English

• To set challenging targets with high expectations for all students and staff
• Offer a variety of teaching and learning approaches required to engage, challenge, and motivate students
• To provide a curriculum that allows students to understand and explore the world they live in
• To provide a curriculum that allows a smooth transition between Key Stage 3 and 4
• To explore enrichment opportunities for all students regardless of barriers to learning

The English Key Stage Three course at Harborne Academy is designed to introduce complex texts and concepts in order to prepare students for Key Stage Four. Students are expected to study a variety of literary texts and non-fiction texts in order to understand how to analyse them. Students are also given the opportunity to create their own examples of fiction and non-fiction texts so they are aware of the crafting process a writer would go through.

Edexcel GCSE English Language
Edexcel GCSE English Literature

The English course at Key Stage Four builds students’ skills to prepare them for their GCSE exams. The curriculum in Year 10 is designed to study the majority of the literature texts required for the GCSE English Literature qualification. While studying the literature texts, lessons are planned to ensure students are able to develop skills and understanding to allow them to excel in their exams. In addition to the study of literature texts, students are also provided time to hone the skills required for their GCSE English Language qualification.

Careers using English:

• Digital copywriter
• Editorial assistant
• English as a foreign language teacher
• Lexicographer
• Magazine journalist
• Newspaper journalist
• Publishing copy-editor/proof-reader
• Primary school teacher
• Secondary school teacher
• Web content manager
• Writer

Jobs where English would be useful:

• Academic librarian
• Advertising copywriter
• Arts administrator
• Education consultant
• Information officer
• Learning mentor
• Marketing executive
• Media researcher
• PPC specialist
• Primary school teacher
• Private tutor
• Public relations officer
• Records manager
• Social media manager

This list is not extensive.

Some of our students had the opportunity to enter their poems into Through Their Eyes - a poetry competition for aspiring poets - and their poems have been chosen for publication in "Through Their Eyes - Poems of Reflection".

The following students will have their poems written in the publication on 31st August 2024:

We offer a number of students to visit London for the day to take in the sites such as, The London Eye, The London Dungeon and The Globe Theatre.

Reading and Writing Completions

We offer a number of opportunities for students to develop their ‘reading for pleasure’ through a range of diverse fiction and non-fiction texts available in all English classrooms. In addition, students can participate in a range of writing competitions throughout the year; gaining the chance to have their work published.

Theatre Visits

Each year the English department present the opportunity for students to watch a performance at a local theatre. Past performances have included: Blood Brothers, The Color Purple and Playboy of the West Indies.

Performances

Each year, the English department invites professional theatre companies to perform Macbeth, An Inspector Calls, and A Christmas Carol. The event also offers a Q&A workshop with the actors and workshops for our KS4 students.

Poetry Live!

Students are given the opportunity to see Poetry Live! at Birmingham Town Hall. At the event, they are able to hear performances and explanations from the original poets who have written poems in the ‘Conflict’ poetry anthology that students study at GCSE.

Useful websites and books:

• Oak National Academy Online Classroom
• BBC Bitesize
• Sparknotes: Macbeth
• Debating Matters

Reading Lists

• English Reading Lists - Year 8-9
• English Reading Lists - Year 8-11