English

Our aim in English is to promote high levels of interest and engagement whilst equipping students with the knowledge, understanding and skills to develop their reading, writing and spoken language skills. We aim to meet the needs and interests of our students through personalised lessons using a range of teaching strategies and techniques. The teaching and learning of English is the foundation for students in many other subjects and we strive to ensure students develop and improve their basic literacy skills.

At KS3 students study a range of topics e.g. Shakespeare, Modern Prose texts, Victorian texts, Crime and Horror. We track students’ progress through ongoing assessments in reading and writing fiction/non-fiction and provide intervention where necessary.

At KS4 we follow the Eduqas specifications for both GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature. Our aim is to ensure the study of language skills and literature set texts and poems are accessible for all and lessons are personalised to ensure students make progress.

There are two English Language exams which comprise of: –

Component 1: 20th Century Literature Reading and Creative Prose Writing

Students’ reading is assessed through their understanding of one prose extract of literature from the 20th century and a range of structured questions. They are then tasked with writing a story.

Component 2: 19th & 21st Century Literature Non-Fiction Reading and Transactional Writing

Students’ reading is assessed through their understanding of two extracts, one from the 19th century, the other from the 21st century, and a range of structured questions. They are given two writing tasks of a transactional/persuasive nature to respond to.

Component 3: Spoken Language

Students are tasked with giving a presentation/speech, including responses to questions and feedback. Achievement in Spoken Language will be reported as part of the qualification, but it will not form part of the final mark and grade.

There are two English Literature exams which comprise of: –

Component 1: Shakespeare and Poetry

Students answer an extract and an essay question based on Romeo & Juliet or Macbeth. The poetry section comprises of two questions based on poems from the studied Anthology, one of which involves comparison.

Component 2: Post-1914 Prose/Drama, 19th Century Prose and Unseen Poetry

Students answer one source-based question on An Inspector Calls by J.B Priestley and another source-based question on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. The poetry section comprises of two questions on unseen poems, one of which involves comparison.