“It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.”

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, J.K. Rowling

English forms the basis for our development, relationships and our understanding of the world around us. The study of English is key to our personal growth and, through the development of effective written and spoken communication, it is the foundation for all our learning. We believe that students deserve a broad and ambitious English curriculum, rich in skills and knowledge, which ignites curiosity and prepares them well for future learning or employment. The ability to communicate effectively, confidently and with clarity is crucial in school, but also in becoming an effective participant in our wider society with skills of communication being key to accessing the world of work and in navigating adult life. 

The English department Kempston Academy aims to do this through an ambitious and accessible curriculum which frequently links between topics and concepts and will enable all students to grow. 

The works of William Shakespeare are interwoven across all three key stages reflective of his cultural significance, challenging language and the appeal of transitional universal themes. His work is instrumental to the development of critical thinking and the importance of individual perspectives. Students will also be introduced to a range of genres inclusive of fiction, non-fiction and original writing. They will develop skills of retrieval, inference and analysis, carving the identity of their own interpretations and opinions. In turn, through the development of expression, students will acquire a wide vocabulary, embedding a clear, accurate and coherent written style.