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English, Literacy & Multilingualism


English, Literacy and Multilingualism Department

The English, literacy & multilingualism department, led by Head of Department, Laura Ashton, is proud to provide a broad range of stimulating, inspiring and imaginative experiences both in the classroom and around the Academy.

Our English curriculum nurtures a passion and love of literature from across the world, with the ambition to equip all students with the ability to speak, read and write fluently and with confidence. Our students embrace exposure to cultural capital through a range of well-considered texts across the literary canon, but also reaching beyond traditionally studied authors to include a diverse range of voices and perspectives. Our curriculum teaches students critical reading skills, enabling them to read a range of texts intelligently, analytically and perceptively. Students at Thomas Deacon Academy are given a wealth of opportunities to write creatively using foundational knowledge and understanding of grammar, and the principles of rhetoric. Student literacy is linked to the real world through our engagement in creative writing, spoken language competitions and our extra-curricular offer: students see that what they write and say can change the world, and how it is a critical skill for future careers and aspirations. Our curriculum is built on a foundation of core knowledge in the areas of grammar, linguistics, academic literary concepts, vocabulary, context and form. Our curriculum is enhanced through digital provision, utilising Accelerated Reader, GCSEPOD, Tassomai and ONENOTE for learning within and beyond the classroom. Our teachers are proud Microsoft Educators. 

What will you study during English at TDA?

In English throughout KS3 and KS4, we explore the world of Dystopian literature, modern conflict texts and  Shakespearian plays, whilst also engaging with contemporary authors, poets and modern play scripts.  From Key Stage 3, our topics are taught over three terms to allow for literary, language and contextual knowledge to build alongside a skill base allowing students to make the best progress, transfer key knowledge to their long-term memory and be able to apply them fluently.  These topics include Victorian England, Dystopia, Conflict, Prejudice, Growing up and Relationships.  The English department pride themselves on fostering a spirit of creativity within all students – whether that’s through media, creative writing, good literature or drama.  During years 10 and 11, pupils’ study AQA English language and AQA English Literature. Our core texts are Macbeth; A Christmas Carol; An Inspector Calls and Power & Conflict Poetry.

At KS5, pupils are offered the opportunity to study the Edexcel English Language and Literature (9ELO) course, exploring The Great GatsbyA Streetcar Named Desire and A Raisin in the sun, and an anthology of Voices in Speech and Writing.  Accompanying this, pupils will also develop their creative writing for the coursework element. Or, pupils can study the AQA Literature B course, exploring The Kite Runner, William Blake, Othello, Death of a salesman, Tess of the D’Urbervilles and The handmaid’s tale.

Pupils can also opt to take the GCSE in Media Studies, this will help pupils develop a wider understanding and appreciation of the media, both historical and contemporary, and their role in society, culture and politics.  Pupils will apply their academic knowledge in the creation of their own media production.

The English, media, literacy and multilingual team has 25 members of staff that teach across KS3-KS5.

Staff work hard to equip our learners to become curious, effective communicators with a secure knowledge of the world around them.   Results for the department in Summer 2022 included an increase in those achieving grades 9-7, 9-5 and 9-4 in English. Overall,  69% of the students attained Grades 9-4. If you have any general questions, please contact the Head of Department Laura.ashton@tda.education