Curriculum Overview

 

Key Stage 3 Key Stage 4 Sixth Form

Term 1 and 2: Component 2 - Comparative Prose - Science and Society - Frankenstein

Study of 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley for Component 2 of the A Level. It is being compared with 'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood, which is studied in Terms 3 and 4. Students will be able to write cohesive evaluations of the methods used by the two writers to present their ideas, make focused connections between the two texts and explore the significance of the contexts of production and reception

  • Spiritual
  • Moral
  • Social
  • Cultural

Develop the individual:

Create a supportive community:

Term 1 and 4: Component 3 - Contemporary Poetry - Poems of the decade

Students will study 18 poems from the Poems of the Decade Anthology. Students will be asked to read the poems before the lesson in Term 1 and complete some tasks based on key ideas. Lessons will be dedicated to development of these ideas, looking for alternatives to initial interpretations and solidifying ideas in annotations of the poems. Students will start to approach the poems as unseen in preparation for their final exams. Students need to learn how to write about poems at A Level Literature standard under timed conditions. Teachers will be trained in appropriate essay style and using correct terminology. The focus of study will be on analysing writer's methods, considering language, structure and form. A comprehensive and critical evaluation of the poems are needed.

Comparison of poems will also be explore by theme. Additional unseen poems will be included in the SOW and students will explore how studied poems can be compared to these. Focused feedback on essays will inform future writing.

  • Spiritual
  • Moral
  • Social
  • Cultural

Develop the individual:

Create a supportive community:

Term 2 and 3: Component 1 - Drama - Streetcar Named Desire

Students will study Tennessee Williams' exciting and iconic play 'A Streetcar Named Desire'. Students will be guided through reading the play by the teacher setting sections to read at home and in lessons. Contextual elements of Williams' life and New Orleans in the 1940s will play a focal role in understanding the complex characters of the play. At the heart of all study are Williams' methods and the themes that drive the plot. Additional works from Williams and prompts from critical responses will also inform teaching. Students will work independently and in small group situations to develop a range of ideas and interpretations.

  • Spiritual
  • Moral
  • Social
  • Cultural

Develop the individual:

Create a supportive community:

Term 5 and 6: Component 4 - Non-Examination Unit - Choice of 2 texts

In preparation for writing their coursework piece on a comparison of two texts of their choice, on a topic of their choice, students will be explicitly taught about planning, researching, plagiarism, contextual information, including wider reading and analytical style in writing. There will be time for students to research, plan and write in lessons with teacher supervision and support. Further work on narrative style and language style will be incorporates in preparation for writing their piece.

  • Spiritual
  • Moral
  • Social
  • Cultural

Develop the individual:

Create a supportive community:

Term 6: Exam preparation

During this terms teachers will carefully tailor their lessons to their students' needs. Lessons will be split between examined components.

Lessons will include timed tasks which will focus on exam style and help the students to become adjusted to the strict timing. Lessons will also focus on essay style and writing responses, with some focus on content.

Teachers will set focused revision and essays for all students to complete independently at home.

  • Spiritual
  • Moral
  • Social
  • Cultural

Develop the individual:

Create a supportive community: