English
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss
Head of Department: Ms Sweta Martin
Teachers: Mr. James Smith, Ms. Olivia Davis, Mr. Thomas Wilson,Ms. Sophie Taylor, Mr. Daniel Lewis, Ms. Lily Robinson, Ms. Arabella Sinclair, Mrs. Seraphina Lambert.
At Moonstone Academy, the English Department stands as a cornerstone of our curriculum, offering engaging and thought-provoking courses that cultivate a genuine love and respect for language and literature. We are committed to providing students with the tools, experiences, and knowledge to communicate with confidence, whether through speaking, writing, or reading, in any setting. Our mission is for students to recognize language and literature as vital pathways to success, intellectual growth, and personal well-being, impacting their lives now and in the future. We believe in the transformative power of language to create meaning and facilitate deeper understanding, both of ourselves and the world around us.
In all that we do, we prioritize a comprehensive and cohesive learning experience across every stage of education, and for many, this extends into their university years. Our curriculum is designed to allow students to fully experience the richness of English—not just in its content, but through the essential processes that make it vibrant, dynamic, and relevant.
KEY STAGE 3
This curriculum is both captivating and motivating, as it includes a diverse selection of fiction and non-fiction works. We delve into a variety of subjects, covering everything from Chaucer and Shakespeare to Science Fiction and the Epic Form, among others. The program is thoughtfully designed to connect the skills gained in Key Stage 2 and build upon them, ensuring a smooth transition toward successful study in Key Stage 4. We investigate the evolution of the English language, its role in literature globally, and how language reflects our identity. Additionally, every student participates in a dedicated library session and regular grammar-focused lessons.
Year 7
- Openings: How writers grab readers
- The history of English
- Forms of poetry
- The novel
- Shakespeare: The Tempest
- Debating
Year 8
- Short stories
- Writing like a critic
- Shakespearean comedy
- The novel
- Poetry from different cultures
- Debating
Year 9
- Contemporary protest poetry
- Shakespearean tragedy
- Detective fiction novel
- Becoming a journalist
- Spoken language study
- Debating
KEY STAGE 4
Students in our program follow the AQA English Language and Literature course, which integrates both subjects into a unified study. The curriculum is crafted to provide students with abundant opportunities to read and write extensively. We firmly believe that exposure to a wide range of texts is essential for young people to refine their language abilities. This immersion helps to expand their vocabulary, improve their grasp of grammar, enhance their comprehension, and develop their ability to write confidently and skillfully in different styles. Through this process, students gain a deep understanding and mastery of the English language.
- Modern Text: An Inspector Calls
- AQA poetry anthology
- Shakespeare: Much Ado About Nothing
- Explorations in creative reading and writing
- 19th Century novel: Frankenstein
- Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives
- Spoken language
KEY STAGE 5
English Literature is an exceptionally popular choice at A Level. We follow the Eduqas (previously WJEC) English Literature specification, offering students a broad, thought-provoking, and challenging exploration of literary studies. Our A Level lessons are designed to ensure that students are well-equipped for both the AS and A Level exams, which are taught together. The curriculum delves into texts from a variety of social, historical, and cultural contexts, with a strong focus on cultivating advanced skills in reading and critically engaging with literature at a high level.
- Milton: Paradise Lost
- Selected poetry of Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath
- Shakespeare: Hamlet
- Joe Orton: Loot
- Brontë: Jane Eyre
- Middleton: The Revenger’s Tragedy
- Jean Rhys: Wide Sargasso Sea
- Kazuo Ishiguro: Never Let Me Go
- Sarah Waters: The Little Stranger
- Zadie Smith: White Teeth
- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Purple Hibiscus
EXTRA - CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
- Educational lectures at Key Stages 4 and 5
- Debate Club
- Junior Writing Workshop
- Junior Poetry Society
- Senior Writing Workshop
- Junior and Senior Reading Groups
- Theatre excursions
- Author guest visits
DESTINATIONS
At Moonstone Academy, A Level English Literature is a popular and thriving subject, with many students continuing their passion for it at the university level and beyond. Through our well-established Sixth Form Literary Society and ELAT preparation sessions, numerous students go on to study English at top universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Yale, and Trinity College, Dublin. We focus on fostering a love for lifelong learning, celebrating the diversity of English literature, and encouraging students to follow their individual interests and academic journeys.
“At Moonstone Academy, we are dedicated to providing exceptional support to ensure our students have the opportunities and encouragement they need to thrive and reach their full potential, both academically and in the broader community.”