English
Why we teach English at Harris Academy Purley
At Harris Academy Purley, our English curriculum fosters an appreciation and passion for reading, writing, debate and discussion encouraging our students to form an opinion and understand the struggles and successes of the world around them. We firmly believe that the English curriculum should develop and challenge students’ ideas and perspectives on a wide range of social and cultural concepts. Our approach to teaching English introduces students to wide-ranging texts, both in terms of form and origin, that will develop their own sense of self and their understanding of humanity as well as their appreciation of our rich and varied literary heritage. We aim to foster and develop a love of reading, encouraging pupils to read widely and often for pleasure and information. Through studying these texts, reading, writing and oracy skills are taught and developed to prepare students for further English study.
Key Stage 3
At the very core of our KS3 curriculum, we aim to:
- Challenge students’ ideas and perspectives, building independence, relevance to their lives and promoting enquiry.
- Foster an appreciation for reading, writing and spoken Standard English.
- Feature diverse texts that explore different cultures, while addressing gaps in cultural capital.
- Develop and cultivate central skills for future English study whilst avoiding mirroring the GSCE specification.
As English teachers we see literacy as our primary goal. Students are empowered in society through good reading skills and communication skills in both written and oral forms. This is achieved where students have acquired a range of vocabulary and other language skills, which allows them to operate in a variety of contexts: academic, social and professional. However, English teaching has wider implications. The study of literature raises spiritual and moral questions. Our aim is to encourage students to consider these issues when reading texts critically with the intention that they take a critical stance and develop a personal point of view.
We place an emphasis on developing the reading, writing and speaking and listening skills our students need throughout academy and into the world beyond academy. Learners become confident risk-takers, stimulated to try out new ideas and expressions with attention to accuracy and detail. Students are taught to be creative in speaking, writing, reading and listening, exploring the potential and power of words in conveying thoughts, feelings and new imaginations.
Key Stage 4
As English teachers, we aim to raise the self-confidence of students as independent learners. We seek to establish a genuine curiosity towards texts, a questioning attitude to written and visual texts, and an interest in manipulating linguistic devices in their own writing. Effective English teaching has the capacity to inspire both students and teachers. As practitioners we wish to create a passion for literature to empower students to read so that they become independent, discriminating readers, writers and speakers both in and out of the classroom.
The department prides itself on being innovative in addressing needs of individual learning styles. We create flexible path for our students through Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5, making it relevant to all our students and enabling them to achieve their true potential. We believe that through English, we can know more about the world and our place in the world!
Underpinning all English study is the understanding of ideas, methods and context, from KS3 through to A Level. We have been keen to ensure that the curriculum and assessment cycle leads to progression, with students gaining the important knowledge and skills over the years to become scholars of English literature and successful linguists, readers and communicators.
What exam board do we study at KS4?
Students follow the AQA English Language (8700) and Literature (8702) specifications.
