The English Department is a department of committed subject specialists who aim to share the appreciation of literature and the English language. We are housed in specialist teaching rooms, equipped with interactive whiteboards.

The English Curriculum

In English, we teach the three skills of EN1 Speaking and Listening, EN2 Reading and EN3 Writing. The Programmes of Study of the New Secondary Curriculum form the basis of students’ experience in Key Stages Three and Four. At Key Stage Four, all students follow the Edexcel specification in English and English Literature.

Reading

Students are encouraged to become fluent, independent and critical readers of all kinds of texts, who question and reflect on what they have read and who enjoy reading for pleasure. The study of a variety of texts allows all students to explore language and meaning, to acquire information, gain further insight into their own and other cultures, and to extend their personal and social awareness. Students have access to a wide variety of texts (poetry, drama, prose fiction, non-fiction and media). We also promote reading for pleasure through the inclusion of reading for pleasure in our lesson time and as homework tasks.

Writing

Students are encouraged to become confident, articulate writers who understand that writing is a means of learning, shaping experience, exploring ideas and language, and expressing ideas and feelings. Students write for a variety of purposes and audiences and learn to appreciate the benefits of drafting, redrafting and proof-reading.

Speaking and Listening

Students are encouraged to recognise the power of talk as a means of exploring language and ideas, persuading, and gaining confidence. Opportunities are given in the classroom to talk in small groups, class discussions, role plays and drama. An important aim of oral work is that students should learn to be good listeners, able to appreciate the views of others along with articulating their own.

Key Stage 5

There are two courses offered in English: English Literature and English Language and Literature.
The ability to communicate accurately in writing is necessary in any profession, which is why English A levels are valued so highly by universities and prospective employers alike.
In recent years sixth form students studying English at Sawtry have achieved enviable results, ranking among the best in the county.
Studying English at Sawtry gives students the opportunity to learn from dedicated and experienced professionals, who use their expertise to create stimulating courses, designed to develop a range of key skills and foster an appreciation for the written word. Members of the sixth form English team work regularly with The Prince’s Teaching Institute in developing resources to support the teaching of literary heritage texts in schools.
Our courses support students in the transition to A levels, whilst encouraging independent thinking through strategic teaching. Multimedia access, including the use of Interactive Whiteboards, enhances the whole learning experience.

Edexcel is the Examining board for English or English Language and Literature GCSE. Click here for the Edexcel website

Why study English?

The skills gained through studying English are relevant to most career areas as the subject helps you to develop your communication skills, something all employers will be interested in. Many courses available post-16, including vocational courses and degrees leading to a teaching qualification, will expect you to have a C grade or above in English or English Language.
The ability to communicate is very valuable for almost any job. Studying English teaches you how to write clearly and effectively. English will help you to articulate your opinions and help you to adapt your tone and register to suit both informal and formal situations.
As an English student post-16 you will study literature, language, culture, history, and may develop your creative writing skills.
All that reading is useful, too. Studying English teaches you how to analyse complex information with the help of sophisticated ideas and theories. That ability to read, reflect, and critique – and then organise your conclusions clearly – is essential to many kinds of work – as is the ability to construct and defend an argument.
The analytical and communication abilities that English degree provides are called ‘transferable skills’: they are useful in almost any occupation. When you’re looking for a job, they’re often the most valuable skills to have.
English is a valuable subject to study for the following careers:
Actor
Administrator
Advertising creative director
Archivist
Arts administrator
Barrister
Book buyer
Bookseller
Business manager
Contact / call centre adviser
Civil service
Court shorthand writer
Copywriter
Desktop publishing operator
Drama therapist
Editor (publishing)
Information officer
Interpreter / translator
Journalist
Legal executive
Librarian
Marketing manager / researcher
Office worker
Personal assistant
Presenter / announcer (television, radio)
Press Officer
Public Relations Officer
Producer / director (television, film, radio)
Proofreader
Publishing Assistant/Executive
Public relations officer
Receptionist / telephonist
Researcher (television, film, radio)
Sales assistant
Secretary
Scriptwriter
Solicitor
Songwriter
Speech and language therapist
Teacher / lecturer – Primary/Secondary/English as a foreign Language
Theatre director / producer
Technical author / writer
Writer / author
KS3
Our current Key Stage 3 curriculum topics are as follows:
Year 7
Looking Back – Transition from KS2 study
Amazing Animals
A Christmas Carol
Novel Study: The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas / Holes
Ballads / Narrative Poetry
An Introduction to Shakespeare
Sampling Shakespeare texts
Myths and Legends
Year 8
Short stories; Fairy tales and Fables
World War One literature and Private Peaceful
Titanic
Drama study: The play of Face by Benjamin Zephaniah
Shakespeare Play: A Midsummer Night’s Dream / Richard III
Extended writing project: Castaway
Year 9
Novel Study: Noughts and Crosses
Gothic Literature
Creative Writing
Short Stories: Science Fiction
GCSE Transition module – Speaking and Listening
GCSE Transition module – English Today

KS4

English at GCSE

Single English
Unit 1: English Today. Study of media based materials with a focus on the purpose and viewpoint of the writer. Assessed by controlled assessment.
Unit 2: Study of a Shakespeare play, e.g. Romeo and Juliet or Macbeth, a prose text from another culture such as Of Mice and Men, and writing skills, assessed by external examination.
Unit 3: Study of a selection of poetry from the Edexcel anthology and an imaginative writing controlled assessment.
Speaking and Listening skills are also assessed throughout, which count towards the final GCSE grade.

English Language and Literature – double award
Language
Unit 1: English Today. Study of media based materials with a focus on the purpose and viewpoint of the writer. Assessed by controlled assessment.
Unit 2: Study of a prose text from another culture, such as Of Mice and Men plus writing skills, assessed by external examination.
Unit 3: Study of the spoken word, assessed by controlled assessment.
Speaking and Listening skills are also assessed throughout, which count towards the final GCSE grade.
Literature
Unit 1: Study of prose text from the literary tradition such as Animal Farm and one from other cultures. Assessed by external examination.
Unit 2: Study of a selection of poetry. Assessed by external examination.
Unit 3: Study of a Shakespeare play such as Romeo and Juliet or Macbeth and a contemporary drama text such as An Inspector Calls or Educating Rita. Assessed by controlled assessment.

Texts studied are chosen by individual teachers depending on the abilities and interests of the class.