Head of Department

Ms C Bennett

Key stage 3

At Key Stage Three we involve students in their learning through relevant and interactive schemes of work covering English Language and English Literature.  We believe in a ‘top down’ approach so our Key Stage Three curriculum is linked to the skills needed for success at GCSE.

Students learn and practise their skills in reading for meaning, writing in different styles, drama and speaking and listening through a range of materials that include topics as diverse as homelessness and nineteenth century Gothic writing.

We aim to help all students reach their potential. Intervention is available for students who need more support from our Learning Mentors and specialised Phonics teachers.  Our gifted and talented students are challenged with topics and work suited to their abilities.

As they progress through Key Stage Three, we encourage our students to become more independent and self-reflective. We encourage this through individual, pair and group work, including peer assessment and feedback.

How is student progress assessed?

 Students produce a portfolio of assessed work with individual targets for improvement.

 Assessments are linked to different topics within schemes of work and are assessed through Steps using the same assessment objectives as GCSE. The Steps’ model moves from 1-5 as students progress through the Key Stage. This prepares students for GCSE as they have practised the essential skills needed in Key Stage Four.

Key Stage 4

EDEXCEL ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
All students currently take the Edexcel English Language and English Literature course. Students will study a range of texts which cover Fiction and Non- Fiction material. They will also have to write creatively and for everyday purpose using: reports, discursive techniques and letter writing.

ASSESSMENT
This course is assessed on a 1-9 scale which will be awarded for the first time in 2017. This course is a linear final Examination course without any Coursework or Controlled Assessment component. At present the Government are anticipating that 4 is equivalent of a C grade and 5 equivalent of a good C grade.

SPEAKING AND LISTENING
Students are required to complete a presentation and answer questions on it. Currently the assessment award does not count towards the written component but is reported separately on the student’s certificate for future employers.

COURSE CONTENT
English Language
Paper 1 1hr.45
Unseen 19th Century extracts/Comprehension
Creative Writing

Paper 2 2hrs
Unseen Non-fiction extracts/Comparison/Comprehension
Transactional Writing

English Literature
Paper 1 1 hr.45
Shakespeare- analysis of an extract/whole text question on related theme/concept/character
Essay on Post 1914 text

Paper 2 2hrs.15
Part A Extract from chosen 19th Century text
Question on aspects of: plot, setting,
characters, themes.
Part B Poetry
Question on a named poem (reproduced) and one poem of their choice.
Comparison of Unseen Poetry.

Key Stage 5

At Key Stage Five, we offer both English Literature and English Language A-Level. By the end of the A-Level course, we want our students to be independent learners who have developed a deeper understanding of the subject and who have grown to love the written word and the diversity of the subject.

A-Level teaching is diverse and varied with students exposed to academic criticism, theory and some challenging texts. Discussion and debate are encouraged. Students are encouraged to play to their strengths for the coursework elements of both courses, being able to focus on a text of their choice for Literature and a particular area of theory for their investigation in Language. All materials for the courses are published widely on Google Classroom, along with a reference Google Site where students can broaden their understanding of the subjects.

Academic essay writings skills are developed and students should leave the courses being ready for the challenges of higher education or the world of work. There is an emphasis on students developing their own style and means of expression to ensure that they are able to write fluently for exams and coursework.

Students are offered individual subject support and interventions are swift for those students who are facing challenges with the subject. Each year, subject to the necessary take up, students are offered a cultural trip to London to explore Literature and Language in a dynamic and interactive way, including a visit to the theatre.

Specifications and Courses:
English Language: AQA Syllabus A
English Literature: AQA Syllabus A

How is student progress assessed?

Students are expected to be submitting essays on a regular basis and as the course progresses the expectations will increase.
Feedback is detailed, as would be expected at A Level.

All students sit the AS examinations which are now a standalone qualification and grades will be used to assess whether a student has the necessary academic ability to meet the challenges of A-Level. Both courses have a 20% coursework element which is completed during the summer term of the first year of A-Level.

Department Resources Available:

Study Guide materials are available for purchase through Parent Pay. Revision materials are currently being updated on the Departmental Blog.