English Literature
Our English department equips students with the skills to think critically and analytically about your reading and become immersed in a wide range of texts, from classic to contemporary.
Curriculum Intent
At Poole High School, our English curriculum is designed to develop confident, analytical and articulate communicators who can understand, interpret and use language effectively in a wide range of contexts. We aim to foster curiosity about how language shapes identity, culture and society, whilst empowering students to express themselves with accuracy, creativity and purpose.
Through the study of spoken, written and multimodal texts, students will develop the skills to analyse, evaluate and produce language for different audiences, purposes and genres. They will engage critically with real-world and media texts, gaining an understanding of language diversity, change and acquisition, alongside the social influences that shape communication.
Our curriculum encourages independent learning, academic resilience and intellectual curiosity. Students undertake original writing and language investigation projects, applying research, data analysis and critical thinking skills that are highly valued in higher education and employment. Through investigative and discursive approaches, students learn to interpret evidence, construct reasoned arguments and communicate ideas with confidence.
Key Stage 4
Through the study of literature, students develop cultural awareness and gain an appreciation of some of the most significant and influential works in the English literary tradition. English Literature encourages students to explore enduring themes, ideas and perspectives from different historical periods, helping them to understand how literature reflects and shapes society.
Our curriculum aims to foster a lifelong love of reading by encouraging students to read widely, think critically and engage thoughtfully with a range of literary texts. Through discussion, analysis and debate, students develop the confidence to form and communicate their own interpretations whilst appreciating the views of others.
Students will study a range of challenging and engaging texts that span different genres, time periods and literary movements. These texts enable students to explore themes such as power, conflict, responsibility, identity, love and human nature, whilst developing the analytical and evaluative skills required for success at GCSE and beyond.
Key Stage 5
Our A Level English Literature specification engages learners in an extensive range of literature spanning from the established literary canon to esteemed contemporary writings of the 21st century. Components include drama, prose and poetry with the aim of encouraging students to explore a varied range of both set and self-selected texts.
