In Year 8, pupils build on the foundations laid in Year 7 by engaging with increasingly complex texts and ideas, developing their ability to think critically, write with precision and respond thoughtfully to a range of literary and non-fiction material.

The year begins with a study of George Orwell’s Animal Farm, where pupils explore themes of power, control and resistance. Through this allegorical novel, they examine how literature can be used to reflect political ideologies and challenge societal structures, while refining their skills in interpretation and argument.

Following their study of literature, pupils move into a thought-provoking non-fiction unit on the theme of gender. This unit introduces them to a wide range of writers’ perspectives on gender equality and social justice, encouraging them to think critically about how these issues shape society. Pupils learn to evaluate different viewpoints, identify rhetorical strategies and understand how language can influence opinion. They also develop their own persuasive writing skills, crafting responses that are clear, purposeful and informed by evidence.

In the spring term, pupils explore a diverse collection of poetry inspired by the supernatural, examining how poets respond to themes such as fear, mystery and the unknown. Through close reading and discussion, pupils learn how poets use language, structure and form to create atmosphere, convey powerful emotions and communicate deeper meanings. This unit not only strengthens analytical skills but also encourages creativity and an appreciation of how poetry can capture the extraordinary within the everyday.

The year concludes with a study of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Pupils investigate themes of love, fate and family conflict, while becoming more confident in navigating Shakespearean language and dramatic structure. This unit offers a deeper engagement with character development and dramatic tension, preparing pupils for more advanced literary study.

Throughout the year, pupils are encouraged to read widely, express themselves creatively, and engage in meaningful discussion, strengthening the analytical and communication skills essential for success in Key Stage 3 and beyond.

Year 9 marks a pivotal stage in our English curriculum, where pupils begin to engage with more mature themes and sophisticated texts that challenge their thinking and deepen their understanding of the world around them. This year is designed to prepare students for the demands of GCSE study by encouraging independence, critical reflection and confident communication.

The year opens with Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman, a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of racial inequality, identity and social justice. Pupils examine how narrative structure, characterisation and viewpoint are used to provoke empathy and raise awareness of systemic issues, while developing their ability to construct analytical arguments.

Following this, pupils engage in a stimulating non-fiction unit on the theme of Crime and Punishment, which encourages them to think critically about real-world issues and diverse perspectives. They explore a wide range of texts including articles, speeches, and opinion pieces, designed to challenge their thinking and deepen their understanding of how writers shape meaning and influence audiences. Through this unit, pupils refine their ability to evaluate arguments, compare viewpoints and identify rhetorical strategies. They also develop their own persuasive writing skills, learning to craft responses that are clear, purposeful and confident.

In the spring term, pupils study a carefully curated selection of War Poetry, exploring themes such as sacrifice, patriotism, loss and the human cost of conflict. They analyse how poets use language, structure and form to convey powerful emotions and respond to historical and social contexts. This unit not only strengthens pupils’ analytical skills but also encourages empathy and a deeper appreciation of how literature reflects the complexities of human experience.

The year concludes with Shakespeare’s Othello, offering pupils the opportunity to explore complex themes such as jealousy, manipulation and reputation. Through this tragedy, pupils engage with dramatic tension, character psychology and the impact of language, gaining deeper insight into Shakespeare’s craft and relevance.

Throughout Year 9, pupils are encouraged to take greater ownership of their learning, read widely across genres, and express themselves with increasing sophistication, laying the groundwork for a confident transition into Key Stage 4.

During Years 10 and 11, pupils follow the Eduqas GCSE specifications for both English Language and English Literature, engaging with a wide range of texts and developing the analytical, interpretive and communication skills essential for academic success and life beyond school.

In English Literature, pupils study four core texts:

• Macbeth by William Shakespeare in which pupils explore ambition, power and fate through dramatic structure and language.
• A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens in which pupils examining themes of redemption, social responsibility and transformation.
• An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley in which pupils analyse social class, responsibility and dramatic irony in a post-war context.
• A selection of fifteen poems from the Eduqas Poetry Anthology, covering themes such as conflict, love, identity and nature. Pupils learn to compare poems and explore how poets use language, form and structure to convey meaning.

In English Language, pupils study a broad range of literary fiction and literary non-fiction texts from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. They practise responding to unseen extracts, developing skills in comprehension, analysis and evaluation. Pupils also refine their own writing, learning how to craft texts for different purposes and audiences with accuracy, creativity and control.

Throughout both courses, pupils are encouraged to:

• Use critical material to deepen their understanding of texts.
• Articulate personal interpretations with clarity and sophistication.
• Analyse how writers use language and structure to influence readers.
• Practise unseen poetry analysis and develop comparative skills.

The curriculum is designed not only to prepare pupils thoroughly for their final examinations, but also to foster a lifelong appreciation of literature and the power of language.