National Church OF England Academy

Overview

Throughout Key Stage 3, students follow a curriculum based on reading, writing, speaking and listening. The focus is on making the study of English real to all students, together with promoting excitement and pleasure in reading and exploring language across time. We combine a thematic curriculum exploring one central text and then exploring wider reading through a range of satellite texts covering fiction and non-fiction in each term.

Year 7

The first aim of year 7 is to allow for a smooth and effective transition from year 6. Whilst revisiting spelling, punctuation and grammar from key stage 2 we also include units on: The Hunger Games and dystopia, Growing up and the study of Romeo and Juliet and then the play Our Day Out and the theme of ambition and education.

Year 8
The thematic curriculum continues and develops the skills from year 7 through the following units: Outsiders and the novel Of Mice and Men; Dracula and the Gothic genre; Much Ado about Nothing and Voices of change.

Year 9
The thematic schemes of work continue to focus on preparing students with the skills they require to transition into GCSE study. We include units on: Language diversity and change; Rebellion and Subversion using The Lord of the Flies; Justice and the study of The Merchant of Venice and the modern play Whose Life is it Anyway.

Overview
Following on from the units covered within Key Stage 3, the English Language GCSE course extends students’ development of the key concepts of form, structure and use of language to enable them to adapt and interpret writing for different audiences and purposes.

Key stage 4
Students will study a range of fiction and non-fiction taken from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. They will develop new techniques and build their knowledge of key skills as a writer. Throughout the course, there will be the requirement to write extracts for non-fiction and fiction purposes, studying other writers' work to help shape this development. All students will also learn how to adapt their spoken language to communicate clearly and effectively for different purposes.

Key stage 5
English language is a continuation from your English studies at GCSE level, yet there are many aspects to the course which will make it feel like a brand-new subject. Most of the study will be based around a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction texts, much of which you will be able to source yourself, and there is ample opportunity for creative and imaginative writing.

For more information about the A-Level and AS course, visit National C of E Academy - English Language

Overview
The study of English literature is the study of how we engage and think about our world. The study of literature is the study of culture, history, human relationships and the history of ideas. Alongside this, you will explore how various writers have used language, form and structure to create their own interpretations and pictures of the world.

Key Stage 4
You will study a range of fiction texts that are regarded as important and influential examples of English literature. These are:
• Shakespeare – Macbeth

• a 19th century text – Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

• a modern play – An Inspector Calls – poetry from 1789 to the present day exploring the themes of power and conflict

Key Stage 5

At A level you will study a Shakespeare drama, a collection of poetry by Christina Rossetti, A modern play and American Literature.

In year 13  you will continue with the texts from year 12 but widen the focus on American literature and use critical theory such as Marxism or feminism, enabling you to analyse literary texts of your own choosing.

For more information about the A-Level and AS course, visit National C of E Academy - English Literature

Overview
In Modern  Foreign Languages  we aim to develop a love of language learning amongst students together with a realisation of the importance of languages in today’s world. We hope to engender an appreciation of French and German culture, and the desire amongst students to discover more about our world and the languages within it.

The four language skill areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing will be developed with a strong emphasis on communication skills and grammar. We encourage all students to use the languages they are learning in the classroom for greetings and simple instructions.

For more details about the Languages faculty please contact Mrs Bust by email. An overview of the faculty can be downloaded below.

Key stage 3

In year 7, students learn German and study topics including: myself and my family• free time • school • 

In addition, we work to develop cultural awareness of the customs and traditions of France and Germany.

At the beginning of year 8, students in the top set (based on assessment) start an additional language, French,  and continue with German. All other students continue with German and develop their skills and comprehension. This continues into year 9 and assists students in deciding on languages they may wish to study at GCSE and beyond.

Key stage 4
Students can opt to study French or German at GCSE. In both languages, students are taught and examined in all four skill areas of listening, reading, speaking and writing, studying three themes:
• identity and culture • local, national, international and global areas of interest • current and future study and employment

Key stage 5
Our A-Level  courses in French and  German have a broad educational value. Language is central to human understanding – the course develops communication and grammar skills together with an ability to analyse, interpret and evaluate texts and spoken language.

The A Level courses for French and German include the following units:
• aspects of French/German speaking society • social issues and trends • artistic culture • grammar • literary texts and films

For further details of the A-level and AS courses, visit National C of E Academy - German