At St Catherine’s College, our English curriculum is designed to broaden students’ horizons. Through reading, writing, speaking and discussion, students encounter new ideas, perspectives and experiences, while developing the confidence to articulate and challenge ideas of their own. 

In line with our mission to prepare students to stand shoulder to shoulder with their peers locally, nationally and globally, we have created an ambitious and inclusive curriculum that enables every student to develop the knowledge, vocabulary and communication skills they need to succeed. 

Our Aims 

Through the study of English Language and Literature, we aim to: 

• develop confident, articulate readers, writers and speakers; 

• foster a genuine enjoyment of reading and an appreciation of literature; 

• build the literacy skills that underpin success across the curriculum and beyond school; 

• encourage students to think critically, creatively and independently; 

• expose students to ambitious vocabulary, ideas and concepts; 

• develop students’ understanding of different perspectives, cultures and experiences; 

• encourage thoughtful, empathetic and responsible engagement with the world around them. 

Our Curriculum 

Students study a rich and carefully sequenced range of texts, from Shakespeare and canonical literature to modern fiction, poetry and non-fiction. These texts allow students to explore enduring ideas about identity, relationships, power, conflict, inequality, justice and the human experience. 

We want students to understand that literature does not exist in isolation. They are encouraged to consider the social, historical and cultural forces that shape texts and to make meaningful connections between literature, their own experiences and the wider world. 

Alongside this, our English Language curriculum develops students as purposeful and increasingly sophisticated communicators. Students learn to analyse how language is used to shape meaning and influence audiences, while developing their own ability to write accurately, creatively and persuasively for different purposes and contexts. 

Vocabulary and oracy are central to our curriculum. Through explicit teaching, modelling, discussion and regular opportunities to articulate their thinking, students develop the language they need to express increasingly complex ideas with confidence and precision. 

Reading at St Catherine’s College

We believe that reading is fundamental to both academic success and personal development. Our curriculum introduces students to engaging and challenging texts while giving them opportunities to read independently, discuss what they have read and discover their own interests. 

Through lessons, wider reading and enrichment opportunities, we aim to create curious, enthusiastic readers who continue to read beyond the classroom. 

Preparing students for the future 

English provides students with skills that extend far beyond the classroom. The ability to read critically, communicate clearly, listen carefully, evaluate different perspectives and express ideas with confidence is essential for further education, employment and participation in the wider world. 

By the time students leave St Catherine’s College, we want them to have developed not only the knowledge and skills needed for academic success, but also the confidence, curiosity and independence to engage thoughtfully with the world around them. 

English at St Catherine’s is more than preparation for exams. It provides students with the language, knowledge and confidence to understand the world, find their own voice and make meaningful contributions to it. 

For full details of the English curriculum for each year group, please see the curriculum information below. 

For further information or enquiries about English at St Catherine’s College, please contact Mrs E Hamblyn, Head of English, at ehamblyn@stcatherines.college.