English

Subject: English

CURRICULUM INTENT

English is vital for communicating with others in school and in the wider world. In studying English, students will develop skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing, and learn to express themselves creatively and imaginatively.

Literature in English is rich and influential. It reflects the experiences of people from many countries and times and contributes to our sense of cultural identity. Pupils will learn to become enthusiastic and critical readers of stories, poetry and drama, as well as non-fiction and media texts, gaining access to the pleasure and world of knowledge that reading offers.

IMPLEMENTATION

Programmes of Study

Year 7

English Language: Students will read and write a range of non-fiction texts linked by theme, write their own creative prose in a gothic style and from the point of view of a Shakespearean groundling, and present a spoken presentation on an author from the literary canon.

English Literature: Students will read and respond to a range of short stories from the 19th and 20th centuries, study a Shakespeare play, consider a range of poems from English and other cultural traditions, write their own poetry, and read at least two class novels in addition to their own reading for pleasure.

Year 8

English Language: Writing styles to be studied and developed will include short stories, opinion articles and reviews, formal essays and dramatic monologues. Non-fiction and media texts studied will be based on topical issues and how people’s changing experiences and perceptions over time are reflected in texts. Students will also participate in a formal group discussion.

English Literature: Reading will include a range of more sophisticated short stories from the 19th-21st centuries, approaches to unseen poetry, modern drama, and at least two class novels in addition to pupils’ independent reading for pleasure. Sophistication of pupil response will be developed through increased focus on close analysis and essay writing skills.

Year 9

English Language: Students will read a range of fiction and non-fiction texts and respond under timed conditions, write their own ‘unseen’ narrative from a choice of four titles, practise seven different non-fiction writing types in preparation for their examination, and present a five minute speech or presentation on a topic of their choice.

English Literature: Students will read and respond to a range of challenging short stories from the 19th and 20th centuries, read and study an entire Shakespeare play, study six poems by writers from the GCSE anthology as well as some ‘unseen’ poetry, and read at least one ‘classic’ novel in addition to their own reading for pleasure.

Year 10

English Language: Students will follow the Eduqas English Language specification and cover the following areas: reading 20th century literature, creative prose writing, 19th and 21st century non-fiction reading, transactional writing.

English Literature: Students will follow the Eduqas English Literature specification and cover the following areas: anthology and unseen poetry, 19th century novel, 20th century prose/drama, Shakespeare.

Year 11

English Language: Students will follow the Eduqas English Language specification and further develop their skills and examination technique in the following areas: reading 20th century literature, creative prose writing, 19th and 21st century non-fiction reading, transactional writing.

English Literature: Students will follow the Eduqas English Literature specification and further develop their skills and examination technique in the following areas: anthology and unseen poetry, 19th century novel, 20th century prose/drama, Shakespeare.

IMPACT

Marking and Assessment

Students will complete at least one formal, written assessment every half term. This will give them the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and skills and will often take place under examination conditions. Students will receive written feedback on all assessments, identifying strengths and areas for development in order to facilitate further progress.

Examinations

English Language

Component 1: Reading 20th century literature and creative prose writing (40% of final grade)

Component 2: 19th and 21st century non-fiction reading and transactional writing (60% of final grade)

English Literature

Component 1: Shakespeare and anthology poetry (40% of final grade)

Component 2: 20th century prose/drama, 19th century novel and unseen poetry (60% of final grade)

Revision Guides / Resources

English Language

WJEC Eduqas GCSE English Language: Revision workbook (ISBN: 9780198359210)

English Literature

Text guides: York Notes for GCSE (9-1) – all GCSE texts available

Poetry: CGP GCSE English Literature WJEC Eduqas Anthology Poetry Guide for the Grade 9-1 Course (ISBN: 9781782943631),

CGP Grade 9-1 GCSE English Literature WJEC Eduqas Unseen Poetry Guide (ISBN: 9781782943655)

Staff Details

Mr S. Stringfellow (Head of Department)

Ms J. O’Malley (Second in Department)

Mrs J. Baybutt (Lead Practitioner for Literacy and Vocabulary)

Mrs J. Steel (Teacher of English)

Mrs T. Perman (Teacher of English)

Ms A. Donnelly (Teacher of English with Drama)

Careers and Progression

As core subjects, GCSEs in English Language and English Literature are studied by all pupils and are, of course, highly regarded by further education institutions, apprenticeship providers and universities. The reading, writing and spoken language skills developed in English are transferable to all other subjects and offer a sound basis for future study and life in the workplace. The future career choices for students of English are many and varied and include such sectors as media and marketing, performing arts, law, journalism and teaching.