ENGLISH

The English Department at Trinity Christian School is passionate about Language and Literature. We want our students to be as passionate as we are.

We believe that reading is fundamental for students to be able to excel in English as it opens their minds and imagination as well as helping to develop their vocabulary and grasp of grammar.

Our approach to the teaching of English Literature and Language is an integrated one.  Our aim is to develop the skills of our learners so that they become great communicators whilst also developing an appreciation of the writing of others.

Literature allows us to introduce students to a range of social, political and cultural issues.  Texts are carefully selected and students will study a range of fiction and non-fiction texts across each of the key stages as they develop their analytical skills.

Through the exploration of the writing of others, we promote the importance of being able to have a voice of your own.  Both oral and written communication is valued highly and students are taught these distinct skills.  Emphasis is placed on the accuracy of written communication and time is dedicated to ensuring that students secure the key skills of spelling, punctuation and grammar.

During each key stage, we ensure that the building blocks are put in place for students to succeed and to prepare them for the next stage.  Students are given mnemonics to help approaches to writing and analysis which they can use from Key Stage 3 to give them a foundation for KS4 and beyond.

KS3 (Y7-Y9)

At KS3 pupils are taught to express themselves using a variety of writing styles.  They read a range of fiction and non-fiction texts responding creatively to what they have read, analysing linguistic and presentational techniques whilst learning to appreciate literature.

All pupils from Year 7 begin what we call AQA work which enables them to build the linguistic analytical skills needed for GCSE. The lessons systematically develop their skills of inference, deduction and analysis, increasing their confidence, resilience, understanding and ability to express their ideas. Each year group in KS3 are tested termly against current curriculum assessments and progression.

We feel that reading for pleasure is key to pupil’s enjoyment and progress in English and so, with that in mind, we incorporate reading into the timetabled English lessons on a weekly basis with the encouragement to share and review books they have read throughout the week. Certificates in reading are awarded to pupils who reach Bronze, Silver and Gold status.

In previous years we have held sponsored spelling competitions and cultural days of which pupils have enjoyed taking part.

KS4 (Y10-Y11)

Pupils continue to work on the foundation skills of literature and linguistic analysis from KS3 as we prepare them for the new specification Grade 9-1 AQA GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature.

Pupils will study one text from each of the following genres for Literature: