English
Overview
The English Department aims to:
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Enable learners to become precise, confident and creative in their use of the English Language.
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Foster and promote a love of Literature.
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Enable learners to read critically and for enjoyment.
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Develop learners’ abilities to express themselves effectively through writing for different audiences in various forms.
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Encourage learners to speak confidently in a range of contexts and listen attentively in order to respond appropriately.
Learning at Key Stage 3
Throughout Key Stage 3, English Language skills are taught through a Literature focus.
In Year 7, learners follow schemes of learning which include: Treasure Island, conflict poetry, gothic fiction and an introduction to Shakespeare focusing on Romeo and Juliet.
In Year 8, learners will follow schemes of learning which include: Animal Farm, Love & Relationships poetry, an introduction to Victorian Literature and The Curious Incident in the Night-time play script.
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Key Stage 3 - English Course Overviews 2019-20
Learning at Key Stage 4
Learners follow the Eduqas exam syllabus for GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature. Both GCSE English Language and Literature are assessed through 100% exam. Learners will sit the GCSE English Literature exam at the end of Year 10 and the GCSE English Language exam at the end of Year 11.
In Year 9, learners will begin the GCSE English Literature course studying: Shakespeare’s Macbeth, A Christmas Carol, Blood Brothers and an anthology of 18 poems. The focus of the exam preparation in Year 9 will be to secure the plot, characters and themes of each text.
In Year 10, learners will revisit each key text with a clear focus on exam technique, exploring the text in more depth and approaching the exam questions. Learners will also explore a range of strategies to develop their skills of analysis in unseen poetry.
In Year 11, learners will prepare for their GCSE English Language exam where they will explore a range of fiction and non-fiction texts from the 19th-21st Century. This exam will also assess their creative and transactional writing skills.
A formal presentation/speech will be completed during the GCSE course.
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Key Stage 4 - English Course Overviews 2019-20
Learning at Key Stage 5
In Year 13, students will prepare for their final exams by studying the genre of crime writing through the set texts including When Will There Be Good News?, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd and The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, and in revisiting the genre of tragedy. Students will also complete two pieces of coursework, writing about one prose text and a collection of poetry.
Extra-Curricular Activities
The department are involved in a range of extra-curricular activities including:
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Youth Speaks competition
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Reading/book clubs for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 5
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Writing competitions
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Theatre visits and drama visits to School
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Year 5 transition programme – Junior Journalists