English Department

The English department currently has seven full time teachers.

• Mr A. Twyman - Head of Department

• Miss J. Bergqvist - Second in Department

• Miss L. Ahmed - English Teacher

• Mrs K. Charman-Lam - English Teacher

• Miss I. Cinik - English Teacher

• Ms C. Springall - English Teacher

• Miss C. Wallington - English Teacher

Ethos

The English department believes that English is one of the most important subjects a student can study. Good English skills are crucial for communication, individual expression and success in latter working life. A good grounding in English does not just help students with their English studies but also across the majority of their subjects, as virtually all subjects are taught and examined in English.

Key Stage 3

Years 7, 8 and 9 are very important years for students within English as they provide the foundation of a student’s basic skills. Across these years students skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening are developed. Students will study a range of prose, poetry and drama to improve their comprehension and knowledge of literary techniques. Students will also provide many written responses, both creative and critical, to their reading. Finally, students will develop their speaking and listening skills through debate and argument. The course across Key stage three is design to cover the National Literacy Strategy.

Key Stage 4

Years 10 and 11 are devoted to preparing students for their GCSE English Language and Literature examinations at the end of year 11. Students sit the AQA examinations and gain 2 GCSE grades at the end of the course. In year 10 students will complete five pieces of coursework on:

• Shakespeare- usually Romeo and Juliet.
• Pre 20th century prose- usually Oliver Twist or Great Expectations.
• Post 1914 drama- Usually An Inspector Calls or Blood Brothers.
• A creative writing piece.
• Media- usually a film review.
• 3 speaking listening assignments.

Coursework accounts for 30% of the literature examination and 40% of the language examination. In Year 11 students prepare for their end of year examinations focusing on:

• Unseen comprehension.
• Poetry.
• Prose- usually Of Mice and Men.
• Writing to argue persuade and advise.
• Writing to inform, explain and describe.

By the end of Key stage four students will sit their GCSE examinations in June; leaving Key stage 4 with 2 GCSEs, one in English Language and one in English Literature.

Key Stage 5

AQA English Literature (2470) A Level course

The course gives students a broad knowledge of a range of English texts from Chaucer to Modern Classics.