English at Barlby encompasses all the skills students need to succeed in their studies and to be culturally aware global citizens. During Years 7 and 8 students study a range of literature, both hailing from literary heritage and contemporary authors. Language and structure is a key focus, with students creating their own fiction and non-fiction texts, developing an appreciation for mature and sophisticated style. Students are encouraged to read widely at every opportunity and enjoy taking part in trips and events to showcase their achievements.
English at KS3 is broad and engaging, with a variety of rich and inspirational texts to discover. Students study Shakespeare, modern plays, seminal literature, poetry, 19th century texts and non-fiction. The focus of study is not only on the analysis of language, structure and form but also challenges students to think critically and draw comparisons between issues in the texts and the wider world. Writing is taught and assessed regularly, with an emphasis on shaping texts to purpose, audience and context.
At KS4, students study for AQA GCSE English Language and English Literature. The course is 100% examination. The specification is designed to inspire students, while providing appropriate challenge as well as support to access the material where needed. Students develop the skills they need to read, understand and analyse a wide range of different texts and write clearly.
The language exam comprises two equally-balanced papers, each assessing reading and writing in an integrated way:
Paper 1: Explorations in creative reading and writing
Paper 2: Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives
The literature exam also comprises two papers, but focus on different genres of texts, ranging from modern plays to poems from our literary heritage:
Paper 1: Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
Paper 2: J B Priestley’s An Inspector Calls, and the study of collected poetry and unseen poetry.
Keep in touch
Subject Lead for English is Mrs Sergeant who can be contacted by email at l.sergeant@bhs.hlt.academy
Look at the goodies that staff (and one of my Year 9s!) have donated to Black Cat Rescue in North Duffield! Still time to contribute if you want to add to the food appeal! @Barlby_High pic.twitter.com/Mmjm…
Well done to all students involved in the 1st Peer Reading session today. It was lovely to see our YR10 mentors meet their YR7 readers, getting to know each other, helping to choose books & by the end of the session the group had read 98 pages. @Barlby_English @Barlby_High pic.twitter.com/as0V…
It's official: our students are published authors!📚@BarlbyLibrary @Barlby_High @HopeSentamuLT pic.twitter.com/GaSY…
Reading2dogs @selbylibrary. A small group of students had a fantastic afternoon with Dora and everyone at Selby library as part of the Reading2dogs scheme. Plenty of time to explore all that the library has to offer. @Barlby_High @Barlby_English pic.twitter.com/ucng…
*Vacancies* 📍Barlby High School - Personal Assistant to the Principal - Technician (Design and Technology) - Midday Supervisor - Cover Supervisor - Exam Invigilator 🖥️ To apply and find out about more exciting vacancies across our trust, click here; hslt.academy/vacanci… pic.twitter.com/9SuX…