English

The English Language and Literature curriculum shapes students’ understanding of their individuality and the wider world through the study of diverse, enriching texts across time and cultures from the canonical to the more modern and experimental.

We design our lessons so they support students’ creativity of thinking and expression. Students will engage with many genres and modes reflecting a changing digital world. We develop confidence and determination so students can independently extract, synthesise and analyse information leading to the perceptive evaluation of a writer’s craft and its impact in a range of contexts. We encourage aspiration through challenging text choices for all students.

Our focus on developing respectful cohesive argument is underpinned by the exploration of meaning and representation through relevant historical, social and critical contexts to secure an understanding of the power of language and its influence to narrate, argue and manipulate. We promote and offer many opportunities to develop success through fluidity and precision in both fiction and non-fiction writing and the spoken word, equipping our students for skills required in later life.

Year 9

Here at Cedars we run a number of extra-curricular activities for students including writing competitions, debating, World Book day activities and celebrations related to National Poetry Day. We also run trips throughout the year to the theatre and universities to enrich pupils’ understanding and enjoyment of literature. We cover a range of genres in preparation for GCSE Literature which includes classic literature, poetry, modern drama and analytical writing skills when responding to these text types. Texts we are currently studying are My Name is Leon, Hound of the Baskervilles and a collection of poetry from a wide range of cultures. In preparation for GCSE Language we ensure a diverse coverage of fiction and non-fiction text types for analysis and comparison, as well as a stimulus for students’ own creative writing. Students will also practise and consolidate a range of skills required for accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar to develop the technical accuracy of their own writing.

Year 10-11

All of our students study both GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature. They follow the AQA exam specification. Texts currently studied and explored are: Macbeth, A Christmas Carol, An Inspector Calls and the power and conflict cluster of poems from the AQA poetry anthology.

Sixth Form

The department offers A-Levels in AQA English Language, AQA English Literature and WJEC Film Studies.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Here at Cedars we run a number of extra-curricular activities for students including writing competitions, debating, World Book day activities and celebrations related to National Poetry Day. We also run trips throughout the year to the theatre and universities to enrich pupils’ understanding and enjoyment of literature.

Head of Department Name and Contact Details

Mr C Thomas

cthomas@cedarsupper.co.uk