English

At Abbey Manor College, the English department places language at the heart of learning. Our lessons are carefully planned to ensure students understand that mastery of language is essential to success in English and beyond. We encourage students to appreciate how language shapes culture, identity, and human experience. 

We are committed to nurturing both creative and analytical thinking, equipping every learner with the skills needed to achieve their full potential in English. Our curriculum encourages students to appreciate literature and communication in both modern and historical contexts, helping them understand the lasting relevance and impact of the written and spoken word. 

The English Department inspires creativity and empowers students to become confident, articulate communicators. Through the study of a rich and varied range of fiction, poetry, drama, and non-fiction, students develop strong reading, writing, and speaking skills.  This also enables students to explore how language has been used throughout history in both positive and negative ways. Inspiring English focuses on how language expresses inner thoughts and emotions, helping students to understand how people think, feel, and behave in both historical and modern contexts. 

We emphasise the importance of literature in developing a deeper understanding of the world around us, while equipping students with the skills to communicate creatively, confidently, and effectively. Above all, we aim to prepare our students to use language as a powerful tool for their future learning and lives. 

Oracy is embedded into English lessons by giving students regular, purposeful opportunities to speak and listen in a range of contexts. This includes structured discussions, debates, role play, reading aloud, and collaborative group work that encourages students to articulate ideas clearly and respond thoughtfully to each other. Teachers model effective speaking and listening, explicitly teach vocabulary and sentence stems, and create a supportive environment where all students feel confident to contribute. This helps students deepen their understanding of texts while developing confidence, communication skills, and critical thinking. 

Key Stage 3 English

English is a compulsory subject at Key Stage 3, with students receiving three double lessons across a weekly timetable. The English department follows a carefully sequenced and comprehensive curriculum designed to expose students to a wide and diverse range of high-quality texts. 

In Years 7 and 8, students study novels, short stories, poetry, and plays alongside a variety of non-fiction texts. These include works by writers such as William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, and other pre-twentieth-century authors from the English literary heritage. 

Students are taught to write confidently in a range of styles for different audiences and purposes, while developing their skills as fluent speakers and attentive listeners. The Key Stage 3 curriculum provides a strong foundation for success in GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature. 

Some of the texts studied in KS3 include:

 

Key Stage 4 English

At Key Stage 4, all students study both GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature and are entered for both qualifications. Like at Key Stage 3, they have 3 double lessons of English each week.  Students follow a rigorous two-year course designed to prepare them fully for success in their GCSE examinations. 

High levels of attainment are achieved across both subjects, with students set ambitious targets and supported to reach their full potential. 

Some of the texts studied in KS4 include

Resources

• Free Homework & Revision for A Level, GCSE, KS3 & KS2
• GCSE English 8700 | Specification | AQA
• GCSE English 8702 | Specification | AQA
   

Enrichment and Extracurricular Activities

• The department runs a number of theatre trips for KS3 and KS4 groups, depending upon the texts being studied. 
• The after-school Debate Club offers students the chance to attend workshops that enhance their confidence, communication, and critical thinking. 
• KS4 students are given the opportunity to participate in First Story where they work with a published author and publish their own Anthology. There is an annual trip to Cambridge University where students take part in workshops led by talented writers.
• The department runs specialised Year 11 intervention sessions after school each week.