English

Subject Vision and Intent

Hodge Hill Girls’ School teach English programmes of study to Key Stage 3 pupils, which promote the pupils' appreciation and love of reading and prepares them for the demands of everyday life and their future careers. Our specialist English teachers deliver the new National Curriculum for English with enthusiasm and ensure lessons are taught in an inventive and inspiring way that encourages each pupil to develop their confidence in their written and oral communication. 

At Key Stage 4 the curriculum is designed to ensure pupils reach their full potential and attain the highest possible standards at GCSE level. At Hodge Hill Girls' School, a considerable number of pupils make three or more levels of progress between Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4, which is significantly higher than the national average.

 

 

 

 

Key Stage 4

GCSE English Literature

Exam Board AQA

Examinations

GCSE English Literature consists of two papers:  

  • Paper 1 – Shakespeare and Nineteenth Century Literature, 1 hour and 30 minutes 
  • Paper 2 – Modern Text and Poetry, 2 hours and 15 minutes.  

(For the Literature examination, no books are allowed in the exam.) 
Key Topics
  • Power and Conflict poetry 
  • Shakespeare - Romeo and Juliet or Macbeth or Merchant of Venice 
  • Nineteenth century Novel - Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde or A Christmas Carol or The Sign of Four 
  • Unit 4- Modern Text - An Inspector Calls or Blood Brothers or Animal Farm 

 

GCSE English Language

Exam Board AQA

Examinations

GCSE English Language consists of two papers:

  • Paper 1 – Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing (fiction), 1 hour and 45 minutes 
  • Paper 2 – Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives (non-fiction), 1 hour and 45 minutes 

Students will also prepare for, and take, the spoken language element of the English Language GCSE.
Key Topics

Reading:  

  • Critical reading and comprehension 
  • Summary and synthesis 
  • Evaluation of a writer’s choice of vocabulary, form, grammatical and structural features  
  • Comparing texts 

Writing:

  • Producing clear and coherent text
  • Writing for impact 

End of Summer Term 2026

A reminder to all parents/carers that school will be closed over the summer break - if you require safeguarding and well-being assistance, please visit the safeguarding area of the school website. If you have any immediate safeguarding concerns, please contact The Children's Advice and Support Service (CASS), they provide a single point of contact for professionals and members of the public who want to access support or raise concerns about a child. If you think someone is in immediate danger, the best thing to do is call 999 for the emergency services. School will reopen for all year groups on Thursday 3rd September 2026.

HHGS SUMMER TERM NEWSLETTER 2025-2026

Hodge Hill Girls School
Bromford Road
Birmingham
B36 8EY

0121 464 3094

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