English

Welcome!

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr Seuss

Welcome to the English Department at the Ripley Academy! We are a dedicated and motivated team who bring a wide range of skills and interests to the department and to the students. English is a vitally important subject as it aids students in their study of other subjects by developing their key skills in reading, writing and verbal communication. Ensuring that students are supported and challenged is of paramount importance to us, and we aim to provide a positive learning experience for all within our lessons.

If you would like to get in touch with the Head of Department for English, please contact skent@ripleyacademy.org

Key Stage 3 Overview

  • Short Stories
  • Oliver Twist
  • Creative Writing – Plague of Eyam
  • Modern Novel
  • Romeo and Juliet
  • Space Adventure
  • War Poetry
  • Of Mice and Men
  • 19th Century Literature
  • Jekyll and Hyde
  • Modern Novel
  • Much Ado About Nothing

Year 9 introduces students to GCSE level texts and encourages them to develop the more high-level academic skills they will require in Year 10. They will learn how to develop reading and writing skills, particularly extended writing and writing in timed conditions. Over the year students will study:

  • Animal Farm
  • Dorian Gray
  • An Inspector Calls
  • Language Papers 1 and 2
  • Love and Relationships Poetry
  • Richard III
  • Unseen Poetry

Key stage 4 overview:

All KS4 students follow the AQA English Language and English Literature specifications over 8 lessons a fortnight. More information on this can be found on https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/gcse

  • Shakespeare – Macbeth
  • Power and Conflict Poetry
  • Language Paper 1 and Paper 2
  • Unseen Poetry
  • Speaking and Listening
  • 19th Century text – A Christmas Carol
  • Power and Conflict Poetry
  • Language Paper 1 and Paper 2
  • An Inspector Calls
  • Revision of Macbeth

Key Stage 5 Overview

At sixth form, we offer English Literature (AQA specification A) which includes the study of ‘Love through the Ages’ and modern texts, such as The Great Gatsby. More information can be found on https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/as-and-a-level/english-literature-a-7711-7712

We also offer Media Studies (AQA) which includes the study of fifteen ‘close study products’ and a practical coursework element, which provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their creative skills. More information on this course can be found on https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/media-studies/as-and-a-level

English Information

All English assessments are linked to the GCSE examinations, from year 7 to 11. Students at KS3 complete both a reading and writing assessment per half term in line with each scheme of work, whilst assessment at KS4 is split between the language and literature examinations.

Clubs run throughout the year, but vary across the academic terms. The English Department are currently running KS4 intervention on a Tuesday lunch time and Wednesday after school for 30 minutes; all students are welcome to attend after-school sessions.

Other clubs, such as ‘Classical Book Club’ run regularly and students can get further information from their English teacher or from Mrs Robinson-Kent.