English Department
'To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark.’ Victor Hugo
Department Staff
- Mrs S Gidlow
- Head of Department
- Dr S Ranger
- Deputy Head of Department, Key Stage 4 Co-ordinator and Palmer Post Editor
- Miss D Obiorah
- Key Stage 3 Co-ordinator
- Mrs S Boulton
- Year 7 and 8 Co-ordinator Key Stage 4 Media Co-ordinator
- Mrs C Aye
- Key Stage 5 Co-ordinator, Head of Year 13
- Mr T Bunce
- English Teacher, Head of Year 11
- Miss B Gorman
- English Teacher, Deputy Editor Palmer Post
- Mrs N John-Oloni
- English Teacher
- Mr F O’Connor
- English Teacher
Resources
The school has nine dedicated English classrooms. All English classrooms are equipped with overhead projectors. The school library is available for students every break and lunchtime and Year 7 have a dedicated library lesson once a week.
Curriculum
Key Stage 3
At Key Stage 3 students study six units a year. Modern Novel, Poetry, Non-fiction, Media, Play and Pre-1914 literature
In Years 7 and 8 students attend three lessons; in Year 7 students attend an additional library lesson.
Work is assessed through reading, writing and speaking and listening activities. As well as their exercise book students have a folder of assignments; a variety of homework, classwork and controlled condition assessments are included in this portfolio. The student continues to add work to the folder throughout Key Stage 3.
Please click on the links at the foot of this page to the Key Stage 3 booklet’s English pages for additional information about Year 7, 8 and 9 units of study.
Key Stage 4
In Years 10 and 11 students attend four English lessons a week. All students have access to both GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature. Students are taught in mixed ability groups of 24.
GCSE English Language - Examination board: AQA - Specification A
During the course students study a wide variety of texts and writing styles. There are two levels of entry, higher and foundation. The course is assessed through both coursework assignments and two examinations.
Coursework
Speaking and Listening - 20% of total mark
Three assessed speaking and listening performances in front of the class. Activities will involve individual, pair and group work and will explore your ability to perform drama, take part in debate and your ability to inform and explain.
Coursework Folder - 20% of total mark
Four pieces of coursework – two assessed for reading, two assessed for writing
Topics = Shakespeare, Pre-1914 Prose, Original Writing and Media
Examinations
Paper 1 - 30% of total mark
Section A - Reading response to non-fiction and media texts. Questions based on fact and opinion; tracking arguments or ideas; use and effectiveness of presentational devices and writing techniques.
Section B - Writing to argue, persuade and advise. Choose one question from a choice of four. Demonstrate writing ability and understanding of stylistic construction of text types.
Paper 2 - 30% of total mark
Section A - Reading response to poems from different cultures. A choice of essay questions to show your understanding of the meaning and techniques of the poems from different cultures.
Section B - Writing to Inform, Explain, Describe. Choose one question from a choice of four. Demonstrate writing ability and understanding of stylistic construction of text types.
GCSE English Literature
As well as studying Shakespeare and a range of pre-1914 poets, students read a modern novel, a pre-1914 work of fiction, two modern poets and a modern playwright.
Coursework - 30% of total mark
Three pieces of coursework - Topics are; Shakespeare (crossover from English Language) - Pre-1914 Prose (crossover from English Language) - Post-1914 Drama
Exam 70% of total mark - One examination paper. Choice of questions on poetry from the Anthology (two modern poets and pre-1914 poetry bank). Choice of questions on a literature text either short stories from the Anthology or a modern novel.
Key Stage 5
AS and A2 English Literature
Students follow the WJEC syllabus. The course in both Year 12 and Year 13 is divided into two units:
Year 12 - Module LT1: Poetry and Drama 1
Assessment Method: Examination – 2 ½ hours (60% of AS grade)
Outline - Students will study two modern poets and one modern playwright.
Module LT2: Prose Study and Creative Reading
Assessment Method: Coursework folder of three essays (40% of AS grade)
Outline
Section A: Prose Study 1500 word essay
Students study two novels, one of which must have been written between 1800 and 1945.
Section B: Creative Reading
For this unit students produce two pieces of written work (750 words each).
1. A creative response to a wider reading text.
2. A commentary based on their creative response.
Year 13
Module LT3: Period and Genre Study
Assessment Method: Coursework essay
Outline
Student will study a range of texts linked by theme or a literary focus. The final essay will be based on three texts, one of which will be prose and one a collection of poetry. Two of the texts must be from different periods.
Module LT4: Poetry and Drama 2
Assessment Method: Examination (closed text) - 2 ½ hour
Outline
Section A: Critical Reading of poetry - Students study one pre-1800 poet.
Section B: Shakespeare and Related Drama - Students study two plays, one of which is by William Shakespeare.
Parent Booklets
