English
|
Head of English Key Stage 4 Co-ordinator |
Miss C Wicks |
|---|---|
|
2nd in Department Key Stage 3 Co-ordinator |
Miss K White |
| Key Stage 5 Co-ordinator | Mrs Y Sewell |
|
English Lead for Literacy SEND Co-ordinator |
Mrs J Jackman |
| English Teachers | Miss S Hill, Mrs S Whyte-McLean, Mr A Lewis, Mr R McCarthy, Miss M Foskett, Miss D Styles |
| Curriculum Support | Mrs D Webb |
| Librarian | Mrs L Quilter |
Welcome to the English Department at Chelmer Valley High School
At Chelmer Valley, the English Department is a vibrant, creative, and forward-thinking team, passionate about empowering students to become confident, articulate communicators in an ever-evolving world.
Led by a dedicated group of specialists, we are committed to nurturing a love of language and literature while equipping students with the critical skills they need to navigate and shape the 21st-century landscape of communication. Whether it’s through novels, news articles, poetry, or persuasive writing, we help students explore the power of words in all their forms - spoken and written, traditional and digital.
From analysing Shakespeare to crafting compelling arguments, decoding media messages to writing with flair, our curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence. We believe that every student has a voice worth hearing - and we’re here to help them find it.
Key Stage Three
Key Stage 3 English
Our KS3 English curriculum is designed to challenge, inspire, and empower students as confident communicators, ready to engage with the world around them. We believe that through reading in particular, pupils have a chance to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually.
We use this opportunity to build cultural capital, promote tolerance and compassion, and prepare students for life beyond the classroom. While we maintain a strong focus on the National Curriculum and the core skills essential for GCSE success, we also nurture a genuine passion for literature and language.
Students explore a rich and diverse range of texts including novels, short stories, non-fiction, poetry, and plays - spanning genres, time periods, and voices. We encourage them to read widely and think critically, helping them to form their own views on what makes great literature.
Our curriculum is responsive: shaped by our students, the world they live in, and the latest educational research.
What will they study?
How will they be assessed?
At Key Stage 3, we use the Scholastic STEPS model (Strategic Targets for Educational Progress and Success) to assess students’ progress and set meaningful targets.
This system is designed to align with the GCSE 1–9 grading scale, helping students and parents understand how progress at KS3 connects to future GCSE outcomes.
What Do We Assess?
Students are assessed across five key strands of English:
- Reading Fiction – understanding and analysing literary texts
- Reading Non-fiction – interpreting and evaluating real-world texts
- Imaginative Writing – crafting creative and engaging narratives
- Non-fiction Writing – writing clearly and effectively for real-world purposes
- Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar (SPaG) – using accurate and effective language
Each strand has clear criteria to help students understand their strengths and areas for development. This approach allows us to track progress over time and provide targeted support where needed.
Who can tell me more?
Miss White - KS3 Coordinator
Key Stage Four
Key Stage 4 English (Years 10–11)
At Key Stage 4, all students study two GCSEs in English:
English Language
English Literature
We follow the Edexcel exam board for both qualifications.
GCSE English Language
This course aims to develop confident, thoughtful, and effective communicators. Across the two- year course, our students will:
- Read a wide range of fiction and non-fiction texts with understanding and insight
- Learn to write clearly, creatively, and accurately using Standard English
- Develop their vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation skills
- Analyse how writers use language and structure
- Develop the skills of comparison and evaluation
- Present ideas effectively in spoken language
How will they be assessed?
Two exam papers at the end of Year 11:
Paper 1: Fiction and imaginative writing
Paper 2: Non-fiction and transactional writing
Spoken Language is assessed separately at the end of Year 10. This is reported as a separate endorsement on the final certificate. It does not directly impact the GCSE Language grade your child receives.
GCSE English Literature
This course encourages students to explore and enjoy a range of classic and modern texts. The course encourages students to explore and appreciate the richness of literature. They will:
- Read and analyse literature in depth, including poetry, plays, and novels
- Make connections across texts and time periods
- Write clearly and analytically about their reading
- Gain insight into the power and legacy of English literary works
What texts will be studied?
A Shakespeare play: Macbeth or Romeo and Juliet
A 19th-century novel: A Christmas Carol
A modern play: Blood Brothers
A collection of poetry: We study the Conflict cluster in the Edexcel poetry anthology, plus unseen poems
How will they be assessed?
Two exam papers at the end of Year 11:
Paper 1: Shakespeare and 19th-century novel
Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry
There is no coursework; all assessment is exam-based
Revision guides for both courses are available from WisePay at a heavily discounted rate.
Who can tell me more?
Miss Wicks - Head of English and KS4 Coordinator
Key Stage Five
Key Stage Five A Level English Literature
At CVHS, we follow the Edexcel A Level English Literature specification: 9ET0
Course Content:
Paper 1: Drama: Students will study Hamlet alongside an anthology of critical readings of the text. Students will also study A Streetcar Named Desire. Worth 30% of the course.
Paper 2: Prose: Students will study The Handmaid’s Tale and Frankenstein. They will sit an open book exam, which requires them to write a comparative essay. Worth 20% of the course.
Paper 3: Poetry: Students will study Metaphysical Poetry and Poems of the Decade. They will be assessed on their poetry analysis and comparative essay writing skills. Worth 30% of the course.
NEA: Students will complete an extended comparative essay comparing two Literature texts of their choice. Worth 20% of the course.
Reasons to study A Level Literature at CVHS:
If you’re excited by stories that challenge the way we see the world, Edexcel A Level English Literature is your perfect match. Imagine diving into dystopian worlds like The Handmaid’s Tale, where power and freedom collide, or exploring the haunting depths of Frankenstein, a story of science, ambition, and creation gone wrong. You’ll analyse the tension and raw emotion of A Streetcar Named Desire and unravel the timeless beauty of Metaphysical Poetry alongside the modern insights found in Poems of the Decade. This course invites you to engage with powerful ideas about society, identity, and humanity, sharpening your ability to think critically and communicate effectively.
English Literature isn’t just about reading, it prepares you for a wide range of exciting careers. Whether you see yourself in journalism, law, publishing, advertising, teaching, or even politics, this course develops key skills like analysis, argumentation, and creative problem-solving. Employers and universities value strong communicators, and by studying these thought-provoking texts, you’ll gain the tools to express your ideas with clarity and confidence, making a lasting impact in whatever field you choose.
Who can tell me more?
Mrs Sewell - KS5 Coordinator
Book Recommendations for Students
