Year 7 – 9

English

Key Stage: KS3

English at Hammersmith Academy provides students with the opportunity to explore a rich and diverse body of texts that develop knowledge, understanding and appreciation of both Language and Literature. Through this exploration, students become confident, independent thinkers who can communicate effectively and creatively in preparation for the wider world.

Our English curriculum empowers students to become articulate, reflective and independent learners through a carefully sequenced journey from foundational knowledge to academic mastery. We introduce students to a diverse and inclusive range of literary and non-fiction texts — spanning time, place and voice — that encourage curiosity and critical thought.

Texts are deliberately selected to build threads of genre, theme and context from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5, creating continuity in skills and knowledge. Students analyse authorial intent, explore perspective and develop their own writing craft to express ideas with precision and purpose.

Through structured and continuous challenge, learners grow into insightful communicators who can write, read, speak and listen with confidence. At Key Stage 3, students move from securing foundational skills in Year 7 — comprehension, vocabulary and accurate expression — to developing analysis, comparison and interpretation in Year 8. By Year 9, they consolidate these skills to construct sustained arguments, critique texts, and form independent, critical interpretations.

Each year, the curriculum blends the study of literature and language equally. Modules alternate between reading and writing, using a base text as the catalyst for developing both skills. Every year group studies a Shakespeare play, ensuring a consistent encounter with literary heritage while developing textual and performance understanding.

The curriculum not only prepares students for the rigour of GCSE English but also cultivates a lifelong appreciation for language, creativity and storytelling.

Year-by-Year Curriculum

Year 7

Students are introduced to the foundations of literary study and written communication. They distinguish inference from analysis, build comprehension, expand vocabulary, and practise accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Modules include:

  • Module 1: Creative Writing (The Odyssey)
  • Module 2: Essay Writing (Binti)
  • Module 3: Transactional Writing (Travel Guides)
  • Module 4: Essay Writing (Identity Poetry)
  • Module 5: Creative Writing (Monologues – Romeo & Juliet)
  • Module 6: Essay Writing (Romeo & Juliet)
Year 8

Students develop greater independence in reading and writing, deepening their analytical and comparative skills. They examine authorial intent and learn to adapt language for purpose and audience.

Modules include:

  • Module 1: Creative Writing (The Giver)
  • Module 2: Essay Writing (The Giver)
  • Module 3: Transactional Writing (Reviews and Opinion Articles)
  • Module 4: Comparison Essay Writing (Relationship Poetry)
  • Module 5: Creative Writing (Script Writing – The Tempest)
  • Module 6: Essay Writing (The Tempest)
Year 9

Students consolidate prior learning, applying refined analytical and evaluative skills. They develop independent interpretations, explore subtext, and construct sustained arguments across genres and themes.

Modules include:

  • Module 1: Transactional Writing (Speeches – Animal Farm)
  • Module 2: Essay Writing (Animal Farm)
  • Module 3: Transactional Writing (Letters)
  • Module 4: Comparison Essay Writing (World War I Poetry)
  • Module 5: Creative Writing (The Merchant of Venice)
  • Module 6: Essay Writing (The Merchant of Venice)

Progression and Impact

By the end of Key Stage 3, students are equipped with the linguistic precision, analytical skill and creative confidence to excel in GCSE English Language and Literature.

Higher literacy levels strengthen comprehension and writing across the curriculum, enabling students to access complex material, communicate persuasively and think critically about the world around them.

Skills Gained

  • Analytical reading and critical interpretation
  • Creative and transactional writing
  • Accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG)
  • Comparative analysis and argument construction
  • Articulate verbal communication and discussion
  • Independent thinking and evaluative reasoning

These skills provide a strong foundation for success at GCSE and beyond, enhancing academic performance across all subjects and fostering confidence in written and spoken expression.

Partnerships & Enrichment

The English Department enriches classroom learning with access to wider literary experiences, including:

  • Theatre visits to see live Shakespeare and modern adaptations.
  • Writing workshops and author visits.
  • Engagement with the HA Literacy 100 reading programme to promote reading for pleasure.
  • Participation in World Book Day, reading challenges and creative writing competitions.

These opportunities encourage students to see themselves as readers, writers and thinkers — connected to literature and language beyond the classroom.

Potential Careers

Studying English at Key Stage 3 builds strong foundations in reading, writing and communication, supporting a wide range of future pathways, including:

Journalism and Media | Law and Legal Services | Teaching and Education | Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations | Publishing and Editing | Business and Corporate Communications

These skills underpin success across the curriculum and are highly valued in all professional fields.