English

English encourages and allows all students to develop their curiosity, thinking and engagement. The differing worlds of both fiction and non-fiction and the experiences they portray are explored through a range of texts and ways of learning. Students have exciting opportunities to ask the’ bigger’ questions presented through reading, discussion and wider study, including live resources and film.

The main aim of the English curriculum is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping learners with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through reading for enjoyment across a wide range of styles and genres.

English is usually taught in reading ability sets in KS3 (Years 7, 8 and 9) so that the lessons are developed at the right pace for the learner.  The curriculum will be the same. 

In KS3, learners are expected to develop an appreciation and love of reading, and read increasingly challenging material independently. This includes reading a wide range of fiction and non-fiction, including in particular whole books, short stories, poems and plays from a variety of genres, historical periods, forms and authors.

In their written work, students are taught to write accurately, fluently, effectively and at length, for a range of purposes and audiences, including:

  • Essays
  • Stories, scripts, poetry and other imaginative writing
  • Notes and scripts for talks and presentations
  • A range of other texts, including arguments, and personal and formal letters.

At this stage, students are taught to speak confidently and effectively. They’re expected to use Standard English confidently in a range of contexts, including classroom discussions, speeches and presentations. They should be able to express their own ideas and keep to the point. Students take part in formal debates and structured discussions. They improvise, rehearse and perform play scripts and poetry, and use role, intonation, tone, volume, mood, silence, stillness and action to add impact.

GCSE English Literature

The GCSE in English Literature course will start midway through year 9 with a final exam in the summer of year 10. 

 KEY EXAM
 Unit 1 Prose (different cultures) and poetry (contemporary)* Not assessed 2020/2021
 Unit 2  Drama and prose May 2021
 CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT
 Unit 3  Shakespeare and poetry September 2020 – February 2021

RESOURCES AND INFORMATION

 Revision Guides  General revision guides about poetry comparisons could be useful. Revision guides for your key texts could also be helpful: Blood Brothers Lord of the Flies A Christmas Carol A Taste of Honey Resistance An Inspector Calls Heroes Macbeth Check with your class teacher to see which texts you are studying.
 WJEC Website https://resources.wjec.co.uk/Pages/ResourceByArgs.aspx?subId=56&lvlId=2
 BBC Website https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/z9gjp39
 Apps Pixl Lit App
 Quizlet Download the app free and find quizzes for all components of the course.

GCSE English Language

The GCSE in English Language will start in year 10 after the completion of the English Literature course with a final exam in the summer of year 11.

 KEY EXAM/ASSESSMENTEXAM
 Unit 1 Speaking and Listening September 2020 – February 2021
 Unit 2 Description, narration and exposition May/June 2021
 Unit 3  Argumentation, persuasion and instructional May/June 2021

RESOURCES AND INFORMATION

 Revision GuidesGeneral revision guides about reading comprehension and writing accurately could be helpful.
 WJEC Website https://resources.wjec.co.uk/Pages/ResourceByArgs.aspx?subId=11&lvlId=2
 BBC Website https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/ztjmv4j
 University of Bristol Website https://www.bristol.ac.uk/arts/exercises/grammar/grammar_tutorial/page_41.htm
 Quizlet Download the app free and find quizzes for all components of the course.
EN_GB