes and quotations.
Assessment:
A GCSE style unseen single poem essay. (AO1, A02)
Fiction reading paper. (AO1, AO2, AO4)
Spring Term 2nd Half:
Narrative Writing
War Poetry from the GCSE Eduqas Anthology
Retrieval: Macbeth revision for the whole text essay
Assessment:
Narrative writing (AO5, AO6)
Single poem analysis (AO1, AO2 and AO3)
Summer Term 1st Half:
Blood Brothers by Willy Russell.
Revision of Blood Brothers and transactional writing.
Retrieval Focus: Revision
Assessment:
End of year examinations.
A GCSE style extract/whole text essay response. (AO1, AO2, AO4)
Transactional Writing: (AO5, AO6)
Summer Term 2nd Half:
Spoken Language preparation and assessment
Assessment:
Pass, Merit, Distinction or Fail. All students must undertake this part of the course in order for the GCSE in English Language to be accredited.
Homework
Homework is varied. Some homework will be completing tasks started in class, some research based, and some linked to assessment preparation. Students will also be asked to complete tasks in preparation for flipped learning. Educake knowledge quizzes will be set regularly to consolidate learning taking place in the classroom.
Enrichment activities
Year 10 students are invited to the Creative Writing Club which takes place every half term; students will create dioramas based on key scenes from Macbeth. We also strive to give all students the opportunity to experience live theatre.
Subject Introduction
Students in Year 11 will continue to develop and finalise the skills and content necessary for EDUQAS GCSE English Language and Literature summer series of examinations in 2026. They will revise a variety of fiction and non-fiction texts as well as narrative and transactional writing for English Language, addressing their comprehension and writing skills, whilst in English Literature, students will cover and revise prose, poetry and plays from a range of social, cultural and historical perspectives.
Modules and Assessment
Autumn Term 1st Half:
The Love cluster of poems from the Poetry Anthology.
Non-fiction reading paper.
Revision for PPE1 (including Macbeth, Blood Brothers, Fiction Reading paper and Narrative Writing)
Assessment:
Students complete half termly assessments prior to the external exam series
Poetry comparison essay (AO1, AO2 and AO3)
PPE1 English Language (AO1, AO2, AO4, AO5, AO6) and English Literature (AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4)
Autumn Term 2nd Half: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Assessment:
A GCSE style extract/whole text essay (AO1, AO2 and AO3)
Spring Term 1st Half:
Transactional writing revision
Blood Brothers revision
Revision for PPE2 (hybrid paper of Language and Literature components)
Assessment:
PPE2 English Language (AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4, AO5, AO6) and English Literature (AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4)
Spring Term 2nd Half: Revision
Assessment:
In-class practice
Summer Term 1st Half: GCSE Examinations in English Language and English Literature
Assessment:
GCSE examinations
Summer Term 2nd Half:
N/A
Homework
Homework is varied. Some homework will be completing tasks started in class, some research based, and some linked to assessment preparation, especially for the PPEs. Students will also be able to complete tasks in preparation for flipped learning. Educake knowledge quizzes will be set regularly to consolidate learning taking place in the classroom. GCSEPod will also be a fundamental aspect of your child’s preparation for their English Literature GCSE.
Enrichment activities
Year 11 students are provided with stretch and challenge booster sessions. We also strive to give all students the opportunity to experience live theatre. Students are encouraged to join extra-curricular activities such as the Creative Writing Club.
Sixth Form
A Level ‑ English Language at St Wilfrid’s (AQA 7702)
Subject Intent
A-Level English Language is all about discovering how language works in the real world. Whether we’re analysing how teenagers text, how newspapers persuade us, or how people express identity and power—this course encourages students to be curious, critical, and creative.
It builds strong skills in analysis, argument, research, and writing—perfect for university, apprenticeships, or careers where communication matters (which is just about all of them!). We foster a love of language in all its forms—spoken, written, digital, and personal.
