The English Curriculum at Westfield Academy 

At Westfield Academy, we believe that English offers more than a means of communication. At times, it affords students the opportunity to journey to the past, whilst other times we look ahead to the future and consider what life and society might be like. English is a tool with which we learn to:

• shape and share our ideas and voices;
• challenge and refine our own opinions and those of others;
• foster empathy and cultural sensitivity;
• understand the world around us; and
• educate and empower ourselves.

English is compulsory at Key Stage 3 and 4 at Westfield, with the option to complete an English Literature A-Level at Key Stage 5. 

What do students learn in English?

In KS3 students are taught to develop a range of skills across the curriculum, including reading comprehension skills, writing skills and spoken language skills. Students study novels, short stories, plays (including Shakespeare), extracts from contemporary and seminal texts and poetry. Some texts are canon, others are contemporary, but all choices have been found to be stimulating and intellectually demanding. There are opportunities to explore a range of fiction and non-fiction texts across a wide array of genres and epochs.

What skills do students acquire?

There are a range of skills we aim for students to develop through the curriculum. In terms of reading comprehension, these skills include the ability to respond to texts, to think critically and produce writing in the appropriate style of a critique. Students are expected to engage with elements of the writer’s craft and process at both a micro and macro level. When it comes to writing, students are encouraged to bring their imagination to bear in creative short stories, sometimes even in poetry writing, and to write persuasively for various non-fiction audiences. Students further their vocabulary and their knowledge of punctuation and grammar. For spoken language, students learn to build their confidence, communicate views and to generate thought for their listener, to understand the importance of listening attentively and responding with sensitivity, as well as to understand the foundations of an effective presentation. Alongside this, we hope to draw out in our students a passion for the written word.

In KS4, students study GCSE English Language and Literature through Pearson Edexcel. The curriculum focusses on enhancing students’ abilities in various domains. The English Language component is designed to develop proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. In contrast, English Literature concentrates on building a deeper understanding of prose, poetry, and drama.

English Literature in the Sixth Form

Our curriculum intent is to have an ambitious and inclusive curriculum that empowers our students to become life-long learners and successful global citizens.

In AQA English Literature A Level, students study 'Love Through the Ages' and 'World War One and its Aftermath' with a distinct focus on different ways of reading and establishing the connections between texts. This enables our students to form a solid understanding of the literary canon and the ability to form an argument about many different texts, seen and unseen, making them skilled interpreters and autonomous readers. Through a well-sequenced curriculum, we intend to embed knowledge and skills that challenge all learners. 

An A Level in English Literature can lead to some interesting and rewarding careers:

• Digital copywriter
• Editorial assistant
• Lexicographer
• Journalist
• Publishing copy-editor
• Teacher
• Web content manager
• Writer
• Academic librarian