English

During KS3, students at Larkmead enjoy a wide range of  literature: fiction and non-fiction texts , drama and poetry. Students engage with the wider world issues that stem from these and build on their KS2 writing skills with multiple writing opportunities, with a focus on developing ideas, grammatical structures that enhance writing and vocabulary. They also build on their KS2 reading skills - reading whole novels with a sense of depth and breadth, capitalising on the learning that arises from the range of themes. Students will build their confidence in accessing more challenging texts and enjoy the opportunities for discussion, creative writing and drama that arise from these. They will also enjoy a fortnightly LRC session selecting the right book for their level and sharing good read recommendations.
Texts at KS3 are also adapted and made relevant to reflect the world we are in, to help our learners to engage with issues that are relevant to their contribution to society. 

What will my child learn studying GSCE English Language?
Students will learn to write accurately and creatively to suit a range of purposes and audiences. They will learn to read a wide range of fiction and non-fiction texts about different real world topics across different times, analysing these texts closely and comparing them. The reading skills they develop help them become critical thinkers, applying their independent reading skills to a range of contexts.
How is English Language taught?
English language is taught by firstly developing students’ critical reading skills - learning to engage with texts by considering what they already know, understanding and developing the vocabulary required and considering what the writer was trying to achieve. We develop student’s skills through showing them how to write and build their responses and rehearsing that until they become confident and independent, raising the challenge where we need to. 
Writing skills are taught by exposing students to a wide range of texts that showcase effective writing, helping them to shape their own writing carefully to fit its purpose and make good vocabulary choices. We teach them to draw on their own and others’ experiences to become imaginative and creative.

What will my child learn in GCSE English Literature?
We study, in depth, the challenging range of literature texts - An Inspector Calls, Jekyll & Hyde, Romeo and Juliet and an anthology of 18 poems and the ability to read and understand unseen poetry.
How is GCSE English Literature taught?
We build confidence with studying these texts by exploring them in detail together - focusing first on the context of the texts to broaden our knowledge, then on the enjoyment of reading the text together. We then build the knowledge bank required through developing strategies to learn the key elements of the likes, regularly quizzing and re-capping the knowledge as we go. We build up the skills of writing clearly and analytically about each text, forming our own opinion and interpretations. We have plenty of discussion and debate to shape ideas and we use models and writing responses together so students are really clear about what a good English Literature essay should look like. 

What will my child learn in A-Level English Language?
The English language is more varied and widespread in its use than any other language in the world.  Its vocabulary, as well as its form, are constantly growing and changing.
This course is designed to engage you in a systematic study of the nature and functions of this rich language. You will study Language, the individual and society and Language Diversity and change. You will complete creative writing and also learn about Child Language Acquisition.
There is practical investigation and development of theoretical knowledge of language, balanced with the extension of your expertise in writing in many different forms.  There are no set texts, as we analyse spoken and written data from a variety of sources.  The focus is very broad, taking in extracts and texts, literary and non-literary, from both past and present.
An excellent versatile qualification that fits well with other Advanced Level subjects; it is an ideal subject for those wishing to read English at university.  It is also a good qualification for those who want to go into advertising, TV or media work, teaching, law, psychology, speech therapy and other professions which involve interpersonal skills.

What will my child learn in A-Level English Literature?
The course provides the opportunity to explore the rich heritage of English literature through a variety of set texts ranging from poetry, prose and drama, classic to contemporary.  A love of reading and exploring stories and ideas is a great starting point for this course which you will also develop throughout.  The study of English Literature will involve much group discussion and personal research and analysis of the texts. We study the genre of Tragedy and Political and Social Protest which allow us to read, analyse and explore a wide range of engaging and challenging texts.
You will develop your ability to present and justify your opinions, through written work and in discussion, with others who may have different views and interpretations of the texts.
Assessment is through a combination of coursework and examination. You will create your own questions and select your own texts for coursework, with the guidance of your teacher. 
English Literature is a versatile, enriching qualification, which lays the foundation for a greater understanding of culture, history and communication. It is useful in most areas in the working world and in higher education.