Rationale
Our Vision in English
Our vision is that every student experiences the richness and relevance of language and literature throughout their study of English at Haslingden High. We aim to create an inclusive, inspiring environment where students develop a deep respect for the power of language and literature while engaging critically with a diverse range of texts and exploring big ideas. Through thoughtful discussion, creative expression, and analytical thinking, students build the confidence, empathy, and skills to communicate effectively in a variety of personal, academic, and real world contexts.
The English faculty
The English faculty at Haslingden High is a large, highly successful team consistently achieving GCSE and A Level results well above the national average. It is led by an experienced Curriculum Leader, supported by an Assistant Curriculum Leader responsible for KS3, and two Subject Leaders specialising in English Language and English Literature.
We follow the Eduqas specifications at GCSE, with all students entered for both English Language and Literature. At KS5, English Language and English Literature are popular A Level choices.
English Overview
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Open in new tab Homework
Homework is an important part of learning. It enhances and extends the work covered in lessons, promotes independent learning and helps students with organisational skills and time management.
KS3 (Years 7–9)
Students use Sparx Reader, an adaptive online platform that improves reading fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary through personalised, engaging texts. This promotes reading for pleasure, supports literacy skills, tracks progress, and encourages independent learning.
Why are the English faculty using Sparx Reader for homework at KS3?
- Promotes Reading for Pleasure – Encourages students to develop a habit of regular reading with engaging, age-appropriate texts.
- Personalised Learning – Texts are matched to students’ reading levels, ensuring accessibility and challenge.
- Develops Key Literacy Skills – Supports comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and analytical thinking, which are crucial for success in English.
- Tracks and Motivates Progress – Provides teachers, students and parents with data on student engagement and performance, enabling targeted support.
- Supports Independent Learning – Encourages self-discipline and responsibility for learning beyond the classroom.
Year 10
Homework consolidates language and literature skills, often through exam style questions, writing tasks, and knowledge retrieval. Tasks encourage independent learning via research, revision aids, and pre-lesson preparation to maximise classroom input. Weekly homework is set with prompt review encouraged, and feedback may be provided in various methods; the school’s behaviour system used to provide housepoints or “homework high flyer” recognition where appropriate.
Year 11
Y11 pupils will be given a piece of English homework to complete each week which may be focused on GCSE English literature and/or GCSE English language. The focus of the homework will be determined by the individual class teacher that will aim to provide opportunities for extended practice of skills taught in class and to develop students’ capacity for independent learning.
Literature homework is designed to enable pupils to build up their revision materials, practise writing timed essays, and close any gaps in their subject knowledge in advance of the GCSE assessment. Pupils may be directed to quizzes on Socrative, alongside other resources on Showbie. Tasks may include re-reading set texts or listening to audio versions; annotating extracts and poems; completing essay plans; learning key quotes; taking online recall quizzes; producing knowledge organisers, flashcards, mind maps and other visual aids. Students may also be set essays to write independently in timed conditions using essay plans / notes from lessons during the week. Students should be encouraged to practise essay writing in timed conditions in order to build writing resilience and stamina. Teachers will regularly monitor the completion of this work. Further independent study suggestions will be provided on an optional basis for students wishing to extend their learning.
For English Language, homework may include a combination of short skills-development and knowledge retrieval tasks, such as SPAG worksheets, as well as long-answer exam practice questions. As year 11 students move towards their exams, they should expect to be set more exam-style responses to complete independently, supported by reading and planning work done in class. As an entirely skills-based subject, it is essential that pupils regularly revisit and reinforce the skills taught in class through frequent practice at home which is also designed to build up the writing speed and stamina necessary for exam success. Tasks may require pupils to read a passage of fiction or non-fiction and answer a series of questions which test their ability to analyse, evaluate and compare texts. They will be asked to produce their own written texts across a wide range of genres, such as narratives, letters, reports, reviews, speeches and lively articles. Further independent study suggestions will be provided on an optional basis for students wishing to extend their learning.
Years 12 and 13 English Language
Students complete varied weekly tasks, including terminology revision, note-taking, wider reading, research, coursework, presentations, extended essays, and editing to close knowledge gaps. Year 13 dedicates part of homework to coursework for Component 4 NEA (20%).
Year 12 English Literature
Homework combines reading and written tasks on core texts, Gothic literature, and “Hamlet” to consolidate learning and prepare for exams. Independent study focuses on context (AO3) and critical interpretation (AO5).
Year 13 English Literature
Weekly tasks include timed exam-style questions to develop writing stamina and monitor understanding of texts and assessment objectives. Independent study involves recall and revision activities supported by modelling revision techniques and resources. Coursework is completed independently in Year 13.