The overall aim at KS3 is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment.  

The course aims to enable students to: 

• read easily, fluently and with good understanding 
• develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information  
• acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language 
• appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage  
• write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences 
• use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and idea 
• become competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate

The syllabus aims to enable students to: 

• read a wide range of texts, fluently and with good understanding, enjoying and appreciating a variety of language 
• read critically, and use knowledge gained from wide reading to inform and improve their own writing 
• write accurately and effectively, using Standard English appropriately 
• work with information and with ideas in language by developing skills of evaluation, analysis, use and inference 
• listen to, understand, and use spoken language effectively 
• acquire and apply a wide vocabulary, alongside a knowledge and understanding of grammatical terminology and linguistic conventions 

The syllabus aims to develop learners who: 

• enjoy the experience of reading literature 
• understand and respond to literary texts in different forms and from different periods and cultures 
• communicate an informed personal response appropriately and effectively 
• appreciate different ways in which writers achieve their effects 
• experience literature’s contribution to aesthetic, imaginative and intellectual growth 
• explore the contribution of literature to an understanding of areas of global human concern 

The aims are to enable students to: 

• enjoy the experience of studying English language
• develop a critical and informed response to texts in a range of forms, styles and contexts, produced for a variety of audiences 
• communicate effectively, creatively, accurately and appropriately in their writing 
• develop the interdependent skills of reading, analysis and research 
• develop an appreciation of concepts and techniques in the study of English language 
• build a firm foundation for further study of language and linguistics

The syllabus aims to enable students to: 

• enjoy the experience of reading literature   
• develop an appreciation of and an informed personal response to literature in English in a range of texts in different forms, and from different periods and cultures  
• communicate effectively, accurately and appropriately in written form 
• develop the interdependent skills of reading, analysis and communication 
• analyse and evaluate the methods writers use in creating meaning and effects 
• encourage wider reading and an understanding of how it may contribute to personal development 
• build a firm foundation for further study of literature