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, Teacher of English
Mrs H McEvoy, Teacher of English
Miss A Sharratt, Teacher of English
Miss L Sinfield, Teacher of English

Linked Governor Mrs Vicky Jackson

Key Stage 3
Students study a wide range of fiction and non-fiction texts from around the world and from different periods of history. The curriculum allows students to develop their analytical skills and become confident writers, so that they are prepared for the demands of the new GCSE curriculum.
Year 7 Content
All students in KS3 have an accelerated reading lesson for one hour per week
Monsters, Ghouls and Ghosts
Shakespeare – Midsummer Night’s Dream or The Tempest
Modern Novel
Writing Skills
Poetry Across the Ages
Examination Skills

Year 8 Content
Modern Novel
Macbeth
Poetry from Other Cultures
Short Stories – Then and Now
Playscript
Examination skills

Year 9 Content
A Christmas Carol
Romeo & Juliet
A range of poetry from the AQA anthology
Preparation for GCSE languages, papers 1 and 2

Key Stage 4
All students will sit 4 examinations at the end of Year 11. 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