Welcome to the English Department

Ms K Fairhurst - Head of Department
Ms S Gilbert - Second in Department
Ms J Gresswell - KS3 Co-ordinator
Mr G Hibbert - KS5 Co-ordinator
Mr P Belinfante - Head of Year 7
Mr J Philip
Ms A Stelfox
Ms K Mann
Mr D Maude Smith

At the Nottingham Academy we believe that the English department plays an essential role in the progress of our pupils and provides valuable life opportunities. English allows pupils to develop key literacy and communication skills, enabling them to succeed in further education or employment. Moreover, English lessons provide our pupils with a platform to discuss important issues, broaden their perspectives, and provides a safe learning environment to listen and respond to the viewpoints of others.

All pupils take English at KS3 and study a wide range of fiction and non-fiction texts. This develops their extended writing skills in preparation for the new GCSE course. Pupils also have the chance to practice speaking and listening and to further develop their literacy skills through the ‘VCOP' and ‘Big Write' initiatives which are part of the middle years programme.

The new GCSE specification allows flexibility and for staff to cater for the individual learning needs of pupils. Pupils can follow the English course or the English Literature and Language combined course. Controlled Assessment and modular exams require the study of plays, poems, short stories, novels and non-fiction texts. The specification also gives pupils the opportunity to cultivate their own original writing styles and creative talents.

The aims of the English curriculum are:

• to ensure that all pupils leaving the Academy will have the required English skills to achieve and flourish in further study or the career of their choice.
• to instil in students a sense of ownership of the English language and to develop their own voice through the study of a wide range of writers from a broad range of social and ethnic backgrounds.
• to ensure pupils have an understanding of different genres and which authors have significantly contributed to the English literary heritage.
• to encourage pupils to develop a keen interest in English, and to fully understand the role the subject plays in the modern world across a broad range of mediums.

Pupils also have the option to continue their study of English at AS and A2-level. The AQA Literature and Language combined course gives pupils the opportunity to further develop English skills and explore a wide range of texts. The course also requires pupils to consider the role of spoken language and to what extent it reflects modern society and culture.