English

The Key Stage 3 English Curriculum at Orchardside is designed to foster critical thinking, oracy, and essential life skills through respectful discussion and debate while igniting students’ creativity and interest in literature.

Our curriculum introduces students to a diverse range of texts and cultures, laying a strong foundation to prepare them for the demands of Key Stage 4 and beyond. Each scheme of learning provides students with the knowledge and support to develop key skills, including:

Analysing language and its impact on the audience.

Exploring how structure within a text is used for effect.

Understanding how context influences writers and their work.

At Orchardside, we are committed to meeting the needs of all students, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed for the next stage in their educational journey.

At Orchardside, we are committed to robust and accessible assessment to support students' learning journeys. Students will be assessed regularly throughout each learning scheme using quizzes, mini-assessments, oracy tasks, and mini-projects.

At the end of every half-term, students will complete an end-of-term assessment. These assessments are designed to help students refine their exam writing skills and prepare for their GCSEs or Functional Skills exams, ensuring they feel confident and ready for success.

In Year 7, students will embark on a literary journey, developing their skills in fiction reading and creative writing through exciting themes like stepping into the unknown. They will explore Shakespeare's world and Elizabethan theatre, delve into poetry about place and home, solve mysteries with Sherlock Holmes, and experience the thrills of Gothic fiction. Along the way, they will uncover the fascinating history of the English language.

In Year 8, students will engage with powerful texts such as Lord of the Flies to enhance their writing skills and The Tempest to deepen their understanding of Shakespeare. They will step back in time to examine Victorian childhood and immerse themselves in the rich world of Oliver Twist. Through a single poet study and discussions on taking a stand, they will hone their analytical and speaking skills.

In Year 9, students will connect with diverse perspectives, starting with Small Island and honing their rhetorical writing and speaking skills. They will analyse Julius Caesar and compare poetry from the First World War. Creative writing on malevolent characters will unlock their imaginations, and they will explore the evolution of women's rights through history, building empathy and critical thinking.

These years provide a solid foundation in reading, writing, and critical thinking, preparing students for success in their GCSEs and beyond.

At Orchardside, the Key Stage 3 English Curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge essential for academic success and personal growth. Through engaging and diverse schemes of learning, students will:

Develop their ability to engage meaningfully with both fiction and non-fiction texts and mediums, fostering critical analysis and thoughtful responses.

Build the understanding and skills needed to express their viewpoints clearly and confidently in both written and spoken English.

Strengthen their analytical skills by exploring language choices, their effects, and the intentions of writers.

Learn to identify and evaluate structural techniques used to shape meaning and engage readers.

Enhance their understanding of how historical, social, and cultural contexts influence texts and their interpretations.

Secure core literacy skills, including reading for meaning, writing in full sentences and paragraphs, and producing extended texts.

Improve oracy skills through discussions, debates, and presentations, building confidence in articulating ideas effectively.

Hone creative and persuasive writing abilities, producing structured and imaginative responses.

These skills and knowledge are embedded within the curriculum to ensure students are well-prepared for Key Stage 4 and beyond. By mastering these core competencies, students will develop the tools to succeed academically, engage with the world around them, and become confident, effective communicators.

The Edexcel IGCSE English Language course focuses on developing core literacy skills in reading and writing. This qualification enables students to explore and use language effectively across various contexts, purposes, and audiences.

Students will analyse a diverse range of literary and media texts, enhancing their ability to interpret meaning and evaluate techniques. The course also provides opportunities for creative writing, allowing students to express their ideas imaginatively, and for developing confidence in speaking and listening.

Throughout the course, students will work towards confidently identifying literary features and applying relevant subject terminology in their written responses, ensuring they are well-prepared for academic and real-world communication.

The IGCSE English Language course is assessed through a combination of external and internal assessments and continuous in-school evaluation:

• 60% External Assessment:
  Component 1 is a written exam lasting 2 hours and 15 minutes, assessing non-fiction texts from the Pearson IGCSE English Anthology and a 45-minute transactional writing task. This component is worth 90 marks and accounts for 60% of the total qualification.
• 40% Internal Assessment:
  Component 3 focuses on poetry and prose from the IGCSE English Anthology and includes an imaginative writing task. This is assessed through written coursework, worth 60 marks, and accounts for 40% of the total qualification.

Assessment Objectives (AOs):
Students will be assessed on their ability to:

• AO1 (15%): Read and understand a variety of texts, selecting and interpreting ideas, information, and perspectives.
• AO2 (20%): Analyse how writers use linguistic and structural devices to achieve their effects.
• AO3 (15%): Explore links between writers’ ideas and perspectives and how these are conveyed.
• AO4 (30%): Communicate effectively and imaginatively, adapting form, tone, and register for specific audiences and purposes.
• AO5 (20%): Write clearly using accurate spelling, punctuation, grammar, and appropriate paragraphing.
• AO6: Demonstrate presentation skills in formal settings and respond appropriately to spoken language, including questions and feedback.

