English
Introduction
Confidence and competence in English is of course very important to success in this and other subjects. The English department works hard to ensure that all pupils are effective communicators – when both writing and speaking. We also endeavour to produce a love of literature in our students.
English Club, held on Thursdays in the lecture theatre, offers support to pupils in years 7 to 9 who need extra help in the subject. There are also opportunities to participate in Creative Writing.
Facilities
The English department is housed within a suite of three rooms. These comprise ‘The Lecture Theatre’, a large space particularly suited to drama activities, E1 and E2, which are more traditional classrooms. Each room has a data projector, desktop computer and video.
Curriculum
At key stage 3, we follow the government’s National Literacy Framework. All pupils study a variety of non-fiction, fiction, poetry and drama, as well as developing their spelling, punctuation and grammar skills. At least one pre-20th century text is studied in each year, with all year 8 pupils studying ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’.
In year 7, pupils study a selection from: The Eighteenth Emergency, Mrs Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, Private Peaceful, Autobiography, including Roald Dahl’s Boy, Two Weeks with the Queen (drama) a selection of poetry and media texts.In year 8, pupils study a selection from: Holes, Stone Cold, Greek Myths, Mystery Stories of the 19th Century, The Hound of the Baskervilles (drama), a selection of poetry and media texts.
In year 9, pupils work towards their end of key stage assessments in reading, writing and Speaking and Listening. They study a selection from: Stories Then and Now, Lord of the Flies, Of Mice and Men, Macbeth, An Inspector Calls and a selection of poetry from other cultures.
Throughout KS3, pupils’ written work is given a National Curriculum level and is collected together in a portfolio, which is moderated in year 9 to inform their end of key stage Teacher Assessment level. Internal exams in January and June each year prepare the pupils for their final test in reading and writing and Teacher Assessments.
All students in year 10 embark upon GCSEs in English Language and English Literature. Students are taught in four groups for four hours per week. The course assesses the key skills of speaking and listening, reading and writing through a combination of written examination and coursework. Students are also required to study a variety of texts and genres, including Shakespeare. Students are prepared for their exams through a series of internal tests and mock exams.
English Literature continues to be a popular choice at both AS and A2 level. Students follow the AQA English Literature A course which consists of four modules (two at AS and two at A2). The courses are centred on themes; “The Struggle for Identity in English Literature” at AS and “Love through the Ages” at A2. This allows students to develop not only a broad understanding of the history of English Literature but also acquire the detailed analytical skills required for in depth study across all genres. Teaching is less formal than at KS3 and KS4 and seeks to build on the discussion skills and love of literature acquired throughout the compulsory teaching of this subject. Students are taught by two teachers for four hours per week and are expected to match this with independent study. Students are also encouraged to read widely through the use of the Rooted in Reading Award, and theatre visits are organised whenever appropriate in order to enrich the curriculum.
Staff
| Mrs Richley | Subject Leader for English |
| Mrs Hull | English Teacher |
| Mr Belton | English Teacher |
| Mrs Dennis | English Teacher |
| Mr Lyon | Part-Time English Teacher |
