English

The English curriculum at Slough and Eton is not only designed to challenge students but also to inspire, enthuse and empower. Students will study a variety of texts; a selection of non-fiction and fiction including poetry and drama. Careful attention is given to cementing the foundations of grammar, punctuation and sentence structure in order to produce competent writers, that are able to adapt their style to suit audience and purpose.

Speaking and listening is a key element of English and effective communication. The English department utilise Voice 21 strategies ensuring activities are designed to improve oral communication across the curriculum. The English team also work very closely with the EAL and SEND department to ensure that all students' needs are met. Ultimately, our curriculum prepares students to be successful communicators, who understand the value of textual study, oracy skills and different viewpoints.

At Key Stage 3 we build on the grammar, punctuation and spelling work students will have experienced at Key Stage 2 in order to enhance their writing and communication skills.  This is done within a framework of reading and analysing a wide range of texts. Students are introduced to both fiction and non – fiction texts through our choice of set texts and wider reading resources.  We aim to help our students to read and understand a wide variety of texts to enable them to take their full part in society as they grow and mature.  We have a clear and effective learning journey within our department which ensures that what is learned at Key Stage 3 fully prepares them for the next challenge at Key Stage 4.

At Key Stage 4 students’ study both English Language and English Literature and achieve two GCSEs. GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature are taught alongside each other in an integrated scheme of work as the skills required are the same for both subjects. By working closely with the SEND department, we also provide alternative English qualifications for EHCP students with significant SEND barriers We provide targeted in class intervention and external intervention when required to ensure that our students are supported in every possible way for their GCSE exams. We have a team of dynamic teachers who are constantly securing our students’ progress in innovative ways. In addition, we are incredibly fortunate to have a writer in residence who contributes to English lessons, working alongside the class teacher. Please visit her website to discover all about our writer in residence:  https://www.rebeccafearnleywrites.co.uk/pages/about

Follow our Youtube channel at: Bewiserevise for GCSE English revision top tips and advice. 

At Key Stage 5 students may choose to study A Level English Literature which is a subject widely respected by universities for the reading, analysis and writing skills it fosters.  A Level English encourages students to think critically, analyse, evaluate, look for patterns, interpret information and handle complex ideas; all skills which can be transferred to other areas.  The novels, drama and poetry texts are taken from a wide range of historical periods and cultural contexts which give students a good historical and cultural perspective on the world.  English Literature A Level is an excellent qualification for any career which involves communication, writing or literary knowledge. This includes careers in advertising and marketing, law, government, academia, writing and journalism, media and design, foreign languages, linguistics, business, performing arts, teaching and/or consultancy.

We aim to give students in all years the opportunity to experience learning from outside sources such as theatre performances, workshops, visits to universities for lectures and debates, entering internal and external competitions for writing and speaking. Year 12 and 13 can attend lectures specifically aimed at A Level on their set texts. 

 

Qualifications

KS4

KS5

 

 

Lesson Videos & Documents

 

Click here to view the creative writing lesson structure video

Click here to view the paper 2 - paragraph structure lesson video

Click here to view How to revise Macbeth video

Click here to view How to revise An Inspector Calls video

Click here to view How to revise Power and Conflict Poems

Click here to view How to revise power and conflict poetry RFE

Click here to view How to revise unseen poems

Click here to view How to revise unseen poetry

Click here to view the unseen poetry pack

Click here to view How to revise PAPER 1 TEXTS

How to revise PAPER 1 TEXTS RFE

 

 

 

 

Staff