In addition to these components, students will:

• Complete end-of-term assessments after each half-term to refine their skills and track progress.
• Be regularly assessed through quizzes, mini-assessments, and oracy tasks to ensure continuous learning and improvement.
• Undertake three formal mock exams to prepare thoroughly for their final GCSE examinations.

This robust assessment structure ensures students develop the core skills needed for academic success and gain confidence in reading, writing, and presenting for diverse contexts.

The IGCSE English Language course is designed to develop students' skills in reading, writing, and oracy over two years.

Year 10 – Coursework and Exam Preparation
In Year 10, students will focus on completing their coursework and begin preparing for the examination section of the course. This includes:

• Coursework A – Poetry and Prose Text:
  A 30-mark analytical essay based on a combination of three texts from the Edexcel IGCSE Language A anthology, including both poetry and prose. Texts are carefully chosen to suit the strengths and interests of the cohort.

• Coursework B – Creative Writing:
  A 30-mark imaginative writing task where students will write a story, developing their creative writing skills and ability to craft engaging narratives.

• Exam Preparation:
  Alongside their coursework, students will begin studying unseen nonfiction texts to develop their comprehension and analytical skills. They will also start working on texts from the Edexcel IGCSE Anthology, building familiarity with the themes, language, and structural techniques writers use.

The curriculum also emphasises oracy, with students engaging in speaking and listening tasks to build their confidence in articulating ideas and presenting arguments effectively.

Year 11 – Examination Focus
In Year 11, students will concentrate on preparing for the final examination, which is divided into two key areas:

• Section A: Reading
  Students will answer a combination of short and long questions, testing their comprehension and analysis of how writers use language and structure to create meaning and effect.

• Section B: Transactional Writing
  Students will complete one extended writing task, demonstrating their ability to communicate effectively with a specific audience and purpose. Tasks may include writing a letter, blog, or article.

This comprehensive two-year programme ensures that students develop a range of analytical, creative, and transactional writing skills, while their engagement with oracy helps them become confident communicators prepared for both academic and real-world challenges.

The IGCSE English Language course equips students with a broad range of skills and knowledge essential for academic and personal success. Through this course, students will:

• Develop their reading skills, including comprehension, deduction, summary, analysis, and evaluation, to interpret and engage meaningfully with a variety of texts.
• Enhance their extended writing abilities by producing responses in diverse styles, such as descriptive, narrative, and transactional writing.
• Gain a deeper understanding of literary devices and the features of transactional writing, including forms such as letters, speeches, and articles.
• Build the skills needed to express their viewpoint effectively in written English.
• Learn to comment on and argue against the viewpoints of others, fostering critical thinking and evaluative skills.
• Strengthen their analytical skills, with a focus on how writers use structure and language for effect.
• Improve their core literacy skills, including spelling, punctuation, grammar, and effective paragraphing, ensuring clarity and accuracy in their writing.

This focus on a wide range of skills ensures that students are confident readers, effective writers, and articulate communicators, prepared for the challenges of their exams and future academic pursuits.

To support KS4 English Language studies, the following resources are available:

Microsoft Teams

Teachers have uploaded a range of useful materials, including:

• Lesson presentations and handouts
• Practice exam questions with model answers
• Supplementary reading materials

Students are encouraged to check the "Class Materials" folder regularly and use the "Assignments" section for practice tasks.

YouTube

YouTube provides additional guidance on key topics:

• Mr Bruff: Exam techniques and analysis
• English with Lucy: Grammar and vocabulary support
• School-specific channels (if applicable) for revision videos.

BBC Bitesize

BBC Bitesize offers comprehensive revision tools, such as:

• Step-by-step guides for analysing texts
• Video tutorials and interactive quizzes

Tips for Success

• Practise past papers and review mark schemes.
• Study model answers to understand effective writing techniques.
• Focus on areas of improvement using online resources.

If you need further guidance, don't hesitate to contact class teachers. With regular practice and these resources, students will be well-equipped to excel in their studies.

The Edexcel IGCSE English Literature course is an engaging and rigorous programme that introduces students to a wide range of culturally rich and diverse texts. Through this course, students develop the ability to write formal academic essays and build essential skills for further academic study and beyond.

As the most advanced English course offered, it equips students with the skills needed for college, sixth form, or academic A-levels. Attaining a level 4/5 or above in English Literature ensures students are prepared for the extended reading and writing demands of further education and adult life.

