English Curriculum Outline

English offers a broad and rich curriculum in all key stages, giving equal status to language and literature.  This is based on carefully-constructed schemes of learning which follow the requirements of the National Curriculum and the National Literacy Strategy, whilst also offering enrichment opportunities such as the ‘BBC School Report’ Project and ‘Jack Petchey Speak Out!’ Challenge.

Key Stage 4 comprises a balanced curriculum to correspond with AQA ‘A’ specifications in English and English Literature at both Foundation and Higher tier as appropriate to the needs of the individual.  These courses encompass a wide range of skills and resources – Students will study a post-1914 novel (typically ‘Of Mice and Men’ or ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’), a drama text, Shakespeare and a wide range of other prose texts.  Students are also required to closely study the AQA Anthology of poetry for examination.

The English curriculum at Key Stage 3 will allow students of all abilities to gain a wide knowledge required to ensure that they develop essential literary skills to enable them to succeed, whatever their individual needs, overcoming potential barriers to learn.

Ability classes will challenge our gifted and talented students, whilst our Integrated Learning groups support and encourage our less able students.

Students will be introduced to a variety of work, including poetry, the novel, Shakespeare, modern play scripts, media, autobiographical writing and the different writing styles.

Evidence of achievement will be drawn from a range of the students’ work and regular, half-term assessments, focusing on reading, writing and speaking and listening; this will involve teacher, peer and self assessment where the students have the opportunity to help set personal targets for improvement.

Overall, English lessons will help students to express themselves creatively, imaginatively and communicate with others effectively.

Examination Board, Title of Examination Course and Syllabus Number
AQA GCSE SPECIFICATION A  - English (3702)
AQA GCSE SPECIFICATION A – English Literature (3712)

Coursework and Examination Coursework accounts for 40% of GCSE English: 20% for written work and 20% for speaking and listening.  The examination comprises two papers for English Language: Paper One is focused on an unseen media comprehension whilst Paper Two relies on the AQA Anthology – both feature a creative writing task.

  
GCSE English Literature is examined through 30% written coursework and a 70% examination.  The Literature examination assesses the study of one prose work and a wide range of poetry.