English is the medium of instruction at BSB, meaning we immerse our students in English throughout most of their lessons. However, the English Language is a subject in its own right. We challenge students to develop their understanding of how and why writers use specific words or how the structure of a text can convey a hidden meaning.

At Key Stage 3, we continue to build on the foundations of Key Stage 2 to develop students’ engagement with English Language and Literature and develop their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. It is essential at this point to differentiate between language acquisition and the study of the English Language from Key Stage 3 onwards.

Students at Key Stage 3 may also follow the Cambridge English as a Second Language course, depending on the outcome of their English language placement test.

English is a crucial qualification required for all further study where English is the primary language. To ensure your success, there are two concurrent courses:

• IGCSE English Language and IGCSE English Literature;
• IGCSE English as a Second Language.

Most students will study the curriculum for GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature until December of Year 11, at which point they will be assessed.

Depending on the end-of-year assessments, some students will study English as a Second Language in Year 10 to help them prepare for studies in Year 11.

Students follow the Edexcel English Literature and English Language syllabus, which aims to develop interest  in language,  literature  and literary studies, allowing you  to  engage  creatively  and critically with a substantial body of texts. The course explores the ways in which readers can respond to texts, considering the context in which they were written, and how traditions have changed over the course of the history of English literature.

English Literature:

At AS Level:

You are required to show an understanding of:

• Selected poems from a collection of post-2000 poetry
• One post-2000 novel
• One pre 1900 drama
• One post 1900 drama

N.B. Some students may be accelerated based on their ability and motivation to complete the extended course in one year and to complete an additional qualification in Year 11.

At A Level:

In addition to the knowledge required at AS Level, you are also required to show an understanding of:

• Post 1900 unseen poetry
• Two novels on a central theme
• One Shakespearean play
• Selected poems from one collection of poetry from a selected literary movement.

English Language

The Edexcel English Language A-Level consists of four units. While each component takes a look at completely different aspects of English, they all are full of skills that will aid our students in later life, as well as, hopefully, allowing for a growing interest in the language that we all share, and how it came to be. Across the four units, students will gain understanding of graphology, morphology, pragmatics, semantics, phonetics and syntax.

Unit 1: Context and Identity

Unit 2: Language in Transition.

Unit 3: Crafting Language.

Unit 4: Language investigation

Media is offered at KS5 and follows the CAIE course. Students develop a critical understanding of international media through different media products and concepts.  The learner will also develop practical skills in production processes and technologies and develop an appreciation for media and its role in their every day lives.  There will be exploration of the impact of media across a variety of different cultures and how this can influence opinions and values.

At AS Level:

The following topics are studied:

• Media Texts
• Technical Elements
• Media Contexts
• At least one of the following: Film, Music, Print, Radio and Podcasts, and Video Games.