English and English Literature
Teaching Staff
Mrs S Berry Head of English
Mrs J Lendrum (English) Vice Principal
Mrs J Reid (English/Journalism) Senior Teacher
Mrs N Gilbert (PA/English) Head of Performing Arts
Miss A Boyd (English) TIC Literacy
Mrs J Dickey (English/PA)
Mrs S Hanna (History /English)
INTRODUCTION
Each pupil is enabled, through a varied, challenging and rich programme of study, to reach his or her potential in English, a core subject within the school’s curriculum. English is an essential subject for each person’s development and an important preparation for life that also impacts upon all other subjects. The subject’s excellent success record at GCSE and Advanced Level make it a popular choice for pupils year after year.
TEACHING AND LEARNING AIMS
In the English Department we seek
- To empower pupils as lifelong learners whose command of language is exemplary and who gain pleasure and fulfilment from reading, writing, talking and listening.
- To empower pupils to develop as users of language who gradually take charge of their own lives and communicate effectively with others.
- Pupils will experience a wide variety of stimulating materials both for pleasure and for the development of a broad range of reading skills.
- Pupils will engage in a variety of oral and listening tasks and will be encouraged to develop self-confidence and independence of thought and expression.
- Pupils will be given frequent opportunities to write for a variety of purposes and readers. They will be encouraged to develop a range of writing skills in order to equip them as sophisticated and versatile users of language.
- The development of core English skills will enable pupils to fulfil and enjoy cultural, artistic and social aspirations, as well as leading them into fulfilling employment opportunities which fulfil their ambitions.
KEY STAGE 3 SUMMARY
Pupils work to achieve success in: Talking and Listening, Reading and Writing while exploring and reflecting on the content and issues associated with various cross-curricular themes.
In Years eight to ten, pupils have a fortnightly period in the LRC where they read for pleasure and learn research skills. Each class also has a drama period. During the remaining periods, pupils are given opportunities to debate, role-play, use I.T., draft and edit work and develop critical skills. Each unit of work produces coursework and oral activities, the marks for which contribute to all internal examinations and pupils gain confidence in self-expression, self-management, problem solving and interaction with others. They are prepared for internal KS3 assessment and, ultimately, G.C.S.E.
Areas of Specific Focus
Reading and Writing Skills
Reading for pleasure and understanding
Language competence
Drama
An Introduction to Shakespeare
Prose and poetry
Writing in the media
GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
All examinations will be taken at the end of year 12
Content |
Assessment |
Weighting |
Personal Writing & Reading Multi Modal Texts |
Unit 1: Examination – 1hour and 30 minutes |
20% |
Functional Writing & Reading Non Fiction |
Unit 2: Examination – 1hour and 30 minutes |
20% |
Speaking and Listening |
Unit 3: Controlled Assessment |
20% |
Studying Spoken and Written Language & Writing Creatively |
Unit 4: Controlled Assessment - 3 pieces of written work |
40% |
GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE
All examinations will be taken at the end of year 12
Content |
Assessment |
Weighting |
The Study of Prose |
Unit 1: Examination – 1 hour |
25% |
The Study of Drama & Poetry: Drama, Poetry Anthology and Unseen Poetry. |
Unit 2: Examination – 2 hours |
50% |
The Study of linked Texts – content changes every year |
Unit 3: Controlled Assessment |
25% |
A LEVEL ENGLISH LITERATURE
YEAR 13
Unit |
Title |
Mode of Assessment |
Weighting |
1 |
The Study of Poetry and Drama 1900 - Present |
Examination: 2 questions, 2 hours |
60% AS 24% A Level |
2 |
The Study of Prose Pre 1900 |
Examination: 1 question, 1 hours |
40% AS 16% A Level
|
YEAR 14
Unit |
Title |
Mode of Assessment |
Weighting |
3 |
The Study of Poetry 1300-1800 and Drama |
Closed book examination: two questions, one on a Poetry text, one on a pair of drama texts. 2 hours |
25% A Level |
4 |
The Study of Prose – theme based |
Examination: two questions, one requiring close analysis of an extract from a text, one on a pair of novels. 2 hours |
25% A Level
|
EXTRA CURRICULAR/EXTENDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Junior Drama Club
The junior drama club is open to Years 8 – 10 and meets on a weekly basis. It is an exciting and imaginative opportunity for pupils to ‘remove the desks’ and interact creatively through a wide range of stimulating activities.
Literacy Groups
These groups meet on a weekly basis. They provide opportunities for targeted support in all areas of English and Literacy, in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
Theatre Trips
The English Department runs a variety of theatre trips for senior pupils throughout the year. These are used to complement and to stimulate further discussion on prescribed examination text.
Scribes
A Creative Writing Club for all age groups, taken by sixth form pupils on a weekly basis from October to April. Students will learn new skills in a fun and friendly environment which will encourage creativity and introduce new ways of using language to communicate effectively. They will enter competitions, as appropriate.
GCSE Support Group
The GCSE Support Group is for pupils in year 12. It meets on a weekly basis from January to June and provides extra help and support in English and English Literature on an individual or group basis. Revision classes are provided for all year 12 pupils before and during Study Leave.
Public Speaking/Soroptimist Club
Aims: Public Speaking aims to promote:
- Confidence in oral communication across a range of thought-provoking topics
- Effective speech writing strategies
- Confidence to address groups of people
- Enjoyment
Events: Public speaking is competition-based. Rather than meeting on a weekly basis, we prepare students for competitions throughout the school year. In the past, this has led students to speak in prestigious forums such as The Council Chamber and even The European Parliament.
CAREERS OPPORTUNITIES
The study of English Literature develops skills and academic proficiency much sought after by universities and employers. Here are some of the many careers to which this subject opens doors:
- Law
- Journalism
- Teaching
- Theatre
- Librarian
- Civil service
- Speech Therapy
- Marketing
- Media
- Personnel Work
- Social Work
- And many, many more