English embraces the study of both Language and Literature. It allows students to demonstrate their ability in functional English; to investigate and analyse language and, to experiment and use language creatively. The Literature element enables students to experience a range of Literature with a wide variety of appeal drawn from contemporary and modern texts, texts from across the globe and texts which have had a significant influence on our English literary and cultural heritage.
Aims:
Our aims as an English Department are to ensure that students are:
- Taught to foster and enhance their language and communication through listening, talking, reading and writing; thus, increasing their awareness that language study is the key to successful integration in wider society.
- Able to develop an understanding and appreciation of the range and variety of purposes for which language can be used.
- Developing critical awareness.
- Appreciating language for its own sake so that the link between structure and meaning can be understood and used.
- Taught to develop social competence and self-esteem through understanding and using language.
- Learning within an enjoyable, stimulating and safe learning environment.
- Challenged to an appropriate level so that every student not only achieves, but exceeds their potential.
Staffing:
There are currently thirteen members of staff working in the department, twelve of which have full time English timetables. In addition to myself, Karen McIntosh as Director of Learning, we have Ben Smith as Assistant Curriculum Leader, Jo Forster as Teaching and Learning Manager, as well as Lidia Lawther as the English Department’s Advanced Skills Teacher. We are very fortunate that some over staffing allows us to team teach at KS 4 thus ensuring that students fulfil their potential and meet, if not exceed their expected and target grades.
Key Stage 3
Year 7: Students are taught in their form groups and receive four 50 minute sessions of English per week. Programmes of study delivered in Year 7 include narrative writing, the study of twentieth century fiction texts such as ‘Skellig’, ‘Room 13’ and ‘Holes, as well as a selection of poetry (modern and English cultural heritage poets).
Years 8: Again, students continue to study English in their form groups and receive four 50 minute lessons a week. The programmes of study delivered in Year 8 include descriptive writing the study of a pre-twentieth century novel (‘A Christmas Carol’), crime and horror (the study of fiction texts together with a variety of media, as well as the preliminary study of a Shakespeare play to assist in the preparation of GCSE.
Key Stage 4
In Years 9, 10 and 11 students are taught in sets; there are two top sets, the remainder are mixed ability groups. Students are given the opportunity to study both GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature.
For GCSE English, students undertake three main units: Understanding and producing non-fiction texts, Speaking and Listening and Understanding spoken and written texts and writing creatively. The last two units make up 60% of Controlled Assessment whereas unit 1 is 40% written examination.
With regards to Literature, the three main units studied include: Exploring modern texts (‘An Inspector Calls’ and ‘Of Mice and Men’), Poetry across time and The significance of Shakespeare and the English Literary Heritage. Unit 3 represents 25% Controlled Assessment, whereas Units 1 and 2 are 75% external examination.
Students receive four 50 minute lessons in Year 9 and five 50 minute sessions in Years 10 and 11.
Enrichment
English enrichment activities for all students are available. These activities provide English education through non-traditional topics that supplement core curriculum. The material is chosen to stimulate and motivate all students to achieve the highest levels of English knowledge and skills. Students participate in excursions to ‘Poetry Live!’ conferences where they experience first hand dramatic readings, as well as critical analysis of key poems taken from the English Anthology. There are also theatre visits and excursions to the Poetry Show in Liverpool. English also run various enrichment projects during collapsed weeks such as the creation and production of World Cup Board games which enables students to write for different audiences and purposes, talk confidently in a variety of contexts etc.
How do we help you achieve your potential?
All students study the same high quality of work – all students have the opportunity to not only fulfil but EXCEED their potential. Marking and assessment within the department is thorough and easy-to-understand and we endeavour to make the lessons exciting and demanding to keep you on your toes. Class and individual targets are set and monitored and you will find your English teacher supportive and interested in YOU.
During KS 4 (Years 9, 10 and 11) in particular, there is an enormous wealth of support offered to students which takes the form of: small group tuition ‘Breakfast Clubs’, one-to-one tuition, after school revision sessions (small groups and whole classes), additional tuition in the Mosques, team teaching, small group intervention within whole class teaching, the provision of free revision guides, free use of kerboodle in school and access provided at home etc.
Why is it important for my child to learn subject name(s)?
English skills are important to a child’s success – both at school and in everyday life. The ability to communicate effectively in a wide range of contexts builds confidence and opens the door to a range career options: Media and Journalism, Editor, Author, Teacher Advertising, Personal Assistants, Sales etc. In our everyday lives employing language effectively enables us to:
- Develop an awareness that language is a key to successful integration with the wider society.
- Foster and enhance language and communication through listening, talking, reading and writing.
- Develop an understanding and appreciation of the range and variety of purposes for which language can be used
- Understand and develop critical awareness.
- Develop social competence and self-esteem
- Effectively use a range of technology.
Who should I talk to if I want more information?
Mrs K McIntosh – Director of Learning – English.
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