English

Our Intent

To equip learners with the reading, writing, and speaking skills they need to communicate effectively in a range of situations and succeed in later life.

At The JCB Academy, we believe that English is fundamental to helping our learners thrive—both academically and in their future careers in engineering and business. Through studying English Language and Literature, learners not only gain the knowledge and skills to achieve their full potential at GCSE, but also develop essential communication skills that will support them throughout their lives.

What Learners Will Study

Over the course of their studies, learners will:

Build strong reading, writing, and speaking skills, enabling them to communicate confidently in a variety of contexts.
Explore a wide range of literature, from classic texts to modern works, and engage with diverse forms of non-fiction writing.
Develop the ability to analyse, evaluate, and respond to texts with clarity and insight.
Strengthen their own writing skills, learning to craft clear, structured, and persuasive pieces for different purposes and audiences.
Enhance their communication and presentation skills through the study of spoken and written language.

Why It Matters

These skills are fundamental to our learners’ success; helping them achieve academically, thrive at The JCB Academy, and prepare for life beyond education. Strong literacy and communication skills open doors to opportunities and are essential for careers in engineering, business, and beyond.

Year 9 English Curriculum

English at The JCB Academy is built on three fundamental skills: reading, writing, and spoken language. Mastery of these skills enables learners to communicate effectively in a wide range of contexts. In Year 9, our aim is to develop these skills comprehensively—preparing learners to become confident communicators and to meet the rigorous demands of GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature.

What Learners Will Study

Throughout Year 9, learners engage with a diverse range of literary and non-fiction texts while developing their written and spoken communication through six carefully structured units:

Power and Conflict: Poetry and Non-Fiction

Society in Conflict: Ghost Boys

Exploring the Power of Spoken Language

Crafting the Written Word: Gothic Fiction

Battles in Society: Exploring Conflict in Blood Brothers

GCSE English Curriculum

At the start of Year 10, all learners begin their study of the AQA GCSE English Language and AQA GCSE English Literature specifications. These courses are designed to develop advanced communication skills and a deep appreciation of language and literature—skills that are essential for success in education, employment, and life.

English Language

The AQA GCSE English Language course focuses on building learners’ ability to read, write, and communicate effectively. Learners will:

Read a wide range of fiction and non-fiction texts, analysing language, structure, and meaning, and evaluating ideas and viewpoints.
Develop their own writing skills by producing imaginative, descriptive, persuasive, and argumentative texts for different audiences and purposes.
Learn to write with clarity, accuracy, and impact, using precise grammar and vocabulary.
Strengthen their ability to think critically and communicate confidently, preparing them for further study and everyday life.

English Literature

The AQA GCSE English Literature course enables learners to explore a rich selection of classic and modern texts, developing analytical and evaluative skills. Learners will study:

A Christmas Carol

An Inspector Calls
Macbeth
The Power and Conflict poetry anthology

Through their study of English Literature, learners will:

Analyse characters, themes, language, and structure, while considering context and writers’ intentions.
Engage in close reading, discussion, and written analysis, gaining a deeper understanding of how literature reflects ideas, values, and society.
Build the ability to communicate insightful interpretations with clarity and confidence.

These courses not only prepare learners for academic success but also equip them with essential skills for life beyond education—critical thinking, effective communication, and cultural awareness.

Examinations

English Language

Explorations in creative reading and writing (50%): 1 hour 45 minutes

Section A (25%): 1 hour

Reading a literature fiction text in order to consider how established writers use narrative and descriptive techniques to capture the interest of readers.

Section B (25%): 45 minutes

Writing your own creative text, inspired by the topic that you have responded to in section A to demonstrate your narrative and descriptive skills in response to a written prompt, scenario or visual image.

Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives (50%): 1 hour 45 minutes

Section A (25%): 1 hour

Reading two linked sources from different time periods and genres in order to consider how each presents a perspective or viewpoint to influence the reader

Section B (25%): 45 minutes

Producing a written text to a specified audience, purpose and form in which you give your own perspective on the theme that has been introduced to you in section A.

English Literature

Shakespeare and the 19th Century Novel (40%): 1 hour 45 minutes

Section A (20%): approx. 50 minutes

Answer one question based on Macbeth. You will be required to write in detail about an extract from the play and then to write about the play as a whole

Section B (20%): approx. 50 minutes

Answer one question based on A Christmas Carol. You will be required to write in detail about an extract from the novel and then to write about the novel as a whole.

Modern Texts and Poetry (60%): 2 hours 15 minutes

Section A (20%): 45 minutes

Answer one essay question from a choice of two based on An Inspector Calls.

Section B (20%): 45 minutes

Answer one comparative question on one named poem printed on the paper and one other poem from the Power and Conflict anthology cluster.

Section C (20%): 45 minutes

Answer one question on one unseen poem and one question comparing this poem with a second unseen poem.