At Bolder Academy, our English curriculum is designed to develop our students into kind, strong, brave young adults where a Bolder future awaits. 

The aims of the English Curriculum 

Our English curriculum is designed to: 

• Develop critical thinkers who understand the vital role of reading, writing, and spoken language as core life skills. 

• Cultivate a love of reading while equipping students with effective communication skills that support them throughout their school journey and into the wider world. 

How We Deliver English 

At Bolder Academy, we follow the national curriculum and integrate elements of the Ark Mastery Programme at Key Stage 3 to provide a curriculum with both depth and breadth.

Our Approach: 

• Reading: Students engage deeply with key texts, exploring complex and thought-provoking works that expand their understanding of the English language and literature. We encourage reading for pleasure and as a means of acquiring information. 

• Writing: Students are taught the conventions of standard English, including grammar and age-appropriate vocabulary. They develop their skills in planning, drafting, editing, and proofreading, fostering clarity and precision in their written work. 

• Spoken Language: Students learn the conventions of discussion and debate, working collaboratively to express ideas and engage in thoughtful dialogue. 

Our curriculum builds on the foundational knowledge from Key Stage 2, progressively guiding students to tackle increasingly sophisticated knowledge, concepts, and skills as they advance.

At Key Stage 4 and 5, we aim to foster an appreciation for our rich and diverse literary heritage, alongside the cultural capital our students deserve. To this end, our selected texts offer students opportunities to explore canonical works, seminal world literature, and impactful non-fiction, nurturing a habit of reading widely and frequently.

Our Intended Impact in English 

We will know we have succeeded when our students embody our Academy's three core values both within and beyond the classroom. They will demonstrate: 

Kindness: Through clear, confident communication, both written and spoken. Our students will express their ideas and emotions thoughtfully, enriching their cultural, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual development.

Strength: By nurturing a genuine love for reading and understanding its essential role in expanding knowledge and building on their learning foundations.

Bravery: By embracing the challenge of studying pivotal works in the English literary canon and articulating their insights with academic confidence and critical thought.

Additionally, we aim to prepare our students effectively for their next academic steps, whether that be GCSE and A-level exams, university studies, or the broader demands of the working world.