English

Knowledge & Skills

Students develop key knowledge and skills in reading comprehension, literary analysis, creative and transactional writing, and speaking and listening. These skills are essential not only for success in English assessments but also for lifelong learning and meaningful participation in society. 

Our curriculum embraces inclusivity and accessibility by catering to diverse learning needs through differentiated instruction, targeted support, and enrichment opportunities. This ensures all students, regardless of background or ability, are able to access, enjoy, and excel in English. 

Real-World Application

English supports students’ future education and careers by fostering strong literacy skills, cultural awareness, and critical thinking. The curriculum builds a solid foundation for GCSE (AQA exam board) success and progresses to specialist A-Level courses, including English Literature (AQA), English Language & Linguistics (AQA), and Media Studies (WJEC). Through engagement with the library, reading groups, theatre trips, and mentorship programmes such as subject ambassadors and 6th form reading buddies, students develop a rich reading culture that enhances their personal and academic growth. 

Our enquiry-based approach

We are a multicultural school, and we have been welcoming many EAL students into our community over the past few years. We take each student's specific needs into consideration, so that they are supported with their English learning journey. Our department carries out an initial assessment and records the data on the Assessment Tracker (Primary or Secondary) from the Bell Foundation. The assessment comprises of a comprehensive screening, which includes: 

• Phonological awareness of the alphabet, Phase 2, 3, 4 and 5 phonics. 

• First 200 High Frequency Words 

• Days, dates, months, seasons and time. 

• Numbers 1-100 and mathematical language. 

• Colours, greetings and emotions. 

• Survival vocabulary, food and drink. 

• School objects and rooms. 

• Family, pets and hobbies. 

• Prepositions. 

• Year 3-4 Curriculum Spelling list. 

• Year 5-6 Curriculum Spelling List. 

• Age-appropriate comprehensions. 

If a student is a 'beginner' in English, we will also liaise with all the departments to make a dual language glossary of subject specific words for every Subject Knowledge Organiser. This dual language glossary aids their English progress and integration into their class. In addition, we meet with the students regularly and update their English progress on the EAL tracker. 

Reading Interventions

At Neston High School, we carry out a paper-based reading assessment twice a year. The results of this assessment are an indication of the students who would benefit from additional literacy support. We use a range of online platforms to develop literacy proficiency, including: ‘Spellzone’, ‘First News Engage’ and 'Literacy Gold' - this innovative program summaries phonological awareness, ranging from High Frequency Words and phonetic phases to year six spelling patterns. The students are also tested in auditory discrimination and visual perception, whilst playing games and wearing 3D glasses. These twenty-minute sessions are very popular with the students involved. We also have a well-established reading buddy system with our 6th formers and year 7 students who require additional support with reading.  

Introduction

English is a core subject that underpins academic achievement and personal development. It equips students with essential communication and analytical skills while fostering a love of reading and cultural appreciation. 

Key Learning Stages: 

• Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9): Introduction to foundational language skills, exploration of varied literary genres, and development of analytical writing and oral communication. 

• Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11): Preparation for GCSE English Language and Literature (AQA), focusing on in-depth text study, exam techniques, and extended writing skills. 

• Key Stage 5 (Years 12–13): Advanced study in English Literature, English Language & Linguistics, and Media Studies, encouraging independent research, critical analysis, and academic writing to prepare for higher education. 

Progression Pathways: 
The curriculum is carefully sequenced to build knowledge and skills year-on-year, ensuring smooth progression from foundational skills at KS3 to mastery at GCSE and advanced specialist study at A-Level. 

• Introduction to Shakespeare 

• Creative and Viewpoint Writing  

• Fiction and Non-Fiction Reading  

• Powerful Voices  

• The Gothic 

• English through time 

Our Key Stage 3 English curriculum is ambitious, knowledge-rich and coherently planned and sequenced so that pupils build secure, cumulative knowledge and skills from Year 7 to Year 9. It is a spiral curriculum, meaning key reading, writing and oracy skills are explicitly taught, then revisited and strengthened across different units and year groups (for example: inference, analytical paragraphing, writer’s methods, and crafting purposeful writing for audience and purpose). Through a broad and balanced study of literature, poetry, non-fiction and drama, students develop disciplinary literacy, cultural capital and the confidence to read critically, write accurately and speak persuasively. Each unit builds on prior learning and deliberately returns to core vocabulary and concepts such as genre, structure, tone, perspective and context, so pupils know more and remember more over time.

In Year 7, pupils begin with Literature Through Time, reading myths, legends and classic tales to explore how stories and language evolve. They move on to poetry inspired by exotic destinations and the wider world, developing interpretation, analysis of language and structure, and spoken responses. Pupils then study non-fiction to strengthen summarising, comparing viewpoints and understanding purpose, audience and bias. A dystopian genre study extends pupils’ ability to infer and analyse, and the year culminates in an introduction to Shakespeare through The Tempest.

In Year 8, pupils deepen empathy and analysis through The Bone Sparrow, exploring character, narrative perspective and contemporary issues. Poetry – Powerful Emotions develops students’ ability to compare poetic voices and effects, while Powerful Voices in History builds rhetorical awareness through speeches and influential writing, showing how language can shape opinion and drive reform. A Gothic genre study strengthens understanding of atmosphere and tension, before pupils study A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

In Year 9, pupils secure KS3 mastery through challenging texts and sophisticated non-fiction. Lord of the Flies develops analysis of symbolism and theme alongside vivid, purposeful writing. Poetry – Breaking Conventions introduces modern and experimental forms, and Art of Rhetoric (Voices in the Media) teaches students to evaluate arguments and identify techniques such as ethos, pathos and logos. The year ends with Different Forms – Blood Brothers and Romeo and Juliet, exploring tragedy, dramatic structure and how playwrights shape audience response.

