English

The Tutorial Foundation Curriculum – broad and balanced

English Curriculum

Summary

English is taught to all students at the school, typically for three or more lessons per week. The aim is to ensure every student has the opportunity to achieve a suitable English qualification, either GCSE or Functional Skills, based on their individual ability.

Teaching / Delivery

Lessons are delivered regularly by qualified English tutors using a variety of methods, including teacher explanation, question-and-answer sessions, directed study, online videos, scaffolding techniques, and interactive student activities.

Students are continuously assessed to ensure appropriate challenge for higher achievers and targeted one-to-one support for those needing literacy intervention through the Fresh Start programme.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9)

The curriculum follows the National Curriculum Programmes of Study, offering a wide range of fiction and non-fiction texts. Areas of study include:

Contemporary and pre-1914 literature
Shakespeare
Poetry
19th-century non-fiction
Transactional writing

Weekly lessons focus on spelling, punctuation, grammar, and vocabulary development. Reading for pleasure is actively encouraged across the school.

Key Stage 4 (GCSE Pathway)

English Language (Edexcel IGCSE)

Students study a broad selection of non-fiction texts to develop reading, comprehension, and analytical skills. Writing tasks focus on:

Standard English
Grammar
Spelling and punctuation
Clear and coherent expression

Assessment

Component 1 (60%): Written Exam
- Section A: Reading (unseen and pre-release non-fiction)
- Section B: Transactional writing
Component 3 (40%): Coursework
- Analysis of three fiction texts (poems and short stories)
- Imaginative writing based on a prompt

Mock exams are held in the autumn and spring terms.

English Literature (Edexcel IGCSE)

Students explore a variety of fiction texts from the literary canon, including poetry, prose, and drama, with a focus on developing analytical skills.

Assessment

Component 1 (60%): Written Exam
- Of Mice and Men (modern novel)
- Anthology poetry
- Unseen poetry
Component 3 (40%): Coursework
- An Inspector Calls (essay on character or theme)
- Macbeth (essay on theme, character, and context)

Non-GCSE Pathway (Functional Skills – Pearson Edexcel)

Functional Skills qualifications are available for students not pursuing GCSEs. These nationally recognised certifications focus on practical English skills.

Entry Levels 1–3
Students build foundational reading and writing skills, including vocabulary and sentence structure.

Levels 1 and 2
Designed to equip learners with essential skills for everyday life, learning, and employment. These qualifications are mandatory for all apprenticeship frameworks in England.

Edexcel Awards in English
Standalone qualifications that help students build confidence in:

Reading
Writing
Speaking, Listening and Communication

Assessments can be completed throughout the year. These awards are particularly valuable for students attending The Tutorial Foundation for a limited time, providing a recognised measure of progress before returning to mainstream education.