Introduction

English is vital for communicating with others and is fundamental to learning in all curriculum subjects. The English department at Forest Hill School aims to provide a curriculum that inspires students and promotes the development of skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing through the study of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and plays.

Our key aim is to promote a lifelong love of the English language – through sharing our enthusiasm and love for the subject.

English Curriculum Map

English at Key Stage 3

All students at Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9) study English Language and Literature with a specialist English teacher over three periods a week. They follow an integrated programme of study which covers the three components of Speaking and Listening, Reading, and Writing. At Key Stage 3, the emphasis is on building a strong foundation for students and raising their confidence whilst fostering a love of reading and writing.

In speaking and listening, students work to adapt their speech to different situations, using accurate and varied vocabulary. They are encouraged to show sensitivity to others in discussions and to share their views.

Through reading, students develop a critical understanding of the ways in which meaning and information are conveyed in a range of texts, such as Animal Farm, Bone Talk, and Othello. All students in Years 7 and 8 have a supported library lesson in which to read, choose and discuss books.

Students are taught to write in a range of styles for different audiences and purposes.

English homework is generally set once a week alongside reading homework. Homework is used to both consolidate the learning done in class and promote independent study.

English at Key Stage 4

At Forest Hill School, students study GCSEs in both English Literature and English Language following the AQA syllabus. Students are required to read critically, write effectively, punctuate and spell accurately, and read a wide range of texts including Macbeth, A Christmas Carol, An Inspector Calls and poems from the AQA Conflict Anthology.

AQA GCSE English Language Specification

AQA GCSE English Literature Specification

English at Key Stage 5

Within the English Department, we offer an A-Level in English Literature. This course aims to encourage enjoyment and appreciation of English Literature, introducing students to a wide range of texts. Lessons include debate and discussions and students are encouraged to voice their ideas and opinions. It is an important facilitating subject which opens the door to many subjects at university level and helps students to further develop their skills in arguing a case, thinking independently and communicating effectively.

AQA A-Level English Literature Specification

Enrichment

Forest Hill School takes full advantage of its proximity to central London and regularly organises trips to the theatre and cinema to complement classroom learning. In addition, visiting theatre companies will perform for the students and the school librarian regularly arranges visits from prominent children’s authors.

The English department runs a number of competitions throughout the year and across the year groups, and regularly collaborates with Goldsmiths University in the production of anthologies that comprise the written work of London students.

The school library is open to students before, during and after school and all students are encouraged to read and borrow books. There is a Reading Club for students in Years 7 and 8 that meets on a Wednesday lunchtime and a Student Newspaper team that meets every Tuesday lunchtime.