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At the heart of the English department is a commitment to delivering a rich, inclusive curriculum that inspires and challenges all pupils. Across every key stage, we nurture the talents of every learner, while supporting all students in developing the essential skills and confidence needed for success in education and beyond.

Through creative and dynamic teaching, we foster a love of language and literature, enabling pupils to become thoughtful communicators and critical thinkers. Our curriculum equips students with the tools to listen attentively, speak with purpose, read deeply, and write with clarity and imagination.

English empowers pupils to explore and express ideas, feelings, and perspectives. As they engage with a wide range of texts - from classic literature and contemporary fiction to media and non-fiction -they grow as both enthusiastic readers and skilled writers. By examining how language works, students gain a deeper understanding of communication and culture.

The skills learned in English are not confined to the classroom. They are transferable, essential, and enduring, encouraging achievement across the curriculum and enriching students’ lives long after they leave school.

Aims

Each scheme of work is designed to provide both challenge and support, ensuring accessibility for all students. Our experienced teachers are well-equipped and supported in tailoring lessons to meet the needs of every class and individual learner. Over the nine terms of KS3, students in Years 7, 8, and 9 explore a wide range of content: 19th-century fiction, historically based and contemporary literature, poetry, Shakespeare, cultural diversity, the Gothic, political power, creative and non-fiction writing, spoken rhetoric, and the etymology and history of language, which is embedded throughout. Each scheme is crafted to enhance students’ ability to

Write accurately, fluently, effectively and at length for pleasure and information
Consolidate and build on knowledge of vocabulary
Speak confidently and effectively
Know how language (including figurative language, vocabulary choice, grammar, text structure and features) presents meaning
Find, evaluate and use relevant information
Make inferences and refer to evidence in the text
Write appropriately to purpose, audience and form
Express own ideas and keep to the point
Summarise and/or build on what others say
Analyse historical and social context and how this can influence the meaning of a text and conceptions
To challenge previous misconceptions
Explore how and why an author crafts a novel to affect a reader
Have deep knowledge of the rhetoric in oral and written compositions
Make connections between linguistic knowledge and other domains and their connections as well as knowledge of the etymology and history of language.
Develop knowledge so that pupils can evaluate and edit their own/peers’ writing.

Key Stage 3

Students in Key Stage 3 receive three one-hour English lessons each week, providing ample time to explore texts in depth and develop a genuine love of reading and writing. In addition, KS3 benefit from a dedicated weekly reading lesson focused on a class novel, fostering a strong culture of reading for pleasure. This is further supported by a tri-weekly library session, where students immerse themselves in books of their choice and participate in the Sparx Reader programme. Teachers and our librarian carefully guide book selections to ensure students read across a range of genres, with texts that are both age-appropriate and challenging.

Our curriculum is enriched by trips and workshops, where students may experience live performances of novels and plays studied in class. These experiences help bring literature to life and contribute to the development of students’ cultural capital.

Grammar, spelling, and punctuation are also targeted, and students are encouraged to correct and reflect on their errors. Students will complete assessments at the end of each unit (reading, writing and oracy skills assessed) where they will be provided with actionable feedback. There are also opportunities for peer and self-assessment, guided by clear success criteria. This fosters independence, critical thinking, and a sense of ownership over their work.

Our Year 7 curriculum introduces learners to a wide range of diverse and engaging texts, helping them to develop both their reading and writing skills. From the outset, students are taught to read critically, identify language techniques, and explore how meaning is shaped for different purposes and audiences. Alongside analytical writing, they complete a variety of creative and transactional tasks, such as narrative writing, speeches, and monologues, building confidence in expressing ideas clearly and effectively.

In Year 8, students build on the skills developed in Year 7, strengthening their ability to analyse both fiction and non-fiction texts with increasing independence. They explore important themes such as racism and diversity, love and relationships, and the evolution of British society, while also focusing on developing their own writing for a range of purposes, including persuasive and descriptive writing. Students are encouraged to make purposeful choices in vocabulary, structure, and tone to shape meaning effectively.

In Year 9, the curriculum prepares students for the demands of GCSE English by introducing more complex texts across both literature and language. Students refine their analytical and inference skills, engage with a broader range of fiction, non-fiction, and media texts, and develop more sophisticated writing techniques. There is a strong emphasis on exam-style skills, including comparison, evaluation, and crafting clear, impactful written responses. Differentiated tasks and opportunities for independent learning support students in consolidating and extending their language and literature skills.

Assessment and Expectations:

Students complete formal assessments at the end of each unit, focused on reading, writing, and spoken language skills.
Regular low-stakes quizzes and vocabulary tests support ongoing progress.
High standards of effort, engagement, and presentation are expected across all work.
Students are expected to read at home in their own time, with research proving just 20 minutes a day having a significant positive impact on their learning and ability across all subjects.

Home Learning

All KS3 will have access to Sparx Reader, which will be part of their weekly homework.
Students are encouraged to read independently every day to build fluency and confidence.
In English, creative projects are sometimes set at the end of units, for students to demonstrate their learning through creative means.

