English
Head of Faculty
Mr S Parker (sparker@wrhs1118.co.uk)
Key Stage 3
In Key Stage Three we offer a knowledge rich curriculum. We are driven to ensure that learning develops over time, to make sure that students are ready to excel in their GCSE and A Level studies in later years. We are also deeply passionate about developing students’ curiosity and enabling students to see the rich importance of creativity.
During Years 7, 8 and 9, we challenge students to develop their existing skills in aspects of reading, writing and spoken communication. We have a clear focus on both independent work and collaborative learning.
The English Faculty is highly successful and we work determinedly towards meeting the following goals:
- Giving access to texts that have stood the test of time
- Developing students’ cultural capital and knowledge of the world
- Developing students’ reading and writing stamina, skills and passion
- Building students’ vocabulary
- Developing students’ ability to write with precision and for impact
- Ensuring that learning is retained
- Ensuring that students have opportunities to see English as ‘something special’
The new curriculum at Key Stage 3 aims to not only address the above goals, but to provide students with a broad and balanced range of texts, exploring them through a critical lens. Students experience a sequenced curriculum, experiencing texts through the way writers convey themes such as relationships and power, and then using this to create their own writing.
Key Stage 4
Our current cohort of Year 11 students were the last to sit early entry GCSE Literature in Year 10 and will therefore cover the Language syllabus this academic year.
Our Year 10 students and subsequent cohorts will sit dual entry GCSE English Literature and Language, which are assessed in terminal examinations at the end of Year 11.
Key Stage 5
Students who study English at Whalley Range Sixth Form can engage with the subject in numerous ways, both in and out of the classroom. We currently offer the following courses:
- A-level English Literature
- A-level English Language
- Post-16 English Language GCSE
