Reading, language and communication are the driving forces behind our English curriculum. Here at Denbigh High School, our English teachers and support staff work with a relentless sense of purpose to ensure that pupils enjoy, and make good progress in all areas of literacy, particularly reading, writing, oracy, grammar, punctuation and spelling. We have a team of highly competent, experienced subject specialists who enjoy creating challenging and engaging learning opportunities for all pupils. Our English curriculum has been crafted to sequence learning logically in terms of knowledge and skills, ensuring that all pupils are challenged. We are committed to developing a love of language and literature in every child.
The literature studied at Denbigh High School reflects the experiences of people from different countries, cultures and historical eras. Over the five years here, pupils will study some of the works of William Shakespeare and a range of classical and contemporary fiction including novels by Benjamin Zephaniah, Anthony Horowitz, Michael Morpugo, and John Steinbeck. Our English curriculum also features classic and modern poetry including poetry from WW1.
Subject Leader
Mrs Alison Hughes
Subject Teachers
- Ms Pippa Jarvis
- Ms Lynne Parry Griffiths
- Miss Hannah Kendrick
- Mrs Jane Pethig
Year 7, 8 & 9:
At KS3, students study a wide range of both literature and non-fiction texts.
Fiction studied includes novels such as ‘Stormbreaker’, ‘Private Peaceful’ and ‘Refugee Boy’. Students explore a range of themes and characters, literacy and language techniques, analysing techniques in other’s writing, and producing creative writing of their own; including their own poetry and non-fiction text types.
Resources
Popular fiction – KS3 reading suggestions: https://www.lovereading4schools.co.uk/year-groups/ks3/key-stage-3
Bitesize spelling, punctuation and grammar – https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/z7vdy9q
Year 10 & 11:
At Key stage 4, students prepare for their GCSE Language and Literature qualifications and study a wide range of literature and non-fiction texts. Fiction studied includes ‘Of Mice and Men’ and ‘Heroes’; drama including ‘An Inspector Calls’ and Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet and a range of contemporary poetry. The language course is delivered through an interesting and innovative range of themes and topics.
Resources
Popular fiction – KS4 reading suggestions: https://www.lovereading4schools.co.uk/year-groups/ks4/key-stage-4
BBC Bitesize WJEC English Language: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/ztjmv4j BBC Bitesize WJEC English Literature: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/z9gjp39
Year 12 & 13
At Key Stage 5 we study A Level Language and Literature – an exciting and challenging course which enables pupils to combine linguistic and literary analysis to some of the greatest literary texts – giving them the opportunity to read, study and enjoy both contemporary and traditional literature through a range of genres and styles. Texts studied include ‘In Cold Blood’ by Truman Capote, Atwood’s ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, ‘The Woman In Black’ by Susan Hill, Shakespeare’s ‘King Lear’, ‘A Streetcar named Desire’ by Tennessee Williams and an anthology of poetry.
As well as analysing techniques, interpreting meaning and theme; and identifying the contextual influence and linguistic skill of these texts, students also produce their own creative writing and analyse and comment on their own writing. Our focus for the coursework element is through the theme of Gothic.