English

Department Intent

The English department is a successful and forward thinking department which strives to foster students’ love of Language and Literature. We aim to develop students’ ability to communicate effectively in a wide range of contexts, and use accurate, standard English regardless of their starting point. We encourage students to extend their imagination to become engaging writers, and give them opportunities to read texts by contemporary and celebrated authors. We also strive to offer numerous enrichment activities to show the wide reach of English and how it helps shape the world we live in.

KS3

KS4

Examination Board: AQA

The courses provide opportunities for students to develop their personal response to a range of literary and non-fiction texts. They will also learn to write in a range of styles for different purposes and audiences. Emphasis is placed upon the importance of accuracy in spelling, punctuation and grammar, the development of vocabulary and the ability to organise and communicate ideas clearly, as these skills are fundamental to success in all subject areas.

English Language (exam only - no higher or foundation tiers) 

Language Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing (50%)

Section A (Reading): Students will look at how writers use narrative and structural techniques to engage the interest of readers.

Section B (Writing): Students will write a creative piece using a range of literary devices. 

Language Paper 2: Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives (50%)

Section A (Reading): Students will look at how writers use narrative and descriptive techniques to engage the interest of readers. The sources will be from the nineteenth, twentieth and twenty-first century. 

Section B (Writing): Students will write a non-fiction response expressing a viewpoint, or presenting an argument.

Speaking and Listening

The preparation and assessment of Spoken Language is a compulsory requirement of the course of study. It will appear on student certificates as a separately reported grade alongside the overall grade issued (Pass, Merit and Distinction).

English Literature (exam only - no higher or foundation tiers) 

Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th Century Novel (40%)

Section A: Students will answer one question on Shakespeare’s Macbeth. They will be required to write in detail about an extract from the play and then to write about the play as a whole.

Section B: Students will answer one question on Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. They will be required to write in detail about an extract from the novel and then to write about the novel as a whole.

 Paper 2: Modern texts and Poetry (60%)

Section A (Modern texts): Students will answer one essay question from a choice of two on Priestley’s An Inspector Calls. 

Section B (Anthology Poetry): Students will answer one comparative question on one named poem printed on the paper and one other poem from the anthology Power and Conflict poems. 

Section C (Unseen Poetry): Students will answer one question on one unseen poem and one question comparing this poem with a second unseen poem.