Course Overview
Year 12 (AS foundations)
- Language and the Individual – how meanings are shaped in texts; exploring representation
- Language Varieties – regional and social diversity; attitudes to accents and dialects
- Original writing – producing your own texts for a real-world audience and purpose
- Key skills include: linguistic frameworks, terminology, close analysis, and developing interpretations
Year 13 (A-Level)
- Language, the Individual and Society – advanced textual analysis with context and theory
- Language Diversity and Change – gender, ethnicity, occupation, technology, and how English evolves
- Language Discourses – exploring debates about language use and attitudes in the media
- NEA (Non-Exam Assessment):
- Independent Language Investigation (2,000 words)
- Original Writing with Commentary (750 + 750 words)
Students design and carry out their own research using real-world data—like transcripts, websites, interviews or texts.
Assessment
Each paper includes data analysis, discursive essays, and extended responses. The NEA offers freedom to explore your own interests in language.
Component 1
Paper 1: Language, the Individual and Society
2h 30m exam
100 Marks
40%
Component 2
Paper 2: Language Diversity and Change
2h 30m exam
100 Marks
40%
NEA: Coursework portfolio
2 tasks
50 Marks
20%
Homework & Independent Study
Students complete regular analytical practice, wider reading (from sociolinguistic research to contemporary media), and research notes for NEA preparation.
You’ll also build confidence by engaging with real-world texts—tweets, transcripts, leaflets, journalism, blogs—and creating your own writing.
Enrichment Opportunities
- Workshops on forensic linguistics, political speeches, or gender and language
- Guest speakers from journalism, linguistics, media, or publishing
- Trips to museums, theatre, or university linguistics departments
- Student-led discussion groups and writing clubs
- Extension tasks and reading for those considering English at university
Where Can English Language Take You?
This is a flexible, future-proof course. The analytical and communication skills developed open doors to careers in journalism, publishing, marketing, law, linguistics, speech therapy, teaching, and more.
It’s also excellent preparation for further study in English, humanities, social sciences, or creative fields.
AQA A’ Level English Literature at St Wilfrid’s (AQA 7717)
Subject Intent
A’ Level English Literature is about engaging with powerful stories, voices, and ideas across time. From Shakespeare to modern crime fiction, this course encourages students to think deeply, question interpretations, and connect literature to the world around them.
It develops skills in critical reading, argument, analysis, and essay writing—perfect for university and for careers where insight and communication matter. We foster a love of literature that celebrates creativity, critical thinking, and independent thought. The texts are explored through the lens of genre – Tragedy and Crime – and include 20th Century Drama, Romantic poetry and the modern novel.
Year 12
William Shakespeare, King Lear (1606)
Ian McEwan, Atonement (2001)
Samuel Taylor Coleridge, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (1798)
Preparation for non-exam assessment, studying Thomas Hardy’s poems alongside aspects of literary theory, both taken from AQA’s Anthologies
Year 13
Arthur Miller, Death of a Salesman (1949)
John Keats, Selected Poems (1818-1820)
William Shakespeare, Hamlet (1603)
Completion of non-exam assessment: one essay exploring Thomas Hardy’s poetry through the lens of narrative theory; one essay exploring a novel of your choice through the lens of Feminist, Post-Colonial, or Marxist theory.
Assessment
Paper One (Aspects of Tragedy)
2 hours 30 minutes: closed book (40%)
Paper Two (Elements of Crime Writing)
3 hours: open book (40%)
Non-exam assessment (Theory and Independence)
Two essays of 1200-1500 words (20%)
Homework & Independent Study
Students will complete regular timed essays, wider reading - including critical material - and annotation tasks.
You’ll also develop research notes for NEA, read critical interpretations, and engage with wider literary perspectives, including feminist, Marxist, and postcolonial theory.
Independent reading is encouraged—building confidence and curiosity across different genres and eras.
Enrichment Opportunities
- Theatre trips and live screenings of studied plays
- Guest lectures
- Reading and discussion groups
- Creative and academic writing competitions
- Mentoring for students considering English or humanities at university (including Oxbridge)
Where Can English Literature Take You?
English Literature builds skills in analysis, argument, empathy, and communication. It’s ideal preparation for degrees in:
- English, Law, History, Journalism, Politics, Philosophy, Creative Writing, and more
It opens pathways into careers like:
- Publishing, teaching, civil service, media, marketing, copywriting, charity work, and arts management
English Literature is a subject for thinkers, communicators, and anyone who wants to understand people and power through stories.