- Home
- Curriculum
- Subject Curriculum
- English
English
Departmental approach to the curriculum
Our curriculum is fresh and creative, combining study of the literary canon, poetry and classical works with contemporary texts. We ensure that students encounter a diverse range of voices so they experience multiple perspectives. Students are encouraged to understand how literature has developed over time and to explore the influence this can have on their own writing.
At KS3, we focus on embedding the key skills of analysis, evaluation and writing for different purposes. Students draw comparisons, consider the relationships between texts and cultural links, build vocabulary and write for a variety of purposes.
At KS4, we build on this understanding to prepare students for their GCSEs. Students study Victorian fiction, a range of poetry and drama, alongside contemporary and historical non-fiction. They are encouraged to develop lines of argument in detailed and perceptive essays, and also have opportunities to experiment with narrative style.
At KS5, students engage with a broad and challenging array of texts spanning many eras and genres. They study literary theories and complex linguistic terminology. A Level students become increasingly independent, asking their own questions of texts and writers and developing complex arguments.
Across all key stages, students study topics that develop reading, writing and oracy skills and become progressively more challenging. They encounter modern, historical and cross-cultural texts to ensure a broad and deep curriculum that equips them with the skills for academic success.
We are currently undertaking some improvements to our English curriculum. As a result, some of the information on this page may be slightly out of date. We appreciate your patience and understanding while we update our materials to reflect these changes. Should you need specific information please contact Mrs Railton (staff.railton@rickmansworth.herts.sch.uk).
Year 7
Students begin with a mix of canonical and contemporary, diverse texts. The focus is on building confidence in engaging with a variety of texts and analysing language and structural choices. Students explore how context (historical, social or cultural) influences authorial choices and reception.
The year begins with story exploration, focusing on how writers craft worlds that engage readers’ imagination. Before Christmas, students study Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, encountering complex language and powerful contextual influences. Students also study modern drama such as Nick Stafford’s War Horse, gaining confidence in engaging with different mediums and genres. This leads to an introduction to Shakespeare and the conventions of tragedy.
Later in the year, students study poetry, learning key techniques they will encounter throughout their English studies. This unit encourages engagement with literature from different cultures and perspectives, strengthening understanding of language and structure. The year concludes with non-fiction writing, focusing on travel writing. By the end of Year 7, students feel confident in imagining, inferring and justifying.
Year 8
The Year 8 curriculum builds on prior knowledge. Students begin with rhetoric, culminating in presentations demonstrating practical application. They then apply this alongside their understanding of Shakespearean tragedy to study Julius Caesar, extending knowledge of persuasive devices and Shakespeare.
Gothic literature introduces sophisticated vocabulary and prepares students for 19th-century texts encountered at GCSE. Extract-based analysis of fiction and non-fiction develops exam skills, including synthesising information, comparing perspectives and analysing language and structure. Texts cover social issues and diverse points of view.
The poetry unit focuses on ‘poetry of protest’, analysing literary and structural devices used to convey powerful messages. The year ends with modern drama, evaluating the skill and success of writers and developing higher-order thinking skills. By the end of Year 8, students are confident in empathising, influencing and crafting.
Year 9
Students study War Fiction, including works by Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon, building on prior knowledge and preparing for Power and Conflict poetry at GCSE. This develops understanding of politics, morality and the effects of war.
The year includes an introduction to film, analysing techniques and creating projects and pitches. This develops 21st-century skills and provides insight into GCSE Film Studies while linking to English.
Students expand their non-fiction expertise through transactional writing and the Crime and Punishment unit, debating, formulating arguments and practising creative writing.
Year 9 study also includes Romeo and Juliet and contemporary texts such as Purple Hibiscus, providing opportunities for discussion, debate and analysis of complex language. By the end of KS3, students are confident in comparing, analysing and evaluating, well-prepared for GCSE success.
Year 10 and 11
Years 10 and 11 – KS4 English (AQA English Language and Literature)
At KS4, students follow the AQA specification for GCSE English Language and Literature. The curriculum develops confident, thoughtful learners who can read critically, write creatively and respond insightfully to texts.
Year 10 focuses on core literature texts: An Inspector Calls, the Power and Conflict poetry anthology, and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, alongside language lessons that build essential reading and writing skills. By the end of Year 10, students have a secure understanding of texts and can express interpretations effectively.
In Year 11, students study Macbeth and refine reading and writing skills for English Language GCSE. The curriculum continues to be interleaved with regular opportunities for focused revision, enabling meaningful connections across texts. Mock exams in both subjects consolidate learning and refine exam technique in preparation for final assessments.
A full overview of the exam and coursework requirements of this course can be found on the AQA website.
Year 12 and 13
A Level English Language and Literature
In Years 12 & 13, students follow the OCR specification, provided with the knowledge and expertise of the English and Media Centre in Islington.
On the language side of the course, they study a non-fiction anthology with a range of spoken word and written word texts.
On the literature side of the course, they study 20th century texts which may include The Great Gatsby, A Streetcar Named Desire or Othello and the contemporary poet Jacob Sam-La Rose. Students complete Non-Examined coursework pieces; both original non-fiction writing and an analytical essay.
