In English, we aim to provide all our students with a diverse and intellectually challenging curriculum that reflects upon both local and global communities. We encourage our students to be pro-active learners, nurturing their confidence so that they are willing to challenge themselves, working both independently and collaboratively, to realise their potential. 

In engaging our students with experiences beyond their own, as well as experiences that may resonate with them, we aim to develop their skills as effective communicators, critical readers, analytical thinkers and original, creative writers. It is a curriculum with strong cross-curricular and extra-curricular links which equips them well for their next steps, either in higher education or future employment. 

At Key Stage 3, our students follow the National Curriculum. We aim to instil a love of reading through developing vocabularies and skills through explicit teaching. We encourage our students to find their own voice in writing while enjoying literature from our literary heritage as well as from other cultures and traditions. They have the opportunity to participate in a diverse range of activities. Our students learn to talk, to read and write as experts, to develop informed opinions, reasonable arguments and critical interpretations as well as writing imaginatively, and remembering the emphasis we can create through the em dash – or “a rat” lurking in separate! 

At West Craven, reading for pleasure is at the heart of all that we do and in recognition of that, starting from July 2026, your child will have been given a book during their transition day; this year it was the wonderful ‘Secrets of the Snakestone’ by Piu Dasgupta. If your child was unable to attend their transition day, we still have books for them! Just drop us an email and we will arrange for them to receive it before the summer. This book will be used in English lessons and tutor times at the start of September and there is an optional summer reading challenge attached to it. Copies of this can be found here: Activity-Pack-2026.pdf

In addition to that, all our students in Yr7 and Yr8 are given a free book through the Book Trust Bookbuzz scheme. In the first half term, they will select their book which can be used for both, the KS3 DEAR reciprocal reading starters in class and in their own home reading. If you’d like to see this year’s selection of books – take a look here: The 2026 Bookbuzz Secondary books | BookTrust.  

We have a well-stocked library that students can access and our Librarian, Mrs Macdonald, is always on hand to recommend new titles – look out for her weekly suggestions in the weekly newsletter! 

On top of that, we are very proud to provide all students with individual access to digital theatre plus – an online library of revision materials and high-quality drama productions from all around the world! Your student will have received a personalised login linked to their school email address and we encourage all students to make the most of this wonderful resource as a way of enriching their cultural capital and expanding their knowledge of the world around them. 

We expect the very best from all our students, building on the skills taught from Key Stage 3 through to GCSE. Their learning is underpinned by reading between the lines and interpreting texts, writing with increasing clarity, coherence and cohesion, and speaking with increasing fluency and flair.  

Our team of English specialists are committed to providing the best quality teaching and learning for our students. We work collaboratively, drawing on a range of expertise, skills and knowledge to develop excellent resources to engage and enthuse our students.  

So, what does studying English at West Craven High School look like? 

Year 7 

Students begin Key Stage 3 by strengthening their reading, writing and communication skills. They explore myths and legends from around the world, discovering heroes, monsters and epic quests, before stepping into the magical world of "The Girl of Ink and Stars". In the spring, students investigate the power of persuasion through speeches, articles and advertising, culminating in their own Dragon’s Den-style pitch. They then explore modern performance poetry, developing analytical, creative and speaking skills through reading, writing and performance. The year concludes with our Summer of Shakespeare, where students bring "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" to life through creative projects inspired by the play. 

Year 8 

Building on Year 7, students study a rich range of fiction, poetry, non-fiction and drama. They begin with the dystopian novel "Where the River Runs Gold", exploring themes of freedom, family and survival. Students then delve into the poetry of John Agard, examining identity, culture and society before venturing into the dark world of Gothic literature. In the summer, students develop their skills in rhetoric and public speaking before studying Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy "Romeo and Juliet", exploring themes of love, fate and conflict. 

Year 9 

As students prepare for GCSE study, they deepen their analytical and evaluative skills through a challenging and engaging curriculum. They explore Gothic fiction through Edgar Allan Poe's "Tell-Tale Heart" and Malorie Blackman's "Jon for Short", before studying the power of speeches and protest. In the spring, students tackle George Orwell’s "Animal Farm", examining power, corruption and revolution, alongside a diverse range of conflict poetry. The year ends with our Summer of Shakespeare, introducing GCSE study through "Macbeth" and its themes of ambition, power and the supernatural. 

Year 10 

Students begin their GCSE courses in Edexcel English Language 2.0 and English Literature. They study "An Inspector Calls", exploring responsibility, social class and inequality, alongside developing key language skills through non-fiction reading and transactional writing. In the spring, students study the Edexcel Conflict Anthology and develop their understanding of contemporary fiction and creative writing. During the Summer of Shakespeare, students revisit "Macbeth" in greater depth, refining their analytical and exam skills, before completing their GCSE Spoken Language Endorsement. 

Year 11 

Year 11 is focused on refining knowledge, securing exam skills and preparing for success. Students study "The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde", exploring Victorian ideas about science, morality and identity, before revisiting the Power and Conflict Anthology, "Macbeth" and "An Inspector Calls" through focused exam preparation. Alongside this, students continue to develop the reading and writing skills required for Edexcel GCSE English Language 2.0, ensuring they enter their exams with confidence and expertise. 

Learning Journeys

Year 7 English Learning Journey

Year 8 English Learning Journey

Year 9 English Learning Journey

Year 10 English Learning Journey

Year 11 English Learning Journey

To find out more about our English curriculum, please contact Mrs A Zalaki, Associate Assistant Principal for English and Literacy by emailing azalaki@westcraven.co.uk or phoning the main office to arrange a call back.