What’s covered (at a glance)#
At Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11), English builds on KS3 and prepares students for GCSE qualifications. Programmes typically cover:
English Language
- Reading a range of 19th-, 20th- and 21st-century texts (fiction and non-fiction): analysing language and structure, synthesising ideas, comparing texts, and evaluating writers’ methods. (GOV.UK)
- Writing for different purposes and audiences: creative/narrative and transactional pieces (e.g., letters, speeches, articles) with clear organisation, accurate grammar, punctuation and spelling (SPaG), and ambitious vocabulary. (GOV.UK)
- Spoken language: planning and delivering a presentation, responding to questions, and using Standard English appropriately. (GOV.UK)
English Literature
- Study of set texts typically including a Shakespeare play, a 19th-century novel, a modern prose/drama text, and a poetry anthology, plus unseen poetry comparison—developing interpretation, critical analysis and comparison skills. (GOV.UK)
Source context: DfE Secondary national curriculum (KS3–4) framework, which sets aims and subject entitlement and informs KS4 English programmes. (GOV.UK)
Common sticky spots#
- Unseen texts & poetry: inferring meaning quickly and structuring comparisons under time pressure.
- Analytical writing: crafting a clear thesis, selecting precise evidence, and explaining effects without “feature-spotting.”
- Balancing content and accuracy: sustaining argument while maintaining strong SPaG and coherent paragraphing.
- Context & terminology: using them selectively and relevantly rather than as bolt-ons.
- Exam timing: allocating minutes per question and sticking to a plan.
How I support your child#
- Diagnostic → tailored plan: quick baseline for reading/writing; targets aligned to assessment objectives and realistic timelines.
- Model–guide–independence: I model paragraph structures (e.g., evidence → analysis → evaluation), then guide practice and build independence with retrieval and quick drills.
- Close-reading routines: efficient annotation, zoom-in/zoom-out analysis, and comparison frameworks for unseen tasks.
- Writing workshops: planning frames, purposeful openings, varied sentence forms, and vocabulary upgrades—always with live feedback.
- Spoken confidence: low-pressure practice for presentations/debates with supportive sentence stems.
- Parent updates: concise notes after sessions and optional home tasks to keep momentum between lessons.