‘Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless.’
The English curriculum aims to give students an understanding of the broad sweep of English literature through history. Starting with the very earliest stories and classic myths that have underpinned English and covering some of the greatest writers to have used the English language, such as Dickens and Shakespeare; students will encounter texts they otherwise may not have had access to. Some of these texts can be challenging to read but by carefully supporting students through their studies we can ensure that everyone has access to these important parts of our shared legacy and can join in the conversations about these texts as literary critics.
At the same time as appreciating great writers from our past, we want students to find their own voice and develop confidence in using language to convey their views, opinions and perspectives with persuasiveness, nuance and increasing sophistication. By encouraging students to share their ideas verbally or engage in the world around them through the written word, we believe that this curriculum equips students with vital tools for navigating life beyond classwork and exams. Furthermore, we want our students to develop a critical mindset and an ability to find meaning in language as well as an appreciation for how it is used. In addition, there are a number of experiences that we want to give students through our curriculum that we believe are fundamental to an appreciation of our language, such as the opportunity to learn a poem by heart, give a presentation or attend a live theatrical performance.
In English Language last year, 66.7% of students achieved grades 9 to 5; and 88.9% achieved grades 9 to 4.
In English Literature last year, 68.3% of students achieved grades 9 to 5; and 84.4% achieved grades 9 to 4.
In English, students are assessed in Language through their reading and creative writing, and in Literature through their ability to critically analyse and evaluate. Students are assessed in a variety of ways which include, but are not limited to: questioning, quizzes, Academic Prep booklets, extended writing tasks and quick fire tests. Once a term, they are assessed formatively on their end of term assessment. This takes place for every unit, every term, six times a year. This assessment shows how much progress the student has made from the previous year when they sat a similar assessment and set targets for improvement.
Mr Iain Kemp – Head of English Faculty
Mr Darren Evans – Deputy Head of English
Miss Whoopy Angelo – English teacher
Ms Yolanda Barton – English teacher
Mrs Olivia Jones – Director of Teaching and Learning
Miss Sophie Unsworth – Lead Practitioner
Mrs Serah Whatley – Lead Practitioner
All students will study English throughout their career at The Dorcan Academy. In Year 7 and 8, students following the extended curriculum will have 6 lessons a fortnight, whilst the majority of students following the Core curriculum will have 7 lessons in Year 7 and 8 lessons in Year 8 – one of these lessons will be a formal library lesson. In year 9 all students have 7 lessons of English, however, students following the Core curriculum will also have an additional library lesson.
In Years 10 and 11 all students have 10 lessons of English a fortnight, during which both English Language and English Literature are delivered.
In English, we offer trips to a variety of theatre performances to watch classic texts come to life, and to meet famous authors. Some of the trips we have had in the last two years include: Blood Brothers, Romeo & Juliet, and the Swindon Youth Festival of Literature which offers students the chance to meet and question world famous authors. Further to this, English offers a variety of enrichment clubs throughout the year including – Library Live, Book Club, Literature in the library, Poetry by Heart, Riveting Read, and Magna Club.
A Christmas Carol – A Christmas Carol – GCSE English Literature Revision – AQA – BBC Bitesize
Blood Brothers – Blood Brothers – GCSE English Literature Revision – AQA – BBC Bitesize
Romeo and Juliet – Romeo and Juliet – GCSE English Literature Revision – AQA – BBC Bitesize
Unseen Poetry – Responding to poems – Comparing unseen poems – GCSE English Literature Revision – BBC Bitesize
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