English
Curriculum Leader:
Mrs E Booton-Ford
Department Introduction:
Welcome to the dynamic world of English at Wolverhampton Girls’ High School, where language comes alive, creativity knows no bounds, and a love for literature takes flight. Led by the passionate Mrs E Booton-Ford, our English department is a vibrant community of specialists dedicated to nurturing the diverse talents and boundless potential within each student.
About Us:
Engaging, enlightening, and empowering – these are the principles that define our approach to teaching English. Our curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to not only build essential language skills but also to instil a deep appreciation for the beauty and power of words. Through thematic and skills-based units, such as "Race and Place," "A Midsummer Night’s Dream," and "Relationships from the Past and Present," students embark on a literary journey that spans diverse genres and cultures.
Department Aims:
What skills will I develop?
The aim of studying English is to introduce students to a varied selection of reading texts from different periods of history and different contexts in order to foster an appreciation of writer’s craft. To also transfer skills from their study of reading to their own writing to encourage them to write for a range of different audiences, contexts and purposes. To develop confidence in articulating their ideas in spoken form in a range of different contexts and, therefore, enhance their presentational and listening skills.
Engagement of Reading:
At the core of our English Department's mission is the unwavering commitment to instil a profound love for literature in every student. We employ a multifaceted approach to tracking and nurturing this passion, ensuring that reading transcends beyond the curriculum. For Key Stage 3 pupils, our targeted "Drop Everything and Read" (DEAR) lessons stand as a dedicated space within their schedules, occurring at least once a half term. These sessions are a literary haven, providing students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in a diverse array of books, fostering a genuine appreciation for the written word. As a fundamental aspect of our mission, DEAR lessons aim to encourage relaxation and the pure enjoyment of a good book. To further support our readers and monitor their progress, we implement the Accelerated Reader program, diligently designed to track reading ages and provide tailored support for individual growth. Complementing these initiatives are our library lessons, held once a half term and orchestrated by our skilled librarian, Mrs. Pagett. These lessons not only guide students in navigating the vast world of literature but also serve as a platform to instil the lifelong habit of accessing and savouring the treasures found within the pages of a book. In every facet of our commitment to reading, we strive to create an environment where the love for literature flourishes and becomes an integral part of each student's academic journey.
Key Stage 3:
Year 7: In Year 7, students delve into the fascinating world of 'Race and Place,' exploring new texts from different cultures and tracing the evolution of storytelling across ages. The adventure continues with a captivating study of "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
Year 8: Year 8 brings the exploration of George Orwell's "Animal Farm," followed by an immersion in American civil rights literature. Students also get the chance to showcase their creative prowess through a writing competition with the exciting prospect of getting published.
Year 9: The journey through literature takes a dramatic turn in Year 9 with the timeless tragedy of "Romeo and Juliet," an exploration of relationships in the past and present, and a rendezvous with the mysterious "Inspector Calls."
Key Stage 4:
Year 10 marks a pivotal point in our students' literary journey as they dive into the demanding yet rewarding landscape of GCSE specifications in English Language and English Literature. Imbued with the skills to effectively communicate information, ideas, and explore the nuanced effects and impact of language, students embark on a comprehensive study of Modern Drama, Shakespearean classics, Literary Heritage, and Poetry. Engaging in timed assessments, Year 10 becomes a crucible where knowledge and expression intertwine, laying the foundation for the challenges that lie ahead.
Key Stage 5:
Elevating the literary exploration to new heights, A Level Literature in Year 12 unveils the rich tapestry of Gothic literature with a riveting study of 'Frankenstein,' 'The Bloody Chamber,' and unseen Gothic masterpieces. The journey continues with a profound exploration of Chaucer's 'The Merchant's Tale' and the dark intrigue of 'The Duchess of Malfi,' culminating in the enchanting realms of 'The Tempest.' In Year 13, the focus shifts to an in-depth analysis of contemporary poetry with Liz Berry's 'The Republic of Motherhood,' paving the way for a captivating comparative study of 'A Streetcar Named Desire' and 'Wide Sargasso Sea.' The academic odyssey concludes with a comprehensive review of the coursework, delving into 'The Merchant's Tale,' 'The Duchess of Malfi,' and revisiting the Gothic allure of 'Frankenstein,' 'The Bloody Chamber,' and unseen masterpieces, creating a comprehensive tapestry of literary mastery.
Year 12
‘Frankenstein’ and ‘The Bloody Chamber,’ and unseen Gothic literature.
‘The Merchant’s Tale’ and ‘The Duchess of Malfi’
‘The Tempest’
Year 13
‘The Republic of Motherhood’ by Liz Berry – poetry coursework
‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ and ‘Wide Sargasso Sea’ – comparative coursework
Completion of poetry coursework
Completion of ‘The Merchant’s Tale’ and ‘The Duchess of Malfi’
Completion of ‘Frankenstein’ and ‘The Bloody Chamber,’ and unseen Gothic literature.
Extra-Curricular Activities:
Embarking on a journey beyond the classroom, the English Department passionately enriches our students' literary experiences through an engaging array of clubs and activities. From the immersive world of Drama Club designed for Key Stage 3 pupils to the captivating exploration of Gothic cinema in the Key Stage 5 Gothic Film Club, our clubs serve as vibrant hubs for creativity and collaboration. In the spirit of fostering expression across all ages, the student-led 'Write Away' club creates a dynamic platform for literary contributions. We extend the literary adventure beyond local stages as KS5 students delve into 'The Woman in Black,' enhancing their understanding of the Gothic genre. Further enriching our appreciation for Shakespeare, a summer sojourn to Stratford upon Avon, the Bard's birthplace, awaits. Culminating our academic year are spectacular productions, inspired by past successes such as the 2019 House Arts rendition of an Elvis Presley-themed Juke Box Musical. These productions provide a stage for students to showcase talents, be it in directing, acting, or managing technical aspects. Join us in a realm where creativity flows seamlessly, encouraging students to explore, express, and excel in the realms of literature and performing arts.