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English
Setting
Year 10 and Year 11 are half-year blocked. Within each half-year block there are three classes created according to ability. The data / evidence we use to place students are the test scores and teacher assessed levels in reading, writing and spelling throughout Key Stage 3. The majority of our students follow a GCSE English Language and English Literature course but, where appropriate, we have encouraged students to study for the GCSE English course.
Assessment
The English Department follows the AQA GCSE English Language and English Literature syllabi. Assessment is through Controlled Assessments and Examinations. The examinations fall in January and June in any academic year but the timings of the Controlled Assessments are determined by the school and are located in the school year to maximise the level of attainment of all students.
Resources
The English Department undertake to provide all the literary materials the students may require. However, because texts have to be passed down to subsequent years, students are NOT allowed to write in or annotate them in any way (with the exception of the poetry anthology “Moon on the Tides”). Some students find it more beneficial to provide their own copy of the text so that they can write revision notes and other relevant information in them. This is not obligatory and should you choose to do so please check with the English Dept staff which edition of the text we will be using.
Support
The English Department offer a drop-in service every Monday lunchtime for Key Stage 4 students. There will always be a member of the English Dept available then to answer questions relating to the lessons or any Home Learning that may have been set.
Revision sessions will be held prior to specific exams and the details of these will be communicated to students in plenty of time so that they can attend.
Home Learning
Students are expected to complete at least one 45 minute Home Learning session per week, although there are times during the academic year when we expect the students to increase this to at least two or three (especially in the run-up to Controlled Assessments or Examinations). Students will be set deadlines for pieces of work and these will be communicated to students in plenty of time for them to complete the required piece(s) of work. Students are expected to record these dates in their planners and communicate this information at home so that parents / carers can work with them to meet deadlines.
It is not always the case that students have a set number of questions to complete for Home Learning; we are constantly trying to teach the students to be independent learners, so sometimes the nature of the Home Learning is more of a research or consolidation nature. All students are urged to seek clarification from any member of the English department should they not understand what they are required to do.
Subject Leader Contact
Should you have any queries regarding Key Stage 4 English please contact Mrs C Farrell through the school office.
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