At St Catherine’s College, the English curriculum is designed to open the minds of our students, enabling them to explore ideas, opinions, and attitudes while confidently expressing their own. Rooted in our mission to prepare students to stand shoulder to shoulder with their peers locally, nationally, and globally, we inspire them to achieve their God-given potential by fostering ambition, hard work, resilience, and responsibility. 

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

• Develop morally responsible and empathetic individuals who positively influence their communities.
• Cultivate enthusiastic, competent, and lifelong learners with a love for speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
• Foster critical thinking and creativity, empowering students to engage with the complexities of the modern world.
• Equip students with foundational literacy skills that unlock future opportunities, supporting success in all subjects and preparing them for both education and employment. 

Our curriculum encourages students to explore: 

• A diverse and culturally significant range of texts, from Shakespeare to contemporary works, that reflect key events, relationships, identity, and human experiences.
• Moral and ethical themes, promoting care for others, awareness of disadvantage or mistreatment, and the importance of making positive choices. 
• Social and spiritual development, enhancing their understanding of the world and fostering a sense of responsibility and empathy. 

Through these studies, students are exposed to a rich and varied vocabulary, enabling them to become confident communicators and thoughtful, reflective individuals. They are encouraged to develop their worldviews, think beyond their immediate experiences, and understand the relevance and importance of English in today’s global society. We focus on social and spiritual development, enhancing students' understanding of the world and their sense of responsibility and empathy. For example, we explore how characters and themes in literature reflect issues like inequality, resilience, and justice, enabling students to make meaningful connections to their own lives and communities. 

Key aspects of our curriculum include: 

• Exposing students to a rich and varied vocabulary to help them become confident communicators and reflective individuals. 
• Building resilience, creativity, and self-confidence, ensuring they can express themselves effectively and with purpose. 
• Encouraging connections between literature and the real world, fostering character development and ethical awareness. 

English is a vital stepping stone to unlocking future opportunities, with foundational skills that are highly valued by employers and educators and applicable across all subjects. As our students progress, they gain the confidence to articulate their ideas, appreciate diverse perspectives, and develop the skills needed to thrive in an interconnected world.  

English at St Catherine’s College is not just a subject, but a foundation for success, personal growth, and meaningful contributions to society. 

For full details of the English curriculum for all year groups, please see below. If you would like further information or have any queries, please contact Mrs E Hamblyn, Head of English via ehamblyn@stcatherines.college