English

The English curriculum at St. Aidan’s links to our whole school curriculum intent statement. 

The English curriculum is designed to enable students of all abilities to develop the skills they need to be confident readers, to understand and analyse a wide range of different texts as well as to write clearly, coherently and accurately using a range of vocabulary and sentence structures. We intend to inspire a lifelong love for reading, writing and critical thinking. The curriculum aims to cultivate students’ abilities to express themselves with clarity and creativity while developing a nuanced understanding of diverse contexts by exposing students to texts from different genres (including drama, non-fiction, poetry and prose) and from different periods across the 19th, 20th and 21st century. Through literature, language and the spoken word, students will explore the richness of human experience, fostering empathy, cultural awareness, and intellectual curiosity. At KS3 the curriculum follows a thematic approach, progressively building on skills and knowledge through thought-provoking topics, including that from the sustainability curriculum, from Year 7 through Year 9 to ensure a smooth transition from KS2 to GCSE. We continue developing the skills taught throughout KS3, at KS4 and KS5 by delivering the AQA specifications. Our approach to spoken language emphasises the importance of communication skills to support students’ learning in all curriculum areas and enables them to function in the wider world in all its fullness and understand their place in it.

Careers within English  

Journalist, editor, author, copywriter, teacher, content writer, proofreader, publisher, communications officer, public relations officer, speechwriter, marketing executive, advertising copywriter, librarian, lexicographer, literary agent, screenwriter, playwright, technical writer, blogger, social media manager, translator, interpreter, broadcast presenter, news reporter, researcher, script editor, legal assistant, education consultant, information officer.  

Sustainability within English  

In our English curriculum, sustainability is reflected in both content and classroom practice. We explore literature that raises awareness of environmental issues and encourage students to think critically about humanity’s relationship with the natural world. Through reading, writing, and discussion, students examine how language shapes attitudes toward sustainability and social responsibility. We promote mindful use of resources, reducing paper waste and reusing materials where possible. By connecting language, thought, and action, we empower students to use their voices for positive change—developing not only as skilled communicators but as informed, responsible citizens in a rapidly changing world.