A full overview of the exam and coursework requirements of this course can be found on the OCR website.
English Literature
In Years 12 and 13, students follow the OCR qualification, focussing on dystopian literature (The Handmaid's Tale, 1984), Hamlet by William Shakespeare and the poetry of Christina Rossetti. Students also complete Non-Examined coursework pieces, based on texts selected from a range provided. This provides students with the opportunity to direct their own studies, reflecting their own literary interests.
A full overview of the exam and coursework requirements of this course can be found on the OCR website.
Long Term Curriculum Overviews
Long Term Plan - English - Year 7Long Term Plan - English - Year 8
Long Term Plan - English - Year 9
Long Term Plan - English - Year 10
Long Term Plan - English - Year 11
Long Term Plan - English Literature - Year 12
Long Term Plan - English Literature - Year 13Long Term Plan - English Language & Literature - Year 12Long Term Plan - English Language & Literature - Year 13
'The Big Picture' Curriculum Map
'The Big Picture' Curriculum Map
This document will provide a visual overview of the department's curriculum from Key Stages 3 to 5. This is in a student-friendly format to support them in their understanding of the department's curriculum.
Assessment
Department Assessment Matrix
This document will provide an overview for assessment for Key Stages 3, 4 and 5.
Key Stage 3 Judgement Descriptors
This document gives you an overview of the criteria for Emerging, Developing, Secure and Mastery judgements at KS3 for this subject.
KS3 Judgement Descriptors - Reading and Writing
Home Learning
Home learning is used to consolidate learning and develop relevant subject knowledge and skills. Home learning is usually related to the current unit being studied but may also be used to revisit previous work and topics.
Home learning may include extended writing tasks or independent reading, comprehension and analysis. If a unit is focused on writing, it is likely that home learning tasks will include reading and analysis so that skills / knowledge areas are frequently practised and revisited. The reverse will occur if the unit is focused on reading.
Home learning is set weekly across the Key Stages. Rewards and consequences are used to support completion of home learning. Students are also encouraged to read regularly for pleasure and will be rewarded for completing whole books and reading logs in library lessons.
How can you help your child succeed in English?
Please see attached our policy on the use of AI in English.
Please see attached our policy on the importance of spoken language and presentations in English:
One of the most important things you can do is ensure your child has a rich and varied reading life - primarily fiction, but also other sorts of texts. Talk to them whenever you can about their (and your) reading; take them to a local library to enrol for a reader’s ticket; make time for library visits. Please also continue to check their school reading book regularly so you can keep track of what they are reading, how frequently, and how confidently.
Where you can, please take time to discuss issues with them too: current affairs, news stories, cultural events. Aim to make use of London’s free museums and galleries. The V&A Museum or the Museum of London are brilliant places to enjoy and to find out about times past and social change - topics that enrich our reading of English literature and non-fiction.
On a more day-to-day basis, please still monitor private reading at home, or ask your child to read aloud if such practice has been recommended by their teacher or if you know it will help boost their confidence. Too often, such practices end far too early.
Please also aim to help your child make sensible (and limited) use of computers, phones, AI tools and games - particularly where these may not support their learning. Encourage them to use AI only as a supplement to their own thinking, not as a shortcut or replacement for it.
Invaluable, too, is building in time to look through their exercise book with them, encouraging them to improve work or act on teacher feedback, or check and correct spellings (which you could help them to learn). Likewise, supporting your child in preparing for spoken-language presentations - practising with them, listening to rehearsals, and helping them develop clarity, confidence and expression - can make a significant difference to their progress.
Helpful websites
KS3
https://www.sparknotes.com/ Spark notes: text overviews and analysis
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z3kw2hv BBC Bitesize: support for all aspects of KS3 English
https://sites.google.com/rickmansworth.herts.sch.uk/library/ Ricky Library
KS4
https://www.sparknotes.com/ Spark notes: text overviews and analysis
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/levels/z98jmp3 BBC Bitesize: support for all aspects of KS3 English
https://sites.google.com/rickmansworth.herts.sch.uk/library/ Ricky Library
https://www.youtube.com/user/mrbruff Youtube - Mr Bruff has tutorial videos for all aspects of GCSE
https://massolit.io/users/sign_in Massolit for university lectures about texts
https://app.senecalearning.com/login Seneca for great support for key texts
KS5
https://www.sparknotes.com/ Spark notes: text overviews and analysis
https://sites.google.com/rickmansworth.herts.sch.uk/library/ Ricky Library
https://massolit.io/users/sign_in Massolit for university lectures about texts
https://app.senecalearning.com/login Seneca for great support for key texts
Helpful websites and further information
KS3
Sparknotes.com - text overviews and analysis
Engish Biz - website
KS4
Sparknotes.com- text overviews and analysis
Quizlets - website
BBC Bytesize
Youtube - Mr Bruff has tutorial videos for all aspects of GCSE
KS5
Sparknotes.com- text overviews and analysis
Shmoop
Careers in English
