English
Curriculum Intent & Rationale
Our vision in the English department is to give pupils a sensitive appreciation of the spoken and written word and equip them with the skills to articulate themselves confidently in a variety of situations, in all walks of life.
Our aim is to support all pupils to become fluent writers who can use language with flair; confident and articulate speakers who relish debate; and perceptive and enthusiastic readers of a wide range of texts.
Through a diverse range of texts, we want students to not only analyse and evaluate the writing of others at a technical linguistic level but also to develop a sensitive awareness of others' perspectives, experiences and voices.
Implementing Our Curriculum
Key Stage 3
Students get experience of prose, poetry and drama texts in all years. Challenge is introduced from the outset with support to enable students to feel confident and enthusiastic about such texts, for example with year 7 studying a Shakespeare comedy and year 8's work on 19th century prose. This ensures that students feel confident and have the right tools to address the demands of challenging pre-1900 texts at KS4. Students are encouraged to develop their own opinions and support them with evidence, whether in response to a text or in creating their own writing, with a particular emphasis on building this independence in year 9.
Throughout all years, we foster a culture of reading for pleasure to develop a lifelong habit which supports further learning, intellectual curiosity and wellbeing.
A few of the texts we study include:
- 'The Way Past Winter' (Kiran Millwood Hargrave)
- ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ (Shakespeare)
- ‘Our Day Out’ (Willy Russell)
- ‘Romeo and Juliet’ (Shakespeare)
- War poems by Wilfred Owen
- ‘Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry’ (Mildred D. Taylor)
10 Steps at KS3 Leaflet for Parents
Key Stage 4
In English Language, students build on the written and analytical skills developed at KS3, developing confidence in formulating their own arguments and being adept in using terminology to express them precisely. Texts used to develop these skills are drawn from a diverse range of writers including modern novelists such as Monica Ali and Andrea Levy in order to provide a greater breadth of styles, influences and perspectives. Opportunities to write for a range of purposes and audiences allow students to consciously adapt their style for effect, drawing on skills developed through the study of other writers.
In English Literature, the set texts provide students with an awareness of literary heritage (Shakespeare and pre-1900 literature) but also introduce new, exciting voices through the study of the 'Belonging' poetry anthology.
A few of the texts we study include:
- ‘Journey’s End’ (R C Sherriff)
- ‘Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’ (R L Stevenson)
- 'Belonging' (Poetry anthology)
- ‘Macbeth’ (or alternative Shakespeare)
Key Stage 5
The course begins with a grounding in analysing unseen prose and poetry to give students the foundations and confidence for the more independent and advanced analysis required at A Level. As well as studying literature of love through the ages, students consider literature depicting 'Modern Times' to allow debate and discussion around pertinent topics such as the female experience in society.
The non-examined assessment provides an opportunity for students to explore a theme and texts of their choice, and students are encouraged and supported to select challenging pre-1900 texts as well as more modern writers who reflect the diversity of engaging voices writing in the English language.
A few of the texts we study include:
Theme: Love Through The Ages
- ‘Othello’ (Shakespeare)
- ‘The Great Gatsby’ (F Scott Fitzgerald – for AS only)
- ‘Wuthering Heights’ (Emily Brontë)
- Post-1900 poetry anthology
Theme: Modern Times
- ‘Top Girls’ (Caryl Churchill)
- ‘Feminine Gospels’ (Carol Ann Duffy)
- ‘The Color Purple’ (Alice Walker)
Theme: Texts Across Time (Non-exam assessment)
- 'Dracula' (Bram Stoker)
- Student choice of comparative text (in the past, these have included texts by Shakespeare, Aphra Behn, Christopher Marlowe, Angela Carter and Mohsin Hamid amongst others)
The English Department is dynamic, hard working and passionate about instilling in all our students a love of literature, of writing, confidence in discussion and an enjoyment of theatre and the creative arts which will go with them throughout life.
Why Reading Matters
Reading for pleasure offers profound benefits that extend far beyond the English classroom. It enhances cognitive development, expands vocabulary, and fosters a deeper understanding of complex ideas and diverse perspectives. Research consistently shows that regular reading correlates strongly with higher academic achievement across subjects, including mathematics and science, and supports improved mental wellbeing, empathy, and creative thinking.
Here are some compelling insights:
• Just 6 extra minutes of reading a day can significantly improve reading performance.
• Regular readers often experience enhanced mental health, greater empathy, and richer imaginative lives.
• Through books, readers can explore new worlds, encounter compelling characters, and engage with ideas that broaden their horizons.
Whether your interests lie in fantasy, mystery, historical fiction, or graphic novels, reading builds intellectual confidence, analytical skills, and a lifelong love of learning. Selecting books that genuinely engage you is an excellent starting point.
Great Places to Read Online
• BBC Bitesize – Excellent interactive lessons, comprehension activities, and book discussions: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize
• Project Gutenberg – Thousands of free classic eBooks: https://www.gutenberg.org/
• Oxford Owl – Free eBooks for younger readers (great for KS3 too!): https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/
• Open Library – Millions of books to borrow online: https://openlibrary.org/
Reading Opportunities at Camp Hill Girls
Carnegie Book Awards
The Carnegie Medal is the UK’s oldest and most prestigious children’s book award. Every year, we follow the shortlist and get involved in shadowing the awards. It’s a fantastic way to discover brilliant new books, discuss them with friends, and develop critical thinking and analytical skills that help across all your subjects.
Book Buzz
Book Buzz is an exciting programme that introduces fresh, high-quality titles to students. It builds excitement around reading, helps you find your next favourite book, and encourages you to share recommendations with your friends and teachers. You get to choose a book from a set list to keep and read!
Visiting Authors
We love welcoming real authors into school!
In 2025, Catherine Johnson, author of Sawbones, visited to speak to Years 7 and 8. Sawbones is a gripping historical adventure following a young girl who becomes an apprentice to a surgeon in 18th-century London – full of danger, science, and courage. She shared inspiring insights about becoming a writer.
We were also thrilled to welcome Elle Machray, a former Camp Hill Girls pupil! Her books Remember, Remember and Havisham are powerful feminist re-tellings of historical stories. Elle gave a fantastic talk on feminist re-tellings, her love of writing, and creating historical fiction. She kindly signed copies of her books for students.
KS3 Book Club
Our KS3 Book Club meets once a week to chat about the latest books. It’s a relaxed, fun space where you can ask questions, rave about the best plot twists, debate characters, share theories, and recommend books to others.
Summer Reading Challenge
Every summer, we run a Reading Challenge where you earn prizes and rewards by completing fun activities linked to the books you read over the holidays. It keeps your reading muscles strong and makes the break even more enjoyable!
KS3/4 Book of the Month
Each month we recommend outstanding titles available in the school library. These picks spark discussions and help you explore different genres and authors.
As you can see, there is so much to enjoy and get involved in at Camp Hill Girls. Our dedicated English department are always encouraging students to read avidly We want you to become opinionated reviewers and analytical thinkers-as well as taking the time to indulge in the pleasures that reading can bring!