Trips and Visits

Theatre trips linked to texts studied in class (e.g., Shakespeare plays).
Author visits and creative writing workshops to inspire and engage.
Enrichment days celebrating World Book Day or National Poetry Day.

Useful Links to help your children learn at home

BBC Bitesize – KS3 English - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z3kw2hv
Seneca Learning – Free interactive revision and learning platform

Year 7	Unit 1: Animal Farm	Unit 2: Art Inspired Creative Writing	Unit 3: Romeo and Juliet	Unit 4: Childhood Reading	Unit 5: Awe and Wonder – non-fiction	Unit 6: Character and Voice Poetry
Curriculum Vision	Students will develop their ability to analyse literary texts and understand the metaphors that power classic literature – finding deeper meanings hidden in a moving story.	Students will develop their ability to draw out the big ideas and inspirations from famous works of art across the ages.	Students will experience Shakespeare as they’ve never seen it before, decoding the language and learning the timeless value of Shakespeare’s tragedy.	Students will revisit their childhood favourite stories through a variety of critical lens, seeing new angles and perspectives.	Students will explore different aspects of the climate crisis through non-fiction, learning the facts, proposing solutions and finding hope.	Students will learn the differing methods poets use to tell stories and create memorable voices in poetry.
GCSE Link	Literature Paper 2, Language Paper 1	Literature Paper 1 and 2, Language Paper 1 and 2	Literature Paper 1, Language Paper 1 and 2	Literature Paper 1 and 2, Language Paper 1	Language Paper 2	Literature Paper 2, Language Paper 1
By the end of the unit, students will be able to:	Analyse language and structure in a novel; explore character and theme development, respond critically to a text.	Showcase their creative writing skills in response to a stimulus.	Analyse language from an extract, identify and use terminology applicable to a play/poetry.	Respond to texts critically, write in detail creatively.	Express an opinion orally and in writing; build confidence in expressing their opinions and build an awareness of world events.	Explore how writers present viewpoints through a range of different methods.

Year 8	Unit 1: Animal Farm	Unit 2: Art Inspired Creative Writing	Unit 3: Romeo and Juliet	Unit 4: Childhood Reading	Unit 5: Awe and Wonder – non-fiction	Unit 6: Character and Voice Poetry
Curriculum Vision	Students will develop their ability to analyse literary texts and understand the metaphors that power classic literature – finding deeper meanings hidden in a moving story.	Students will develop their ability to draw out the big ideas and inspirations from famous works of art across the ages.	Students will experience Shakespeare as they’ve never seen it before, decoding the language and learning the timeless value of Shakespeare’s tragedy.	Students will revisit their childhood favourite stories through a variety of critical lens, seeing new angles and perspectives.	Students will explore different aspects of the climate crisis through non-fiction, learning the facts, proposing solutions and finding hope.	Students will learn the differing methods poets use to tell stories and create memorable voices in poetry.
GCSE Link	Literature Paper 2, Language Paper 1	Literature Paper 1 and 2, Language Paper 1 and 2	Literature Paper 1, Language Paper 1 and 2	Literature Paper 1 and 2, Language Paper 1	Language Paper 2	Literature Paper 2, Language Paper 1
By the end of the unit, students will be able to:	Analyse language and structure in a novel; explore character and theme development, respond critically to a text.	Showcase their creative writing skills in response to a stimulus.	Analyse language from an extract, identify and use terminology applicable to a play/poetry.	Respond to texts critically, write in detail creatively.	Express an opinion orally and in writing; build confidence in expressing their opinions and build an awareness of world events.	Explore how writers present viewpoints through a range of different methods.

Year 9	Unit 1: Skin of the Sea	Unit 2: Gothic Writing	Unit 3: Othello	Unit 4: Dystopian Fiction	Unit 5: Love and Relationship Poetry	Unit 6: The Crucible
Curriculum Vision	Students will explore how writers draw on myth, history, and culture to give voice to untold stories. Through the study of Skin of the Sea, they will examine themes of identity, resistance, and belonging, while deepening their understanding of the transatlantic slave trade.	Students will investigate how writers create fear, tension, and atmosphere to reflect societal anxieties and psychological depth. Through the study of Gothic fiction, they will explore the darker side of human nature and develop their ability to write with creativity, control, and flair.	Students will explore the destructive power of jealousy, manipulation, and prejudice through the study of Shakespeare’s Othello. They will engage with complex characters and themes, while analysing how language, form, and structure reflect human behaviour and societal issues that remain relevant today.	Students will examine how writers use imagined futures to comment on contemporary issues such as power, control, and freedom. Through the study of dystopian fiction, they will reflect on the role of the individual in society and the impact of political and technological change.	Students will explore how poets express the complexities of love, desire, loss, and connection across time and cultures. They will learn to analyse poetic language and structure while developing their ability to interpret and respond to a range of emotional and philosophical perspectives.	Students will study how fear, power, and mass hysteria can influence human behaviour and shape society. Through the lens of The Crucible, they will explore the dangers of scapegoating and the importance of integrity, drawing connections between historical events and present-day issues.
GCSE Link	Literature Paper 2, Language Paper 1 and 2	Literature Paper 1, Language Paper 1	Literature Paper 1	Literature Paper 1 and 2, Language Paper 1 and 2	Literature Paper 2	Literature Paper 1 and 2, Language Paper 1 and 2
By the end of the unit, students will be able to:	Explore different literary contexts and how writers use these to influence their writing and express meaning	Understand the conventions of the Gothic genre and how writers employ these to express different cultural anxieties.	Analyse language from an extract, identify and use terminology applicable to a play/poetry, make links to the wider messages of Shakespeare’s plays.	Respond to texts critically, write in detail creatively and voice their opinions on democratic issues across the world.	Explore the conventions used by writers to express deep emotion, and make connections between a writer’s context and their message.	Be able to comment on stagecraft and how a narrative in a play is constructed to create tension.

