English & Media

Department profile

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To equip all of our students, regardless of ability and background, with the skills and attributes to communicate powerfully, think critically, and flourish in a changing, growing world. We want to foster and nourish the love of the transformative power of literature.

KS3 Curriculum

Year 7 is an important transition year, in which we develop learners’ existing skills and begin to introduce new concepts and proficiencies. We study a range of engaging and thought-provoking texts, which allow us contextualise the literature they will be exposed to in their English career through KS3, KS4 and beyond. Thus, we study a range of drama, poetry, Shakespeare, prose and non-fiction. Our literature and language-based curriculum includes close reading and analysis of myth and legend, contemporary fiction, poetry and Shakespeare. In addition, we introduce language analysis and writing skills in fiction and non-fiction.

More information can be found below:

Year 7 Knowledge Map, Year 7 Reading curriculum statement, Year 7 Writing statement and Year 7 Knowledge organiser.

Year 8 is a vital year, in which we support learners to develop existing skills and build on new concepts and proficiencies introduced in Year 7. Through wide-ranging, engaging and thought-provoking texts, we ensure that students are supported to engage with more challenging content and ideas. We study a range of poetry, Shakespeare, prose and non-fiction with a keen eye on the requirement for GCSEs. This includes: close reading and analysis of writers’ methods; understanding of structure, language and form; comparison, summary and inference; technical accuracy; speaking and listening skills.

Year 8 Knowledge Map, Year 8 Reading curriculum statement, Year 8 Writing statement and Year 8 Knowledge organiser.

In English, Year 9 is regarded as a pivotal year and students are exposed to a variety of skills within the curriculum in order to prepare them for the demands of the two GCSE components, Language and Literature, that they will be exposed to at Key Stage 4. Studying a diverse range of topics in English, such as fiction and non-fiction, Shakespeare and poetry, will enable our students to become imaginative and creative thinkers, analytical, and both reflective and evaluative learners during Key Stage 3 and beyond. This in turn will allow our students to become confident learners who engage, challenge and understand the world around them.

Year 9 Knowledge Map, Year 9 Reading curriculum statement, Year 9 Writing statement and Year 9 Knowledge organiser.

KS4 Curriculum

Curriculum: English Language and English Literature GCSEs

At Key Stage 4, students continue to build upon their English Language and Literature skills developed during Key Stage 3. All students study the AQA 9-1 syllabus and are examined in both English Language and English Literature at the end of Year 11. In Year 10, students will study a 19th century novel, 20th century drama, Poetry Anthology, Unseen Poetry, and the English Language course which comprises of two units (‘Exploration in Creative Reading and Writing’ and ‘Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives’) and covers a range of forms to build upon and enhance pupils’ linguistic and analytical skills. At the end of Year 10, pupils will also be given the opportunity to demonstrate their speaking and listening skills by delivering their presentation for the non-examination Assessment.

KS5 Curriculum

Objectives of course:

English Literature allows learners to undertake independent and sustained studies to deepen their appreciation and understanding of literature, including its changing traditions.

Exam board: OCR

Course content:

Students study a minimum of eight texts, including at least two examples of each of the genres of prose, poetry and drama, to develop their ability to analyse and evaluate literary texts across a variety of genres and periods.

Assessment scheme and structure:

20% coursework, 80% final exam. Scheduled mock exams throughout the two-year course.

Future Pathways

Education, the arts, media and film careers, law, journalism, administration.

English Literature

Overview

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The new specification for A Level Literature is designed to allow candidates to develop an insightful and critical awareness of individual works of literature and their context. You will study a diverse range of texts, from Shakespeare to Modern works of your choosing. Our current AS cohort have been studying a range of poetry, prose and plays, specifically Christina Rossetti, George Orwellï¿½s 1984, and Alan Bennettï¿½s The History Boys.

This departure from GCSE study requires students to have a personal engagement with texts and relies on an insightful and individual response to literature. Candidates will also learn many valuable analytical skills and the art of crafting a coherent and cohesive argument to prepare them for their final exams and beyond. The overall aim of our course is to bridge the gap between secondary education and university, and equip students with the cultural and critical awareness to succeed in life beyond the school gates.

Qualification and Assessment

On the successful completion, students will receive a GCSE Advanced Level in English Literature.

80% Exam

20% Coursework

Extra-Curricular activities and Trips

Taster Days with Goldsmiths and Greenwich University.
Theatre Visits, including trips to The Globe.
Trips to Greenwich Picture House to watch recordings of the plays studied.
Mentoring opportunities and peer assisted learning for lower school.

ï¿½Opportunities available post-college

University pathways to study Literature, Theatre Studies and Education at Russell Group Universities.
Job opportunities in journalism, publishing, teaching and new media.

Media Studies

Overview

The study of media integrates theoretical and practical approaches by requiring candidates to write about their coursework experiences in the synoptic examinations. It also insists upon the importance of a full understanding of the new media which dominate the contemporary landscape, ensuring candidates reflect on this in their examinations. Our students are asked to question their own consumption of media products and will study relevant theory to further their understanding of how various media forms affect us all. Students will also learn about the mechanics of media production, spanning from the initial conception to the final distribution.

Students will also benefit from a wide range of high-tech equipment and become skilled in industry standard software, such as Adobe Photoshop and Final Cut. We encourage students to become active media produces and offer opportunities to utilise their schools both inside and outside of the classroom.

Qualification and Assessment

On the successful completion, students will receive a GCSE Advanced Level in Media Studies.

50% Coursework

50% Exam

Extra-Curricular activities and Trips

Taster Days with Ravensbourne College
BFI Masterclasses
Warner Brothers Studio Tour and The Making of Harry Potter
Working with lower school by working on a media product devised by KS3 students
Filming school events, such as Outburst and the Winter Concert.

Opportunities available post-college

University courses include Film Studies, Film Production, Multimedia Journalism and Visual Communication.

Last year we also had students who went straight to work at Pinewood Studios and ITV. We are also developing a good relationship with various film and television companies and our current students are gaining valuable work experience in the industry.