English Department
I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.” — W.E. Henley
Welcome to the English Department
Key Stage 3
At Key Stage 3, we encourage our pupils to be imaginative, write creatively, speak with confidence and listen with sensitivity. The units of work have been developed to inspire our pupils to have a passion for the study of literature and prepare them for the demands of GCSE English Language and English Literature.
A Selection of Units
- ▪ Free writing ('The Arrival')
- ▪ Poetry from different cultures
- ▪ Myth, Magic and Media
- ▪ Travel themed activities
- ▪ Drama ('Romeo and Juliet')
- ▪ Writing for Purpose and Audience
Novel study includes: 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas', 'The Girl of Ink and Stars', 'Private Peaceful'.
Literacy Support
Literacy skills are fundamental to all areas of learning. We support pupils who need additional intervention via our 'Literacy Lift Off Leaders' award, Accelerated Reader, Word Millionaire, and Paired Readers program.
GCSE English Language & Literature
Currently, 8 of our 10 classes study a combined course of GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature. This provides a strong foundation for the study of A Level English Literature.
Course Outline: GCSE English Language
| Unit | Content | Assessment | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Writing for Purpose & Audience; Reading Non-Fiction | Exam (1hr 45m) | 30% |
| 2 | Speaking and Listening | Controlled (3 Tasks) | 20% |
| 3 | Spoken and Written Language | Controlled (2 Tasks) | 20% |
| 4 | Personal/Creative Writing; Reading Literary Texts | Exam (1hr 45m) | 30% |
Course Outline: GCSE English Literature
| Unit | Content | Assessment | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Study of Prose Of Mice and Men & Unseen Prose | Exam (1hr 45m) | 30% |
| 2 | Drama and Poetry An Inspector Calls & Anthology | Exam (2hrs) | 50% |
| 3 | Study of Shakespeare Macbeth or Merchant of Venice | Controlled (2hrs) | 20% |
A-Level English Literature
A popular choice delivered by enthusiastic specialist staff. Pupils develop deep understanding through podcasts, flipped groupwork, and detailed textual analysis. Recent leavers have proceeded to study Actuarial Science, Accountancy, Law and Biomedical Science.
A-Level Modules (CCEA)
| Level | Unit Focus | Texts/Details | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| AS | Poetry & Drama 1900-Present | Heaney/Frost & Streetcar Named Desire | Exam (2hr) |
| Prose (Pre-1900) | Frankenstein | Exam (1hr) | |
| A2 | Shakespearean Genres | King Lear | Exam (1.5hr) |
| Poetry Pre-1900 | John Donne & Unseen Poetry | Exam (2hr) | |
| Internal Assessment | Theme study (2 novels) & 2500 word essay | Internal |
Drama
Drama is offered as a GCSE subject following the CCEA specification. Pupils also complete Level 2 Performance Skills. Pupils study the play Blood Brothers and complete performances focusing on Devising Theatre and Scripted Performance.
Extra-Curricular Opportunities
We seek to 'Foster Opportunities for Young Learners in English' through a wide range of activities linked to English Language, Literature and Drama.