English Literature *
English is assuredly one of the greatest literary languages in the world.
It is the language of historical literary giants such as Shakespeare, Wordsworth and Dickens.
These innovative, explosive writers fashioned words to challenge prejudice, highlight inequality and give cause to ponder and interrogate what it really means to be alive; to be connected; to be truly human. Such writers ‘spread their dreams under our feet’ and lit the flare path that established a powerful canon of literature that continues to provoke, inspire and ignite generations of readers and writers.
English literature is the exploration of the human condition in extremis; it is the exploration of human experience in extraordinary circumstances: in peril; upon adventure; oppressed; betrayed; in torment; in love. Study of the wonderful literary narratives chosen for our students, reveals a unifying theme; the prevailing sentiment of hope: hope that we too, like our heroes, can overcome great trials and create our own happy ending. A powerful message in our troubled world. The study of literature leads to a powerful cognizance; it develops a great awareness of, and appreciation for, the power and persuasion of stories and a deep understanding of the world and the self.
Our literature curriculum chooses works from the very best wordsmiths in the English language; brilliance of writing is our guiding light when choosing our texts. Our curriculum explores works in whose pages can be found the very depths of humanity laid bare. Within our classrooms, our learners journey far beyond their ordinary existence; they visit worlds full of possibility and promise; meet fascinating characters with whom they journey towards trial and triumph, ambition and anarchy, revolution and redemption. It is an exciting and challenging journey, upon which our students discover as much about themselves as they do about their literary counterparts. At the end of their learning journey in English literature, our children will step forward into the world with a great appreciation for the beauty, power and influence of skilful writing. They will be able to communicate meritoriously themselves and thus establish their own voice in their chosen arena beyond the school gates.
English Literature Curriculum Map KS3
English Literature Curriculum Map KS4English Literature Curriculum Map KS5English Literature Curriculum Narrative