Key Stage 4

In the English Department, we aim to provide students with an inspirational, rigorous, and personalised curriculum that develops both written and spoken literacy while instilling a genuine love of literature.

Our Key Stage 4 curriculum is immersive and ambitious, equipping students with transferable skills for other subjects as well as essential life skills that empower them in further study and the world of work. We are committed to ensuring every student exceeds their expected progress and achieves their full potential. Alongside academic development, we are equally focused on students’ personal growth, choosing texts that are culturally relevant, diverse, and thought-provoking. Our intent is to keep all future pathways open to English students at Tabor.

At Key Stage 3, our curriculum is built on a spiral model: key skills are revisited throughout each year, gradually increasing in complexity and application. This approach ensures a strong foundation for success at Key Stage 4. We provide targeted support for any students who fall behind, both in the classroom and through wider school interventions, ensuring no learner is left behind.
Throughout the academic year, we run revision and intervention sessions to support all students in their preparation for these important qualifications.

Year 10:

Autumn 1	Autumn 2	Spring 1	Spring 2	Summer 1	Summer 2
An Inspector Calls by JB Priestley	AQA Language Paper 2, AQA Power and Conflict Poetry Anthology	AQA Power and Conflict Poetry Anthology	Macbeth	Macbeth, Language Paper 1	Language Paper 1, AQA English Language Speaking and Listening

Year 11:

Autumn 1	Autumn 2	Spring 1	Spring 2	Summer 1	Summer 2
Unseen Poetry, Jekyll and Hyde by RL Stevenson	AQA Language Paper 1, An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley	AQA Power and Conflict Poetry Anthology, AQA Language Paper 1	Macbeth	Final Exams	-

Assessment and Expectations

All KS4 students will be expected to complete at least one extended writing task each fortnight. In addition to this, there are levelled assessments at the end of the module as well as two mock exam periods. These scores and levels are recorded and monitored for progress. KS4 students are expected to complete homework on a weekly basis. Tasks will be provided by the teacher.

At Key Stage 4, students study for two GCSEs: English Language and English Literature. These are assessed solely through final examinations, with no coursework or controlled assessments. Students engage with a wide range of texts, including 19th-century fiction, contemporary short stories, non-fiction, and non-literary sources, reflecting key themes such as identity, society, and morality. These texts provide rich opportunities to build on the skills and knowledge developed at Key Stage 3.

For their English Literature GCSE, students study Macbeth, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, the AQA ‘Worlds and Lives’ Poetry Anthology, and An Inspector Calls. Students are expected to develop a secure and in-depth understanding of each text and respond analytically to questions linked to characters, themes, and context.

To prepare for their English Language GCSE, students study two examination papers. Paper One focuses on fiction: students read a prose extract and complete a series of analytical and creative writing tasks. Paper Two centres on non-fiction: students compare texts from different time periods and complete a range of comprehension and transactional writing questions. Topics may include social issues, education, the supernatural, or politics, ensuring a stimulating and wide-ranging course.

Additionally, students complete a non-examined Speaking and Listening endorsement. This task, which builds on their Key Stage 3 experience, helps develop their communication and presentation skills. Students also build on their persuasive language and oracy skills. Each student delivers a short speech on a topic of their choice and responds to questions from their peers.

Trips and Visits

Theatre trips to see live performances of set texts such as Macbeth or An Inspector Calls to deepen understanding of character, staging, and themes.
Poetry Live events, where students hear poets from the AQA anthology read and discuss their work.
Guest speakers and creative workshops.
Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge (workshop and competition)

Useful links to help your child at home:

Literature:
https://www.savemyexams.com/learning-hub/exam-guides/worlds-and-lives-poems-aqa-english-literature-gcse/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/z8mrqty
Seneca Learning – Free interactive revision and learning platform

Language:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zcbchv4
https://www.savemyexams.com/gcse/english-language/aqa/17/revision-notes/
Seneca Learning – Free interactive revision and learning platform