At Orchardside, students are challenged to read some of the finest literary works and produce high-quality writing that reflects the standards expected in further education and professional contexts.

The Edexcel IGCSE English Literature course is assessed through:

• 60% External Assessment (Examinations)
• 40% Internal Assessment (Coursework)

Assessment Objectives (AOs):
Students are evaluated against the following key objectives:

• AO1: Demonstrate a critical understanding of texts, supported by textual evidence.
• AO2: Analyse the language, form, and structure used by writers to create meaning and effects.
• AO3: Explore the relationships between texts and their contexts.
• AO4: Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose, and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation (primarily assessed in coursework and essays).

Additional Assessments Throughout the Course:
To track progress and prepare students for their final examinations, the following assessments are conducted:

• Regular quizzes and mini-assessments to reinforce key knowledge and skills.
• End-of-term tests to evaluate understanding and application of skills across the term’s learning.
• Oracy tasks to develop speaking and analytical skills, helping students articulate their ideas clearly and confidently.
• Three formal mock examinations simulating the final GCSE exams to build confidence and familiarity with the exam format.

This comprehensive assessment framework ensures students are consistently supported and monitored, equipping them to achieve their full potential in English Literature.

Final IGCSE Examination Paper:
The examination is divided into three sections, assessing key skills and understanding:

• Section A: Unseen Poetry
  A 20-mark essay analysing the meaning and effects created in an unseen poem.
• Section B: Anthology Poetry
  A 30-mark essay comparing two poems from the Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Anthology.

The course is spread across two years, with distinct focuses that build key skills and knowledge in preparation for the final examination:

Year 10 – Coursework:
In the first year, students complete two internally assessed coursework pieces:

• Coursework A – Modern Drama:
  A 30-mark essay analysing An Inspector Calls, exploring themes, characterisation, dramatic techniques, and contextual influences such as class, gender, and social responsibility in 1912.
• Coursework B – Literary Heritage Text:
  A 30-mark essay on Macbeth, focusing on Shakespeare’s use of language, structure, and themes like ambition, power, and fate, alongside the exploration of the play’s Jacobean context.

After completing the coursework, students transition to preparing for their examination units. This preparation includes:

• Unseen Poetry: Developing the skills to analyse meaning, language, and structure in unfamiliar poems while considering broader poetic contexts and techniques.
• Of Mice and Men: Analysing Steinbeck’s portrayal of the American Dream, friendship, and marginalisation during the Great Depression. Students explore key characters, themes, and the socio-historical context of 1930s America.
• Edexcel IGCSE English Literature Anthology: Studying 16 diverse poems, comparing themes, language, and techniques while examining the cultural, historical, and personal contexts behind each poem.

Year 11 – Examination Focus:
Building on the foundation set in Year 10, Year 11 is dedicated to refining essay-writing skills and deepening textual analysis for the examination. Students continue practising the three key exam sections:

• Unseen Poetry: Strengthening critical and creative thinking when approaching unfamiliar poems.
• Anthology Poetry: Developing detailed comparisons between anthology poems, considering how contexts influence meaning.
• Modern Prose: Mastering essay responses to Of Mice and Men or other prescribed texts, exploring character development, thematic depth, and authorial intent.

Throughout the course, students engage with the contexts behind each text, enabling them to write informed and insightful essays that reflect the social, cultural, and historical influences on the literature they study.

This structured, skills-based approach ensures students are equipped with the analytical tools and writing expertise needed for success in English Literature.

This course focuses on developing core skills essential for the study of English Literature while also equipping students with valuable life skills that extend beyond the classroom.  These include:

• Reading and Analysis: Students learn to understand and interpret challenging texts, forming independent, well-supported opinions based on evidence. These analytical skills are transferable to many aspects of life, helping students evaluate information critically and make informed decisions.
• Writing and Communication: Progressing from guided paragraphs to independently writing full academic essays, students develop the ability to articulate their thoughts clearly and persuasively. These skills are essential for success in higher education, employment, and everyday interactions.
• Critical Thinking and Reflection: By engaging with diverse texts, students refine their ability to evaluate arguments, identify key themes, and explore deeper implications. This encourages thoughtful reflection on human experiences, fostering empathy and a broader understanding of the world.

By integrating these academic and life skills, the course ensures that students are well-prepared not only to excel in their examinations but also to approach the complexities of further education, professional environments, and personal development with confidence and insight. 

To help students succeed in their KS4 English Literature studies, we provide a range of additional resources and support tools:

Afterschool Revision Sessions

Regularly scheduled sessions offer focused guidance on:

• Key texts and themes
• Exam strategies and techniques
• Essay planning and writing skills