English

During Year 9, the English and Media department work together to introduce students to the skills required at GCSE.  This year focuses on delivering these skills under the follwoing areas: 

• Autumn - Reading a class novel and understanding the different elements of prose.
• Spring - The importance of media and studying a popular Shakespeare play.
• Summer - Building confidence in studying poetry written pre and post -1914.

As a department, we focus on assessing both reading and writing skills in English every half term.  Students can expect a piece of homework every Monday which will be recorded in their planners.  It is extrememly important that students are able to adjust to this way of working: meeting deadlines and completing all work to the best of their ability.

GCSE

New GCSE English Specifications will be delivered as of September 2010 (As detailed below).  Please contact Miss Jogi for further information.

Year 10

English Language (One GCSE)
During Year 10, all students will focus on improving their knowledge of texts written for various audiences and purposes.  They will study a range of non-fiction texts and other forms of media in preparation for an external exam.  As part of their controlled assessment (formally known as coursework), students will study a set Literature text, alongside presenting their skills in writing a descriptive and a narrative piece.   They will also get the opportunity to study spoken language and how it differs from one person to another.

 Year 11

English Literature (One GCSE)

Students who successfully pass their GCSE in Language will be eligible to claim a GCSE in Literature too.  Candidates will study a novel, a play and a range of poetry in Year 11 in preparation for the examination.  As part of their controlled assessment (formally known as coursework), students will apply a poem to a play written by Shakespeare.

Scheme of Assessment:
English Language:       Examination 40%
                                 Controlled Assessment           60%     (Formally known as coursework)
English Literature:        Examination 75%
                                 Controlled Assessment           25%     (Formally known as coursework)

The final GCSE grade in English Language/Literature will be awarded by combining the two marks for examination and controlled assessment.  Candidates can achieve two GCSE’s by studying both Language and Literature.

Homework
Students can expect one piece of homework per week which will address the key skills required for either the examination of the controlled assessment.  The nature of controlled assessment will mean that students will be able to practice the skills required to complete a formally set assignment but will write the essay under controlled conditions.

Progression
These courses will develop the students’ ability to read, write and speak under a range of circumstances.   Both Language and Literature GCSE’s are a necessary requirement now for almost all career sectors and success in which will determine where the student will go after the age of 16.  Most colleges/employers will require at least a grade ‘C’ or above in English to offer positions for further progression.

Staff Names:

Ms Blair (Head of Department)
Miss Jogi
Miss Thom
Miss Baxter
Miss Bosley
Mrs Christelow
Miss Gledhill
Miss Jukes
Miss Libotte 
Miss Jogi
Ms Lumb
Mrs Marklew
Mr McGee
Miss Oladipo
Mrs Peel
Miss Watson
Miss Woodall
Mr Wright