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We have designed our curriculum using the KS3 National Curriculum and it is delivered under the framework of the IB Middle Years programme. We have also referenced the KS2 Programmes of Study in our initial planning. English at Mascalls Academy secures students with a substantive and disciplinary knowledge based curriculum that offers breadth and depth.

Our modules span over 12 weeks to enable us to ensure that deep learning takes place and supports the school ethos of Academic Excellence, Character and Culture. Students explore a range of fiction and non-fiction texts that span across time and cultures to give them a rich and empathetic understanding of the world around them. Vocabulary is taught explicitly to support students’ verbal and written responses and enable them to articulate complex ideas. We create a culture that fosters their own reading as we know how integral this is to their development, both academically and personally.

Pupils need to be able to express themselves and communicate coherently, appropriately and with sophistication. Our spiralling curriculum provides students with the essential skills and knowledge they need for their future roles within society and aims to develop young people who are confident, creative, ethical and critical thinkers. To achieve this, we ensure that our curriculum is regularly reviewed and refined to accommodate our learners.

KS3 English

Imaginative writing and analysis of poetry through the study of other cultures’ poetry, both contemporary and heritage. Students gain understanding of different perspectives through exploration of multicultural poetry.

Statement of Inquiry

Poetry, as a form of personal and cultural expression, allows us to explore identities and relationships within a global context.

Key Concept(s)

Identity

Related Concept(s)

Self expression
Context
Structure

Range of short stories (fables, Greek myths, Sci-Fi, flash fiction). The impact of different perspectives and development of analytical skills that transfer to a diverse range of employment opportunities.

Statement of Inquiry

Poetry, as a form of personal and cultural expression, allows us to explore identities and relationships within a global context.

Key Concept(s)

Identity

Related Concept(s)

Self expression
Context
Structure

Tracking physical and metaphorical journeys through the reading of A Monster Calls. Development of analytical skills that transfer to a diverse range of employment opportunities.

Statement of Inquiry

All protagonists face change and development when identities and relationships are challenged.

Key Concept(s)

Change

Related Concept(s)

Character
Point of View
Theme

Study of the novel The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and the poems Vultures, Flag and At The Border. Students gain understanding of different perspectives through exploration of multicultural poetry that tackle global issues and historical events – holocaust.

Statement of Inquiry

‘Absolute power corrupts absolutely’: explore the influences of power, fairness and context.

Key Concept(s)

Perspective

Related Concept(s)

Context
Setting
Theme

Short stories – Dracula/ Frankenstein/ The Red Room/ The Signalman. Analysis of complex texts that offer density in prose style and introduces more archaic language to broaden vocabulary understanding.

Statement of Inquiry

‘Absolute power corrupts absolutely’: explore the influences of power, fairness and context.

Key Concept(s)

Perspective

Related Concept(s)

Context
Setting
Theme

Learning to write in a formal register and how to adapt to suit the audience and purpose, a key skill for all employers as effective communication.

Statement of Inquiry

It is imperative to develop a strong voice to communicate within the context of our fast-paced and global community

Key Concept(s)

Creativity

Related Concept(s)

Structure and Audience
Style
Form

Analysis of more complex texts that offer a density in prose style and introduces more archaic language to broaden vocabulary understanding. Skills and knowledge that relate to a range of careers.

Statement of Inquiry

Writers can use conventions in literature to convey the importance of relationships.

Key Concept(s)

Communication

Related Concept(s)

Genre
Theme

Poems – Cousin Kate, Half Caste, The Class Game, No Problem, What Were They Like? Challenging stereotypes. Students gain understanding of different perspectives through exploration of multicultural poetry.  

Statement of Inquiry

Writers can use conventions in literature to convey the importance of relationships.

Key Concept(s)

Communication

Related Concept(s)

Genre
Theme

Novel – To Kill a Mockingbird. This unit will offer a deeper understanding of challenging stereotypes and racial prejudice. The novel will also offer complex analytical opportunities as a transferable skill in all areas of employment. They will also learn about freedom of speech and relate to their own contexts.

Statement of Inquiry

To be updated

Key Concept(s)

To be updated

Related Concept(s)

To be updated

KS4 English

Literature GCSE – A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens. Introduction of English Language Paper 1. Analysis of more complex texts that offer a density in prose style and introduces more archaic language to broaden vocabulary understanding. Skills and knowledge that relate to a range of careers.

Literature GCSE – An Inspector Calls. Political insight to 2 contexts and relate to own experience, general understanding of processes that are integral to any place of work.

Challenging stereotypes. Understanding of different perspectives through exploration of poetry. Understanding of working under timed conditions and writing to suit audience and purpose – universal employment skills.

Analysis of more complex texts that offer a density in prose style and introduces more archaic language to broaden vocabulary understanding. Skills and knowledge that relate to a range of careers. 

Use results from mock exams to revisit required content and skills. Short writing unit developing responses and completion of speaking and listening assessments.

KS5 English

Develop knowledge and understanding of how children acquire language from 0-8 years old in spoken and written form. High level of terminology embedded and evaluation of linguistic theories. Independence instilled to enable the annotation of transcripts and expression of findings in a sophisticated and academic register.

Develop knowledge and understanding of how language can shape and reflect identity.

Develop and understand how language has evolved from the 15th century to the modern day. High level of terminology embedded and evaluation of linguistic theories. Independence instilled to enable the annotation of transcripts and expression of findings in a sophisticated and academic register.

Independent research to explore a genre/theme as released by the exam board. Production of coursework that will demonstrate understanding of how language is manipulated for audience and purpose.