English
Welcome to the English department!
‘Words have power.’
English Curriculum Intent
The Wixams Academy English department want to share our passion for the power of the written and spoken word with all students in our care. We aim to ensure that all students have the opportunity to access the ‘wonderful world of words’ and the individual liberty that can derive from expressing one’s self. It is our desire to enable students to confidently form and articulate their own views about the human condition and the world that they are part of. Alongside this, we strive to promote the responsibility that comes with that use of language; conveying the importance of accepting and respecting the differing views of others and the impact that our words can have on those around us.
Students study a range of texts and mediums, exploring wider meaning, writers’ language choices and the impact of structure. In addition to this, students craft writing skills in different styles and continue to build traditional literacy knowledge. Alongside these experiences, students also take part in regular speaking and listening activities. It is our firm belief that this approach will enable students to develop their confidence and abilities in preparation to confidently take their place in further education and the workplace.
Private reading is actively encouraged at Wixams Academy and we strive to create a culture of reading for pleasure for all. Students encounter a range of texts in lessons to inspire diverse reading material choices and take part in regular discussion about reading. Our school library is also available to support students in their efforts to embed reading as habit.
Through this combined knowledge, understanding and practical skill acquired in the study of English Language and Literature at Wixams, we firmly believe all pupils will be well prepared for their next steps into further education and the workplace. They will be able to express themselves verbally and in written form and be ready to use, understand and interpret the English Language throughout their lives.
Meet the team
Mrs Hill - Head of Department
Hello! My name is Mrs Hill and I am very proud to lead the English team at Wixams Academy. I have now been at the academy for four years and taught in other settings in the local area prior to this. English has always been a passion of mine; I am continually captivated by the beauty and power of language and imagination. When I am not teaching, I enjoy reading, creative writing, crafts and swimming. My favourite book is ‘Nineteen Eighty-Four’ by George Orwell.
Mrs Baden
I am Mrs Baden and I have worked in the local area for a number of years, before joining the Wixams community in 2019. I am passionate about literature, art and sociology within education. Outside of this I like to spend my time outdoors gardening, gaming, travelling or with animals.
Miss Crapnell
My name is Miss Crapnell. I am an English teacher and year 7 tutor at Wixams Academy. I enjoy reading, travelling and spending time outside. I love teaching literature, poetry and creative writing. I think English is an incredibly important subject as it gives us an opportunity to explore experiences that are different from our own and empathise with people from all over the world. My favourite YA book is Chaos Walking by Patrick Ness. My favourite classic novel is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
Miss Perry
I joined Wixams Academy in September 2018 and I have loved seeing our school community grow over the last few years. Although I love teaching all aspects of English Language and Literature, I most enjoy teaching Shakespeare. Being part of the RSC Associate Schools Programme means that we use rehearsal room techniques; this makes the experience far more engaging and accessible for our students. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors and long walks with my dog, Ziggy. My favourite novel is ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ by Margaret Atwood.
Miss Reilly
I am Miss Reilly. Before pursuing my passion as an English Teacher, I lived in the French Alps learning to snowboard. I have participated in charity events such as running marathons, cycling from London to Paris and climbing Kilimanjaro. I am in my third year of teaching at Wixams Academy and I am proud of the community we are creating here in Wixams. My favourite books are the Harry Potter series.
Miss Turney
I joined Wixams Academy in its founding year and have been astounded at how much it has evolved over the last few years. I am passionate about teaching and feel privileged that I am able to celebrate the successes and progress that each and every student makes; inside and outside the classroom.
When I am not in school I enjoy being out in the fresh air exploring with my family. After travelling a small part of the world prior to teacher training, that curiosity of discovering new places has never left; be it near or far! My favourite childhood book will always be Heidi by Johanna Spyri. I remember reading it over and over and hope that one day my own children will love it just as much! I am currently reading ‘The Dark Lady’ by Akala and am intrigued by his creativity and twist of Shakespearean influence that runs through each page.
What do students study?
Year 7
- The Hunger Games with Narrative and Descriptive Writing
- White Poppies
- Poems from Different Cultures
- Romeo and Juliet
Year 8
- Hope Springs
- Short Stories Language Study
- Character and Place Poetry
- Transactional Writing
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Year 9
- 19 Century Extracts Study
- Our Day Out
- ‘Towards A World Unknown’ Poetry Collection
- ‘Voices’ Multimedia Study
- Gender in Shakespeare
- Writing to Argue and Spoken Language
Years 10 and 11
- AQA GCSE English Language and Literature Courses
- Set Texts: Macbeth, A Christmas Carol, Blood Brothers and Power and Conflict Poetry
Extra Opportunities
- Regular trips (including theatre shows and literary heritage sites)
- Schools newspaper
- Debate Club
- Carnegie Book Award reading group
- Workshops and school visitors
- Wixams Reading Group
- RSC Associate Member Status- visits from RSC, workshop activities and career guidance
- Oracy 21 member with an oracy skills focus
