English
Subject Overview
The English Department is committed to inspiring a lifelong love of language and literature while ensuring all students develop the essential skills needed for academic success and future opportunities. English, as a core subject, underpins success across the curriculum, fostering skills vital for subjects like History and Drama, while complementing STEM by enhancing precision and clarity in communication.
Curriculum Intent
Our English curriculum aims to inspire a lifelong love for reading, writing and effective communication. Throughout our curriculum, students develop the knowledge and skills they need to become confident, articulate and informed participants ready to interpret and improve the world. During their time at Langdon Academy, students explore a range of texts from different time periods and cultures, enabling them to succeed academically and embrace language as a form of artistic expression. Our broad and balanced curriculum means that our students practice all skills and link their everyday learning to the wider world. From Year 7, our students are challenged with ambitious texts and are encouraged to think critically by practicing their debating skills. We believe that our passion for the subject encourages our pupils to pursue the study of English at A-level and beyond.
Curriculum Implementation
Our students tackle a huge range of literary texts in both Key Stages, including contemporary poetry on themes of global conflict and identity, non-fiction texts on current news stories, Shakespeare in every year, the Victorian Gothic, Chaucer and contemporary novels. From year 9, students are explicitly taught about literary theory, from feminist criticism to the writing of Aristotle. These lenses allow our students to read complex texts more critically. All units of work begin with lessons on historical context (for example, students learn about the Globe theatre and Shakespeare’s biography and corpus of writing before reading his plays). This allows students to make more sophisticated inferences because they can link texts more intuitively to their contexts.
Curriculum Impact
We regularly review the impact of our English curriculum by looking at students’ work, listening to their views, and checking their progress. This helps us make sure teaching is consistent, learning is on track, and that all students are supported to achieve their best. Our students learn to confidently articulate themselves and are equipped with the essential literacy skills needed to prosper and thrive beyond Langdon Academy.
Curriculum Map
Enrichment Opportunities
Students are encouraged to take part in a wide range of enrichment opportunities, including debate clubs, creative writing competitions, and theatre visits. They also have the chance to participate in the ‘Shakespeare Summer Festival’, engage in author workshops with the writers of the books they study, and develop oracy skills through inter-school debating events
Supporting Students
Differentiated resources and tailored support are in place for SEND and EAL students. Higher-attaining learners are challenged through exposure to enrichment texts, opportunities for deeper analytical thinking, and the inclusion of ‘Mastery Moments’ within lessons. At Key Stage 3, selected students also take part in the ‘Beyond Mastery’ programme, which enhances their skills through ambitious content and extended independent learning.
How Parents/Carers Can Support Their Child
Parents can support their child by encouraging regular reading at home and discussing texts or current events together. Watching theatre performances (live or online) can enhance understanding of literature.
Useful websites may include:
Assessment and Feedback
Student progress in English is reviewed regularly throughout the year, using a range of assessment methods. Feedback is tailored to individual needs and may include verbal guidance, live marking, and written comments to support each learner effectively. In addition to ongoing formative checks, students sit two formal summative assessments annually. For GCSE, students complete two final written exams, with the Spoken Language component assessed separately as an endorsement.
KS3: Students complete a range of formative assessments, including analytical essays and creative writing. They are given detailed written feedback at least once every half term, allowing them to review progress within the topics studied and improve.
GCSE: Students sit four exams (two for Language and two for Literature). Assessment includes timed practice, essay planning, and targeted feedback for improvement. The Spoken Language component is teacher-assessed and endorsed separately.
Future Pathways
The opportunities that GCSEs in English Language and Literature can lead to careers in law, teaching, journalism, publishing, public service, content creation and many more.