English
What is
English
?
English is the exciting study of language and literature. As a school subject, it will allow you explore the unique power of the imagination and the importance of stories to our lives and history. It is the exploration of the world through what we can read and hear from others and, importantly, is a subject in which you will be encouraged to explore your own views and ideas and come to a conclusion about what you believe to be important and worthwhile. Through close reading of information on current affairs you will develop a knowledge of the world and cultural differences, becoming a more ethical and informed citizen. You will become more ambitious in your choice of texts and language as English encourages us to explore the power that particular language choices might have.
Why is
English
important?
As English is concerned with communication, whether through written or spoken form. It is a subject fundamental to personal intellectual growth and will enable you to make sense of the world around us. The ability to use spoken and written language allows us to participate effectively in society and in the work force. English is the major language of national and international communication and therefore we all need to develop the ability and confidence to speak and write competently.
Our vision
The Penyrheol English Department strives to encourage pupils to develop an appreciation for the unique power of language and cultural differences. We seek to inspire and challenge pupils to communicate confidently, fluently, creatively, passionately and analytically through written and spoken text, becoming ambitious, capable learners and inspirational global citizens.
We aim for our young pupils of English at Penyrheol to:
- develop the ability to think critically about a text using inference and deduction
- engage, discuss and write a variety of different types of text for several purposes: to inform, explain, argue, persuade and entertain
- develop empathy with characters and differing points of view
- learn within local, national and international contexts enabling them to understand the connection between the subject of English, Wales and the wider world
- communicate effectively: actively listening and engaging in discussion and presenting ideas with confidence
- enjoy reading for pleasure and enjoyment, as well as to remain informed about topics of importance to them as individuals, citizens and human beings
- become self-reliant, resilient and have a positive attitude towards reading and writing
- be reflective learners with skills which help them know which steps to take to improve performance
- embrace a positive attitude and enjoy a challenge.
Big questions in
English
How and why do we tell stories?
How has language changed over time and how is it still changing today?
How can I hear and express my opinion in a considerate and reflective way?
Why do we study literature?
What will your journey in
English
look like?
The journey that you take through our curriculum is planned very carefully so that you will make steady and consistent progress. The structure of the English curriculum encourages continuity of learning whilst consistently providing opportunities to consolidate and build on prior learning and skills. There will be opportunities for you to investigate, be creative, discuss and have fun learning about language, stories, and human interactions.
For example, we will start by recapping how to effectively write sentences so that you can then go on to write for a variety of purposes and audiences. We will also journey through from reading short extracts from children’s literature and will progress to more complex and demanding stories and poems. You will even get the chance to read and enjoy some of the classics, including Shakespeare’s plays. You will also gain an understanding of the links between the English and other subjects, as well as the wider world.
What will the study of
English
encourage you to think about / do?
The study of English should encourage you to consider how we interact as human beings and with the world around you. You will explore big ideas such as conflict, love, time, war and gender and consider a variety of viewpoints within these themes. This will equip you with the knowledge to become ethical and informed and will make you more considerate of different cultures and generations. Within English you will consider the impact you have on the world in terms of your words and actions and how literature has, throughout history, had an impact politically and socially. Maybe you, too, can impact the future of Wales and the wider world!
What opportunities for learning does the
English
curriculum provide?
The three big areas for study in year 7, 8 and 9 are:
- engaging with and telling stories,
- giving and supporting an opinion, and
- understanding where words come from and how language has developed over time.
You will be taught these key concepts through a variety of themes and concepts ranging from ‘Wales and the World’ (year 7), ‘Love and Loss’ (year 8) and ‘Injustice’ (year 9). Through the study of some of these big ideas, you will be taught in a way which encourages you to be curious about some of these big ideas and help you become ethical and informed citizens.
There will be many, many opportunities to be creative in your writing and to become healthy and confident individuals as you understand more about how literature and creativity can support mental health and confidence in communication. You will study texts which will stretch and challenge you and will be expected to engage in discussion and debate around a variety of issues – you are going to love it!
What skills will you learn in your study of
English
?
You will learn how to improve your knowledge of language construction throughout your time in Penyrheol. You will practice skills such as empathy, engaging with a variety of viewpoints on various subjects. You will become more informed about current affairs and ethical issues. You will learn skills that assist you with understanding complex texts (summarising, synthesising and analysing) so that you are able to arrive at your own conclusions about a topic, text or concept. You will also be learning grammar skills which will help you to write effectively and accurately in a variety of different contexts and for many different purposes. Furthermore, as part of your study in English you will learn skills to assist you in formal presentations; adapting register and selecting vocabulary for effect. We want to help you grow in confidence in all areas of English!
How can you deepen your knowledge and understanding of
English
?
- Read! Choose stories which interest and inspire you. Speak to your English teacher if you need some recommendations.
- Make use of our fantastic Library Resource Centre. We have books, magazine subscriptions and access to online articles and stories via the ICT suite.
- Join our extra-curricular activities. From Book Club, Mock Trial, New Views script writing, film and media club, there is sure to be something for everyone.
- Look at the information you are already surrounded by. Do your parents/grandparents/carers read the newspaper? Read it with them and ask what they have learned. What articles come up through your social media? Information is everywhere and, in English, you’re learning the tools to access it all!
- Look closely at the lyrics of the songs you sing. This is poetry which we see every day.
How does your study of
English
support your study in other subjects?
English touches on so many other subjects and skills you learn in an English classroom will be hugely beneficial across the school. You will learn how to communicate effectively through writing which will help in other subjects such as History and R.E and will practise reading skills which will be necessary in all future examinations. Critical thinking and research are also skills taught in English which are widely applicable to other subject areas. You will also be encouraged to communicate orally in English which will assist in Drama, Welsh Baccalaureate and MFL. As a study of language and literature, English is most intricately linked with subjects such as Welsh and Modern Foreign Languages. Across the teaching of these subjects, teachers will reference your learning in these other language areas, particularly in grammar and sentence structure as we seek to assist your knowledge of how to write effectively in a variety of contexts and languages. English lessons will be filled with texts about current and past events so many of the themes you explore in other subjects will come up here too.
How can
English
support you in the future?
English is known as a ‘core subject’ and many, many careers and universities will require you to have a qualification at GCSE level. As a result, you will study English and English Literature up to GCSE level and we encourage your continued study in this fantastic subject at A level and beyond; English offered at most prestigious universities either as a single honour or a joint honours subject studied alongside other disciplines. However, whether you have continued your study of English to A level or not, you will have accessed a variety of enriching texts and ideas and studying English will have taught you to think differently and deeply. That is not all! You will have been equipped with knowledge and practice to allow you to communicate effectively with those around you and to contribute positively to society. The very fact that you have been able to study creative thinking will help your future application be they for colleges, universities, apprenticeships, or employment.
Jobs directly related to a study of English Language and Literature are:
- Teaching
- Translator
- Editorial assistant
- Lexicographer
- Magazine or newspaper journalist
- Private tutor
- Publishing
- Web content manger
- Writer
- Librarian
- Copy writing
- Archivist
- Social media manager
- Researcher