An engineering specialism within a grammar school
English
Aims of the Department
To teach students to communicate effectively orally and in writing; to develop students' enjoyment of reading and their ability to read closely and critically.
English at KS3
The teaching of English at Key Stage 3 is based on the National Curriculum Framework for English, suitably adapted to the abilities of our pupils. Pupils read a wide range of texts – poetry, prose and drama, fiction and non-fiction.
In Year 9 there is a discrete drama lesson once a week.
In Year 7 pupils have a dedicated library-based lesson once a week. This lesson is taught by a fully qualified librarian, and develops pupils’ independent research and information retrieval skills.
Pupils also enjoy a wide range of speaking and listening activities, both as individuals and in groups.
We develop and extend their writing skills, practising a wide range of different kinds of writing.
As well as doing a number of set pieces of oral and written work each year, pupils in all years have a formal end-of year examination in English.
Towards the end of Year 9, all pupils spend two days off-timetable on our Newspaper Project, where they work in groups to produce a full-size newspaper using live newsfeeds, with the ICT facilities of the entire school at their disposal. It is an exciting exercise in co-operation, organisation, time management and all the English skills they have learned so far.
The overall aim of the English Department's KS3 Programme of Study is to prepare all pupils for a smooth transition to the study of English and English Literature for GCSE.
English at KS4
The teaching of English at Key Stage 4 is based on the National Curriculum Framework for English, suitably adapted to the abilities of our students. Students study a wide range of texts – poetry, prose and drama, fiction and non-fiction.
Students follow the AQA specifications for English and English Literature; almost all students will achieve two GCSEs, and almost all students are automatically entered for the Higher Tier papers. Our course is an integrated one which teaches both the language and literature components together.
We have a scheme of work which allows students gradually to complete their coursework folders over the full length of the two-year course; students have to complete a number of tasks for assessment of Speaking and Listening, Reading, Writing and Literature. Full details can be accessed on the AQA website.
English Literature in the Sixth Form
At sixth form level the department offers AS/A2 English Literature (AQA Specification A) and AS/A2 Drama and Theatre Studies (AQA Specification). All coursework opportunities are on offer. Full details can be accessed on the AQA website. Our teaching is supported by a full range of theatre visits and revision study days.
Additional Information
There is a wide range of opportunities in Drama for pupils and students of all ages: the Junior Drama club meets weekly after school on Mondays and puts on a full-scale performance once a year; there is also a full Senior production each year.
All English and Drama lessons throughout the school are taught by subject specialists. Teachers have the freedom to teach to their strengths, and to teach texts which they enjoy. We use a wide range of literature in our teaching, and benefit from a well-stocked library and the ability to work closely with the school librarian.
Websites
There is a wide range of websites which support students' work in English, and teachers will inform students about these when it is relevant. They are also listed on the OLIVER system in the library. The most obvious general ones to mention are the BBC Bitesize Revision site, and the AQA site for reference about courses and assessment at examination level.
