ERNE
INTEGRATED
COLLEGE
English
Miss C Taylor
Head of Department
Mrs T McVeigh
Subject Teacher
Miss C Cranston
Subject Teacher
INTRODUCTION
The English Department plays a central role in the life of our school, supporting students to become confident communicators, thoughtful readers and creative thinkers. Through the study of language and literature, we help young people to make sense of their own experiences and to engage meaningfully with the world around them.
Our curriculum is broad, inclusive and ambitious. Students encounter a rich range of texts from different cultures, traditions and time periods, alongside contemporary voices that reflect the diversity of modern society. In Erne Integrated College, English provides a vital space for discussion, empathy and understanding, encouraging students to explore different perspectives with respect and curiosity. We place a strong emphasis on developing literacy skills that support learning across the curriculum, while also nurturing a genuine love of reading and writing.
Above all, we aim to inspire students to find their own voice. Whether analysing a poem, debating an issue, or crafting a piece of imaginative or transactional writing, our students are challenged to think critically, express themselves clearly and engage with confidence. The English Department is committed to high standards, academic success and the personal growth of every learner.
FACILITIES
The English Department is well resourced to support high-quality teaching and learning across all key stages. Lessons are taught in dedicated English classrooms that provide a calm, welcoming environment for discussion, reading and writing. Classrooms are equipped with interactive teaching technology to support the close study of texts, collaborative learning and the development of presentation and oracy skills.
We place a strong emphasis on reading and literacy development. Students have access to a wide range of age-appropriate fiction, non-fiction and literary texts, and the department works closely with the school library to promote reading for pleasure. To further support reading progress, we use Sparx Reader, an online reading platform that helps students to develop regular reading habits, build vocabulary and improve comprehension through structured, personalised reading tasks. This platform allows both teachers and parents to monitor engagement and progress, ensuring that reading remains a central part of every student’s learning experience.
KEY STAGE 3
At Key Stage 3, our English curriculum is designed to develop confident readers, effective writers and articulate speakers through a rich and engaging programme of study. Across Years 8–10, students build strong literacy foundations while exploring a wide range of texts, genres and voices that prepare them for the demands of GCSE English and beyond.
In Year 8, students are introduced to key skills through both reading and writing units. They develop non-fiction writing skills through units such as Coach Trip, while exploring fiction through whole-text studies of Moonfleet and Skellig. Poetry is studied through Poetry from Around the World, and students are introduced to Shakespeare through A Midsummer Night’s Dream. A unit on The History of English helps students to understand how language has evolved over time and how it shapes communication.
In Year 9, students build on these foundations with more challenging and thematic texts. Writing skills are developed through units such as Dystopian Fiction and Non-Fiction: News Writing. Reading units include Sinister Stories, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Poisonous Poetry, Black American Experiences in Literature and the study of modern drama through Blood Brothers. These units encourage students to analyse writers’ methods, explore social and cultural contexts, and engage with complex ideas.
In Year 10, the curriculum further develops students’ independence and critical thinking in preparation for Key Stage 4. Students study poetry through Pop and Poetry, explore non-fiction writing through Travel Writing and Whodunnit, and engage with Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. Reading units include Of Mice and Men, alongside dedicated fiction writing units that allow students to craft and refine their own creative responses.
Across all three years, there is a strong focus on vocabulary development, spelling, punctuation and grammar, alongside regular opportunities for discussion, debate and presentation. Our Key Stage 3 curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and carefully sequenced, ensuring that students leave Year 10 with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed for success at GCSE and beyond.
GCSE
At Erne Integrated College, our English department is committed to developing students’ communication, analytical, and creative skills. At GCSE level, we offer English Language and English Literature, providing a balanced and engaging curriculum that prepares students for further education and life beyond school.
GCSE English Language (CCEA)
Our English Language course focuses on developing students’ abilities to read, understand, and respond to a wide range of texts. Students learn to:
• Analyse and evaluate fiction and non-fiction texts, considering language, structure, and purpose.
• Communicate effectively in both imaginative and transactional writing, tailoring style and tone for different audiences and purposes.
• Develop strong speaking and listening skills through discussion, presentations, and group work.
The CCEA English Language curriculum encourages critical thinking and creativity, equipping students with the essential skills to interpret and produce written and spoken English confidently.
GCSE English Literature (AQA)
In English Literature, students explore a variety of literary texts from different periods and genres. The AQA specification allows students to study:
• Shakespearean drama, examining character, theme, and dramatic techniques.
• 19th-century novels, exploring social context, narrative style, and authorial intent.
• Modern texts, including contemporary fiction and poetry, fostering appreciation of language, structure, and literary devices.
• Poetry across the ages, developing understanding of poetic form, themes, and language.
Through Literature, students gain insight into human experience, develop critical reading skills, and learn to articulate informed interpretations of texts in both discussion and written analysis.
Our GCSE courses provide a strong foundation in English, combining analytical rigour with creative expression, preparing students for future academic study, examinations, and lifelong communication skills.
A-LEVEL
A-Level English Literature (CCEA)
At A-Level, our English Literature course allows students to explore texts in greater depth and develop sophisticated skills in analysis, interpretation, and communication. Using the CCEA specification, students study a wide range of literary works across different periods and genres, including:
• Shakespeare and other drama, examining character, theme, and the social and historical context of performance.
• 19th- and 20th-century prose, exploring narrative techniques, social commentary, and authorial voice.
• Poetry, from classic to contemporary, analysing language, form, and imagery.
Students are encouraged to make personal and critical connections between texts, develop independent interpretations, and refine their written and spoken expression. A-Level English Literature not only prepares students for higher education but also nurtures a lifelong appreciation of literature and the power of storytelling.
FURTHER EDUCATION & CAREERS
Where English Can Take You
Studying English at GCSE and A-Level opens doors to a wide range of opportunities in further education and careers. At university, students can continue to study English or branch into related fields such as:
• Creative Writing and Journalism, turning a love of storytelling and communication into a career.
• Law, Politics, and International Relations, where strong analytical and persuasive skills are highly valued.
• Education and Teaching, inspiring the next generation of readers and writers.
• Media, Marketing, and Public Relations, using clear and creative communication to inform, engage, and influence audiences.
• Linguistics, Literature, and Cultural Studies, deepening understanding of language, society, and human experience.
English develops essential skills - critical thinking, clear expression, creativity, and empathy - that are valued in almost every field. Beyond exams, it equips students for lifelong learning, confident communication, and the ability to succeed in any path they choose.
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