• Shakespearean plays and modern drama 

• 19th-century novel study 

• Poetry analysis (19th and 20th century) 

• Non-fiction and transactional writing 

• Speaking and listening endorsements 

At Neston High, our KS4 English curriculum is designed to foster an enjoyment and appreciation of reading, writing and communication through a broad and enriching programme of study. Students engage with a diverse range of text types, genres, and topics that not only stimulate imagination, but also consolidate the skills and knowledge required for the academic challenge of GCSEs. 

Our curriculum is carefully sequenced, building on prior knowledge and skills from KS3 with an aim to equip our learners for further destinations including KS5, college and the workplace. Key skills, forms and genres are revisited and developed over time, allowing students to build on prior knowledge and deepen their understanding as they progress from KS3 to KS4. The study of each text is anchored by central themes and skills that link units of study, encouraging students to make connections between texts, ideas, and contexts. This thematic approach helps to create coherence and promotes engagement across the key stage. 

The KS4 curriculum is an ambitious curriculum balancing acquisition and retrieval, assessment, and evaluation. The curriculum promotes life skills and appreciation of wider concepts like equality, diversity and the human condition through the study of literature. 

Alongside the literary content, we place a strong emphasis on the development of core grammatical knowledge. Grammar is taught in a spiral format, with key areas—such as sentence types—revisited regularly. Students are then given opportunities to demonstrate these skills through extended writing tasks that are embedded within each unit. 

Creative writing is a central part of our English Language curriculum. We encourage students to explore a wide range of forms and voices, and to take creative risks in their writing. Whether crafting a piece of narrative fiction, a persuasive speech, or a personal reflection, students are supported to write with purpose, audience, and format in mind. 

The relationship between vocabulary and reading, along with the fascinating realms of etymology and morphology are explored throughout the study of English Literature. The ‘core 10’ are taught at the start of each unit and students are introduced to tier three vocabulary that is contextualised within the Literature studied. Across the key stage, the curriculum has been developed to ensure each student is proficient in using sophisticated vocabulary in oracy and written tasks and to develop reading fluency and comprehension across the curriculum.  

In addition, we recognise that spoken language is a vital component of English and of life beyond the classroom. Oracy is embedded throughout our curriculum: each unit contains structured opportunities for students to develop both exploratory and presentational talk. From group discussion to formal debate, students are taught to adapt their spoken language for different contexts, building confidence and fluency as they progress culminating in the spoken language presentation NEA.  

Ultimately, our KS4 curriculum is about more than preparing students for their GCSEs—it’s about developing thoughtful, articulate, and inquisitive learners. Through a rich and inclusive programme, we aim to equip all students at Neston High with the skills and confidence they need to succeed both academically and personally.

Download key stage 4 programme

Key Stage 5 (A-Level): 

• English Literature (AQA): Drama, poetry, prose, critical theory 

• English Language & Linguistics (AQA): Language variation, child language acquisition, language change 

• Media Studies (WJEC): Media texts, audiences, industries, and representation 

Englishdepartment-beyondtheclassroomatKS5.pdf
 

Key Stage 3: 

• Half termly assessments are completed to asses reading, writing and/or oracy skills. 

• Reading assessments are formatted to build up the skills, ending in an extended response.  

• Writing assessments are drawn from a variety of text types. 

• Speaking assessments are both individual and group presentations. 

GCSE: 

• Written examinations (100%) covering reading and writing skills across fiction, non-fiction, and poetry 

• Spoken language endorsement. 

A-Level: 

• Combination of written exams and coursework depending on the specific course. 

• Analytical essays, research projects, and practical media coursework for Media Studies. 

Our teaching philosophy emphasises inquiry-based learning, collaborative discussions, and practical application of skills. We encourage students to engage critically and creatively with texts through varied teaching strategies including group work, independent research, and multimedia resources. 

Recommended texts span classical and contemporary works, supplemented by digital resources and the school library. Extracurricular activities such as theatre trips, reading groups, and involvement in the school’s subject ambassador programme and 6th form reading buddies scheme enrich the curriculum and foster a vibrant reading culture supported by Mrs C. Roberts, our Librarian. 

Careers and Further Education Pathways

Studying English opens doors to numerous university courses and careers, including law, journalism, education, publishing, marketing, public relations, and creative industries. The department provides guidance on university applications and apprenticeships, linking classroom learning to real-world opportunities. Every English teacher proudly displays their own career pathway on their classroom door to encourage and promote conversations with students about their future.  

Subject Lead Contact

For enquiries about the English curriculum or Literacy support, please do not hesitate to contact: 

• Head of English: Mr S. Smith smiths@nestonhigh.com  

• Deputy Head of English: Mr S. Tynan tynans@nestonhigh.com  

• Key Stage 4 Coordinator: Mrs K. Ferguson fergusonk@nestonhigh.com  

• Librarian: Mrs C. Roberts robertscl@nestonhigh.com  

• Literacy Teaching Assistant: Mrs S. Amato amatos@nestonhigh.com  

Additional support is available from your child’s English teacher and on our school website.  

Library: Library - Neston High School 

Study Skills & Wider Reading: Study Skills - Neston High School 

Follow our Instagram pages to keep up to date with the work we do: 

Library: @nestonhighlibrary 

English Department: @english_and_media_nhs