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“Blessed is he who reads” ~ Revelation 1:3
The English department endeavours to fulfil our school mission by providing cultural, spiritual, moral and social understanding through reading and writing. Our curriculum has been designed with the spiritual development of the child in mind. Our expert subject teachers impart knowledge and wisdom to our students in order to shape and develop curiosity, kindness and respect for all cultures and people.
The study of English is fundamental for academic achievement and success in life beyond the classroom. Students need to be able to read, write and communicate effectively (with fluency and at an age-appropriate level) to access the rest of the curriculum. We strive to ensure that students master the relevant knowledge that will develop them as well-rounded individuals, with English underpinning all that they know and do. ‘The Big Four’ (Reading, Writing, Vocabulary and Spoken Language) are a priority, enabling us to support all pupils to achieve successful educational outcomes across all subjects.
We aim to provide an engaging, exciting and challenging curriculum that delivers essential knowledge and enables students to engage in a variety of literature which is wide and challenging. Learners will read whole texts right across KS3, KS4 and KS5, which will also support their development of independent writing and knowledge of the world’s ‘cultural capital’. We believe that the driving force to unlocking the full curriculum is reading. As reading is the master skill of English, reading for betterment will be prioritised to allow pupils to access the full curriculum. Through reading, children have a chance to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually. The college and the department have always understood that reading is crucial, even more so in the current climate, as we are developing our English curriculum to be the best that it can be for all. We also believe in the power of reading and how this helps to shape inquisitive minds and critical thinkers; as well as passionate writers; giving pupils access to a wide range of vocabulary knowledge. Furthermore, pupils will learn to become confident speakers through our subject, as the department take on a keen approach when it comes to the importance of oracy. We also work closely with the literacy and SEN coordinators to instil a love of reading, adapting lessons in order to ensure all pupils develop confidence within the course at all stages.
At St. John Bosco Arts College, we study AQA English Literature and AQA English Language GCSE specifications. More information can be found using the links below:
GCSE English Literature
Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th novel novel
Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry
GCSE English Language
Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing
Paper 2: Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives
Romeo and Juliet – William Shakespeare
A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens
English Language Paper 1
Power and Conflict Poetry
Spoken Language element
An Inspector Calls – J.B. Priestley
English Language Paper 2
Power and Conflict Poetry
Unseen Poetry
At St. John Bosco Arts College, we study AQA A-Level English Literature (Specification B). More information can be found here. This qualification is linear. Linear means that students will sit all their exams and submit all their non-exam assessments at the end of the course.
Paper 1 – Aspects of Tragedy
Othello – William Shakespeare
Tess of the d’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
Paper 2 – Elements of Social and Political Protest
The Kite Runner – Khaled Hosseini
A Doll’s House – Henrik Ibsen
Non-Exam Assessment
Critical Anthology
The World’s Wife – poetry anthology by Carol Ann Duffy
Paper 1 – Aspects of Tragedy
Death of a Salesman – Arthur Miller
Paper 2 – Elements of Social and Political Protest
Songs of Innocence and Experience – William Blake
Non-Exam Assessment
Revision of all texts
In The Sea There Are Crocodiles – novel by Fabio Geda
Identity Poetry – a range of poems from across key time periods with thematic links to identity
Reading Development Programme in line with different levels of reading ages
Technical Accuracy – spelling, punctuation and grammar
Macbeth – tragedy play by William Shakespeare
Children of the Quicksands – novel by Efua Traoré
Jane Eyre – novel by Charlotte Brontë
Boys Don’t Cry – novel by Malorie Blackman
Viewpoint Writing
Salt to the Sea – novel by Ruta Sepetys
War and Conflict Poetry – a range of poems from across key time periods with thematic links to conflict and
different wars around the world
The Hate U Give – novel by Angie Thomas
Of Mice and Men – novel by John Steinbeck
The Crucible – play by Arthur Miller
Viewpoint Writing
Much Ado About Nothing – comedy play by William Shakespeare
Love Poetry – a range of poems from across key time periods with thematic links to different types of love
Debate Mate – after school weekly, opportunity to take part in Debate Mate League against other schools competing for the Debate Mate Cup
Theatre trips to see a wide range of performances
KS3 Creative Writing
KS4 Book Club
Year 11 and Year 13 intervention sessions
If you are interested in language, literature or poetry then why not try one of our book recommendations all about English - simply select the 'English' Reading List image, and click on the book cover that you are interested in. Looking for more books based on this subject? Then check out our further book recommendations on Accessit here: English Reading List
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