English
At Harris Academy Riverside, our English curriculum takes students on a rich and carefully sequenced journey through a diverse range of literary texts.
Drawing from different time periods, cultures, forms, and perspectives, our curriculum is designed to support all students, respecting and celebrating their unique backgrounds and experiences.
Through this broad exposure, learners develop culturally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually, deepening their understanding of the world around them and expanding their cultural capital.
At the core of our curriculum is the progressive development of every student’s confidence and competence in both spoken and written communication — essential skills for thriving in further education, the workplace, and wider society. We are committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential.
We aim to challenge and support all students to cultivate their own authentic voice in writing and to develop as thoughtful, critical readers and thinkers. Through engagement with an increasingly demanding and diverse range of texts — including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama, and media — students are encouraged to read widely, both for information and for pleasure. This reading journey fosters not only a love of literature but also a deep understanding of audience, purpose, and context, alongside the ability to analyse language and structure with precision.
In writing, students are taught to craft purposeful and original responses that reflect growing mastery of grammar, vocabulary, and literary technique. We recognise and celebrate diverse linguistic backgrounds and styles, encouraging students to express themselves fluently, accurately, and creatively in ways that resonate with their identities and experiences.
At Riverside, we empower all students to see English not just as an academic subject, but as a means of personal expression and a gateway to understanding others. We believe that an inclusive and culturally responsive English curriculum enriches our students' lives — supporting their academic success while equipping them with the critical, creative, and communicative tools to shape their futures with confidence and empathy.
