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English Department

The English department at ‘Madani Boys’ School’ aims to perfectly align linguistic and literary study with our beloved ‘HEART’ ethos. Our knowledgeable and dedicated team of teachers will deliver a balanced, challenging, and diverse curriculum to ensure our students are exposed to texts heavy in literary heritage (drama, poetry and prose) - with thematic channelling of the school’s HEART values, relationships and social, moral, spiritual and cultural connections. We want our students to be optimally prepared for the world of academia and the wider cultural and social world. We want to teach the ‘best that has been thought and said’ and believe all young people deserve the rigour of that knowledge. Our intention is for all our students to:

• Read great texts influenced by history, that, in turn, influenced our culture.
• Become stronger writers by becoming stronger active readers.
• Learn new vocabulary to read more challenging texts and express more.
• Be accountable for what we say and how we say it.

Our curriculum emphasises the equal importance of each literary form, including prose, poetry, and drama. In each year of Key Stage 3, the curriculum is designed with a chronological approach with respect to form, allowing students to understand the evolution of specific literary forms as they relate to pivotal global events and significant literary movements between years. This foundation perfectly aligns with the vision of providing sustained world-class education and care to all learners, irrespective of their background, needs, or starting point. These texts, representing a diverse range of historical periods, genres, and cultural perspectives, offer a rich and varied literary landscape that encourages students to explore and appreciate the depth and breadth of human experience. A comprehension of the methodical skills involved in analysis, creative writing, and proficient oracy are assessed in thematic relation to the school's HEART values, RSE and SMSC, respectively. Grammar is taught discretely and re-embedded into writing at KS3 and vocabulary and spelling is a weekly priority for all.

Through engaging with these texts, learners develop a strong foundation in language and literature, acquiring valuable knowledge and skills that equip them for success in their academic pursuits and beyond. By analysing themes such as spirituality, morality, social and cultural issues, learners gain a deeper understanding of the world and their place in it. Moreover, the HEART values - honesty, excellence, accountability, respect, and teamwork - are exemplified and reinforced through the characters, narratives, and themes present in these texts.

The study of classic texts, such as The Odyssey and Beowulf, exposes learners to the origins of Western literature and the cultural and historical contexts that shaped these works. Simultaneously, engaging with Romantic poetry and global contemporary poetry allows students to appreciate the evolution of poetic literary expression over time, fostering an understanding of diverse perspectives and cultural traditions. This holistic approach to English education cultivates a strong sense of identity in learners, equipping them with the cultural knowledge and empathy needed to contribute meaningfully to their local community, British society, and the world.

At the heart of our educational vision lies the development of excellence, ambition, drive, passion, and character. Through the exploration of these texts, students are inspired to strive for their personal best, develop a love of learning, and cultivate the qualities necessary to become compassionate, responsible, and informed leaders. By nurturing these attributes in our learners, we lay the foundation for them to pursue their aspirations and make a positive impact on the world around them, in line with the core ethos of our trust.

Furthermore, the selected texts provide learners with opportunities to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and effective communication, all of which are essential for success in the modern world. By engaging in discussions, debates, and creative projects centred around these texts, students learn to articulate their ideas, listen to others, and collaborate to achieve a deeper understanding of the material. These experiences also help learners develop resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities, preparing them to face various challenges in their personal and professional lives.

The diverse nature of these texts ensures that every learner, regardless of their background or interests, can find something that resonates with them. This inclusive approach to English education empowers students to see themselves as active participants in the literary tradition, fostering a sense of belonging and promoting cultural exchange. By valuing and celebrating the unique perspectives of each learner, we create a learning environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and empathy.

At KS4, students progress to more advanced G.C.S.E study, building on a rigorous and rich foundation. The exam board specification is Edexcel for English Language and Eduqas for English Literature. Throughout KS3, students will have learned all the skills necessary to grapple with more challenging texts, both conceptually, contextually and linguistically. They will be prepared to read with a critical perspective and build on their early studies in a seamless way, drawing connections between context and text, understanding how the English language has steadily evolved and preparing them optimally for potential study at KS5.