Cardiff West Community High School

English and literacy

                          

English Department – Cardiff West Community High School 

Welcome to the English Department at Cardiff West Community High School, where we foster a deep appreciation for language, literature, and creative expression. Our mission is to empower every student to develop exceptional communication skills, sharpen critical thinking, and cultivate a lifelong passion for reading, writing, and exploring language in all its forms. 

Key Stage 3 English 

At Key Stage 3, students explore a rich and varied curriculum designed to build confidence and creativity. Our programme includes: 

  • Show and Tell – Encouraging students to share ideas and develop speaking skills. 

  • Reading Keys – Strategies to unlock meaning and deepen understanding of texts. 

  • Creative Writing – Crafting original stories, poems, and scripts. 

  • Poetry and Fiction – Exploring classic and contemporary works. 

  • Non-Fiction – Analysing articles, speeches, and persuasive writing. 

  • Classics – Studying timeless texts such as A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and The Speckled Band by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. 

Key Stage 4 English 

At Key Stage 4, students work towards the GCSE English Language and Literature Double Award, a core qualification that develops essential skills for education and beyond. The course enables learners to appreciate how language connects them to the world, engage with diverse texts, and refine their own written and verbal communication. A single award option is also available. 

  • Unit 1 – Context and Meaning: Poetry from the WJEC anthology. 

  • Unit 2 – Belonging: A prose text exploring themes of community and citizenship. 

  • Unit 3 – Influence and Power: Non-fiction texts examining how writers and speakers exert influence. 

  • Unit 4b – Motivations: A play or prose text focusing on characters’ attitudes and beliefs. 

  • Unit 5 – Continuity and Change: A Shakespeare play and pre-20th Century poetry. 

  • Unit 6 – Connections: Non-fiction texts exploring links between time, place, and language. 

This qualification provides a strong foundation for further study and careers in fields such as law, journalism, media, teaching, and public relations. 

Key Stage 5 – A-Level English Literature 

A-Level English Literature encourages students to read widely and independently, engaging critically and creatively with a range of texts. Learners develop literary analysis, evaluation skills, and explore historical and cultural contexts, as well as interpretations by other readers. Independent research and sustained study are key features of the course. 

AS Level (Year 1) 

  • Unit 1: Prose and Drama – Study a pre-1900 novel (Jane Eyre) and a drama text (A Streetcar Named Desire). 

  • Unit 2: Poetry Post-1900 – Compare works by Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes, exploring themes and techniques. 

A2 Level (Year 2) 

  • Unit 3: Poetry Pre-1900 and Unseen Poetry – Analyse a pre-1900 poetry text and develop strategies for unseen poems. 

  • Unit 4: Shakespeare – Explore a Shakespeare play in depth, considering language, themes, and historical context. 

  • Unit 5: Prose Study – Coursework comparing two prose texts from different periods (one pre-2000 and one post-2000), encouraging independent research. 

Beyond the Classroom 

We believe English is more than just a subject—it’s an experience. Students have opportunities to: 

  • Join the Debate Club – Sharpen argumentation and public speaking skills. 

  • Become part of the Book Club – Share recommendations and discover new authors. 

  • Enjoy Library Lessons – Develop research skills and explore diverse literature. 

  • Enter Creative Writing Competitions – Showcase talent and gain recognition. 

  • Attend Literary Events – Trips to inspiring festivals such as Scribblers and the world-renowned Hay Festival.