English - John Taylor High School

Welcome to the English Curriculum page

The Head of Faculty is Mrs Burns.

Our Aim: We aim to develop students’ understanding of the power of language as a means of communication.

Lessons are planned to develop students’ confidence and fluency in reading, writing and speaking and listening. Students study a variety of fiction and non-fiction texts and are taught how to read closely in order to develop high level skills of analysis. They learn how language can be used directly and indirectly, to influence people’s thoughts and actions. Students are also taught, specifically, how to write analytically about texts.

The English Department seeks to promote an appreciation of English Literature by studying a variety of texts from different genres: poetry, drama and prose. These may be modern 20th and 21st century texts and also pre-20th century texts, including Shakespeare plays. Students learn how writers use language for figurative effect and are taught high level subject specific terminology in order to explore precisely the methods writers use to achieve their effects. They learn how understanding the social, cultural and historical context can enhance a reader’s appreciation of a text and will be taught to consider different interpretations of texts. Students are also encouraged to develop the habit of reading independently for pleasure and for information.

Students are taught to make links between reading and writing. They will learn how to write clearly, accurately and coherently, at length, in a variety of styles for different purposes and audiences. We encourage them to enrich their vocabulary and to make effective vocabulary choices in their writing. Students are taught to plan, draft, edit and proofread their work. We develop students’ ability to speak in a variety of contexts, formal and informal, both independently and in group discussion. Students will have further opportunities to develop spoken language skills by participating in a variety of drama activities.

The texts we explore encompass a variety of themes and so English lessons also contribute to students’ SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural) development.