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English

“Books are a uniquely portable magic”
Stephen King

“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.”
Margaret Fuller

The Bedford High School English department is committed to providing all students with the opportunities to study a creative and innovative curriculum. We are dedicated to raising the profile of reading and fostering a passion for literature. English skills – reading, writing, speaking and listening – are crucial in enabling students to succeed across the curriculum and, indeed, in life.

Department Staff and Responsibilities

Mrs M Swaine, Teaching and Learning Leader
Miss V Shakespeare, Teacher of English
Mrs K Eaton, Teacher of English, Learning Manager
Miss R Sargent, Teacher and Learning Manager
Miss E Lamey, Teacher of English, Lead Practitioner
Mrs C Parry, Teacher of English
Miss K Canning, Deputy SENDCO
Mrs H McEvoy, Teacher of English
Miss A Sharratt, Teacher of English
Miss L Sinfield, Teacher of English
Miss E Curless ,  Teacher of English
Miss A Monks,   Teacher of English
Mrs C Robinson,   Teacher of English
Linked Governor Mrs Vicky Jackson

Key Stage 3
The English curriculum is broad, balanced, challenging and ambitious, and is designed to provide all learners with the knowledge, analytical skills and cultural capital they need for academic excellence throughout KS3, KS4 and beyond.

Students will:

•Read widely and for pleasure

• Be introduced to the literary canon, enabling students to access rich and engaging poetry, prose and drama from a range of literary periods

•Articulate thoughts and opinions from reading a rich array of literature

•Develop their ability to analyse texts, using a wide range of non-fiction from  different periods of time

•Become confident , skilful and accurate writers, developing knowledge of writing of different forms and for a range of audiences  and purposes

•Become proficient and confident speakers, listening sensitively  and responding perceptively to others

  • Use sophisticated vocabulary in speech and writing

Year 7 Content

All students in KS3 have an accelerated reading lesson for one hour per week
Monsters, Ghouls and Ghosts / Gothic Reading and Writing
Shakespeare – Midsummer Night’s Dream
Modern Novel – Once
Short Stories
Poems of Protest
Non-Fiction – Events That Changed The World

Year 8 Content

Theme: Divided Societies
Our Day Out

Non-Fiction – Divided Societies

War Poetry

Noughts and Crosses
Year 9 Content

Theme: Relationships, Betrayal and Morality

Of Mice and Men

Poetry of Duffy, Armitage and Various

Descriptive and Narrative Writing

Macbeth

Have Your Say

Key Stage 4
All students will sit 4 examinations. Examinations are no longer tiered.
Language
• Explorations in creative reading and writing
• Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives
Literature
• Shakespeare and the 19th century novel
• Modern texts and poetry
Also, there will be a non-examination assessment for spoken language.

Click here to download our Key Stage 4 Curriculum information