English study at Sutton Grammar School is focused on developing thoughtfulness, accuracy and confidence.
Our spiral curriculum has been carefully designed to develop a full range of reading, writing, speaking and listening skills, whilst allowing pupils to fully explore a rich and edifying selection of texts. We have thought about the needs of our cohort when making text selections, ensuring that students experience a range of thought-provoking and spiritually uplifting topics. The tasks and text difficulty become increasingly more challenging as boys move up the school to match their increasing levels of ability. We also greatly value the craft of writing, and make grammar, punctuation, as well as vocabulary building, a regular activity in lessons. To help pupils to retain key aspects of the learning, we have embedded quizzes and ‘spaced recall’ activities. We also subscribe to a range of digital theatre platforms to further dual code pupil set text knowledge.
The English Faculty offers lots of enrichment activities too. We often arrange trips to the theatre, run reading and writing initiatives (such as the annual House Poetry event), and English teachers look to support all abilities in and around their lessons – issuing additional resources to help pupils catch up or to push them further. The pupil-run magazine (Eloquent) is an example of passion for prose that exists in the SGS community, and we work with the library to promote reading as much as possible.
Year 7
During Year 7, students will frequently reflect on the concept of empathy and heroism. Boys are challenged to question ideas around ‘otherness’ and are encouraged to empathise with everyone in society. Alongside studying “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time”, boys will encounter several well-known myths and legends, be introduced to a wide variety of poems, and study a comedy by William Shakespeare, before studying a Non Fiction text in the Summer. Boys will begin to develop critical reading skills as well as confidence in their imaginative writing – as well as cultural capital. Carefully curated reading lessons will introduce boys to a wide range of literature, including classical stories.
Year 8
The texts become more challenging in Year 8, with boys moving onto the Victorian era – studying The Gothic, including “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde” and an abridged version of “Dracula”. Pupils will also explore abstract worlds as well as the charismatic genre of travel writing. Building on Year 7, pupils are challenged to include historical context when analysing the Romantic Period and its rich collection of poetry.
Year 9
In this final year before GCSEs, pupils are faced with powerful and hard hitting stories of prejudice and violence. Beginning with “Whale Rider” (a story of a girl struggling within a patriarchy), boys are asked to reflect on the nature of turbulent societies where institutionalised prejudice is commonplace: Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” becomes a vehicle for discussion and close analysis – as does Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”, which we encourage boys to read in its entirety. Throughout the year, the reading and writing knowledge, gained in Years 7 and 8, is consolidated and built on, leaving students ready for the next phase of study.
English Language and English Literature
Specification – AQA – English Language (8700) Specification – AQA – English Literature (8702)
What you will learn
In English, you will study two GCSEs: English Language and English Literature. The course explores a range of texts, including Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”, Charles Dickens ”A Christmas Carol” and Russell’s “Blood and Brothers”. You will develop skills in analysis, critical thinking, and clear communication, which are essential for success in all subjects and everyday life.
How you will learn
Through engaging lessons, class discussions, and writing tasks, you will explore the meanings behind words and texts. Teachers will guide you in mastering grammar, punctuation, and essay writing, helping you express ideas effectively. Regular practice and constructive feedback will build your confidence.
How you will be assessed
Assessment is through the spoken language certificate at the beginning of the course and through written exams at the end of the course. To help you prepare for this, we will give you key assessments and mocks during your two years. English Language focuses on critically reading unseen texts and writing your own fiction and non-fiction pieces. English Literature evaluates your understanding of set texts and your ability to analyse and articulate how meaning is created.
Where next
Proficiency in English opens many doors and is highly valued in careers such as law, business, politics, journalism and education.
Specification – AQA – English Literature (7717)
Who this course is for
This course is ideal for students who have a passion for reading and writing, and who are curious about exploring the deeper meanings within literature. It is especially suited to those interested in analyzing plays, poems, and novels to better understand human nature and society. This course is suitable for students who have achieved grades 9 to 7 in GCSE (or equivalent) English Literature or English Language.
What you will learn
English Literature at A Level explores some of the most profound texts in literary history, encouraging you to think deeply about humanity, culture, and society. You will analyze a range of genres, from classic tragedies to crime writing, enhancing your critical thinking and writing skills.
Key areas of study include:
- Aspects of Tragedy: Study of three texts, including Shakespeare and pre-1900 works. Likely texts: Othello, Death of a Salesman, Tess of the D’Urbervilles.
- Elements of Crime Writing: Study of three texts, including one post-2000 prose, one poetry, and one pre-1900 text. Likely texts: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, Atonement, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.
- Coursework: Two essays (1,250–1,500 words each) on a poetry and prose text, linked to a critical anthology.
How you will learn
Through class discussions, essays, and close reading of texts, you will develop your analytical skills and personal voice as a writer. The course encourages a deep understanding of both the texts and their historical and cultural contexts, with opportunities to discuss and challenge ideas. Regular reading and engagement with class debates will sharpen your skills in forming thoughtful, well-structured arguments.
What you will need to bring
A passion for reading and discussing literature is essential. You will need a notebook for notes, annotations, and personal reflections on the texts studied. A genuine interest in history and culture will also support your understanding of the contextual elements of the texts.
How you will be assessed
Assessment is split between exams and coursework:
- Paper 1 (Aspects of Tragedy): 2-hour 30-minute written exam (closed book), covering three texts. (40%)
- Paper 2 (Elements of Crime Writing): 3-hour written exam (open book), including an unseen passage. (40%)
- Coursework: Two essays based on the Critical Anthology, each 1,250–1,500 words. (20%)
Where next
A Level English Literature prepares you for a wide range of careers, from law and journalism to marketing, publishing, and teaching. Many students go on to study English at university, with several securing places at prestigious institutions such as Oxford. However, the analytical and writing skills developed in this course are valuable in diverse fields, including banking, advertising, social work, and the civil service.