English

English is one of our favourite subjects. We really enjoy the discussions we have in classes because they are very thought provoking and quite an informal, yet effective approach to looking at a question. It’s not just focusing on the long essays for the coursework either. The teachers use a range of techniques to put across the themes and ideas behind the different stimuli; for example role plays, short video clips, reading out loud and class brainstorms.

The texts we have studied, such as Great Expectations and Romeo and Juliet, were quite difficult, but in a good way as they stretched us to produce a better quality of work. So far we’ve done four of our coursework modules and the teachers are very good at getting us to work to our full potential. We are looking forward to what Year Eleven English will bring.

Jo and Alex: Year Ten

The English Department is committed to providing students with a range of learning experiences that equip them to become expert at using and interpreting our language in both spoken and written forms. Appropriate high quality literature provides the stimulus for much of our work and our target is for all students to become keen independent readers. Students often learn together by working in groups, but we also aim to provide challenge through individual tasks, sometimes of an extended nature. 

Key Stage Three

Students follow a course that meets the demands of the new National Programme of Study and Renewed English Framework. Units of work last for 15-18 lessons and include a core task which tests the knowledge and skills learned. This task is assessed according to National Curriculum Levels.

Key Stage Four

Students follow the AQA Specification A course in both English (60 % examination; 40% Coursework) and English Literature (70% examination; 30 coursework). Most students sit the Higher Tier examination.  Aqa GCSE Website

Key Stage Five

At ‘A’ Level students have the choice between two courses:

English Literature AQA Specification A (2740) Aqa.com

AS - 60% examination

         40% coursework

A2 60% examination

       40% coursework

OR

English Language and Literature AQA Specification A (2720) Aqa.com

AS - 100% examination

A2 – 50% examination

        50% coursework

Enrichment Opportunities

‘Imagine’ – Creative Writing Club

Writing Competitions

‘The Times’ Spelling Bee Competition

Theatre trips

A Level Residential Trip to France – sites of WWI Literature

Head of Faculty: Mr P Andrews

Faculty Innovator: Mrs A Grewcock

KS3 Co-ordinator: Miss L Fox

Advanced Skills Teacher: Mrs N Fletton

English Teachers:

Mrs C Bodicoat

Mr J Connolly

Miss F Conway

Mrs C Giddings

Mr R Giddings

Miss L Griffiths

Mrs K Harris

Mrs G Holbird

Mrs M Holman

Miss J Silverthorne

Mrs J Wilson