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Assessment is the main means of measuring student performance, potential and progress. The English department work in line with information gathered from Key Stage 2, in National tests to measure progress. This is built on to measure progress at the end of Key Stage 3 and 4. Effective monitoring of students performance, and progress enables English teacher to diagnose problems and take appropriate action. 

 

During Years 7, 8 and 9 students follow an interrelated English curriculum. Students are exposed to wide range of reading material throughout the year, which are connected to the work carried out at all Key Stages. This including novels, (both contemporary and pre-twentieth century), poetry, short stories, media texts, scripts and non-fiction reading and writing. Students are expected to emulate the writing styles and techniques that they are exposed to in the reading material, as studied. They must learn to write in a variety of diverse forms for a variety of audiences and purposes. Students are also required to develop their speaking skills by partaking in a range of ‘Speaking and Listening’ tasks and activities; these include individual extended discussion, role playing and debating.

 

All students following the National Strategy for assessment: modular tests are carried out half-termly to help ensure progress. Results are used to monitor progress throughout the academic year.

 

 

 

At Key Stage 4, students follow AQA Specification B. They can approach their GCSEs in two pathways.   They can either take one GCSE in English and a half GCSE in Functional Skills or they can study for two GCSEs; one in English Language and one in English Literature. 

 

All learning that takes place at Key Stage 4 aim to develop learning acquired at Key Stage 3. This includes; essential ‘Speaking and Listening’, Reading and Writing skills.  Like Key Stage 3, the material that students will study, includes the study of fiction and non-fiction texts. Shakespeare, English Literary Heritage and texts from other cultures; these include drama, poetry and prose. Students will also learn how to write in a variety of fiction and non-fiction styles. Students will begin studying for their GCSE at the end of Year 9; however, will be officially assessed throughout Year 10 and Year11. Assessment is carried out by way of Controlled Assessments and Modular examinations.  

 

Following the AQA syllabus (Specification B), students are assessed by Controlled Assessment and examination. Unit 1 Reading and writing non-fiction texts is the examination worth 40% of the overall GCSE. Unit 2 is the Speaking and Listening assessment, worth 20% of the overall GCSE and Unit 3 includes Shakespeare studies, texts from the English literary heritage and texts from other cultures (drama, poetry and prose).   Unit 3 is tested by Controlled assessment, which is worth 40% of the overall GCSE 

 

To support students’ learning in Key Stage 3 and 4, vising theatre companies are brought in to help strengthen their knowledge of the more complex themes and issues presented in texts. Key scenes are performed, compared and analysed using more interactive teaching techniques, all of which help to bring out complex wider philosophical issues that underpin texts. This approach to learning helps to develop our students’ confidence and skills, as critical thinkers. It also provides students with a greater understanding of key characters, themes and issues presented in texts. More importantly, it allows students to tackle more complex examination questions with confidence and enthusiasm; as well as helping to develop students’ learning experience and knowledge, it also given students an experience of the theatre, as they work outside the usual context of the class room.

 

 

The English faculty offers students the opportunity to study AQA English, following Specification B [Further information can be found in our Sixth Form prospectus]. We offer courses in AS and A2 in English Literature. AS English Literature involves 60% examination and 40% coursework and A2 English Literature involves 80% examination and 20% coursework. This course helps to develop students understanding of more complex literary techniques and critical theories, which they must show that they can identify and apply to a range of texts.

 

 

All lessons are taught within a Geography classroom, which are well equipped with resources, including access to computer facilities. All classrooms have been fitted with an interactive whiteboard, which are used each lesson to involve the students in their own learning.

 

 

Students work is assessed informally each lesson. Every eight weeks students will complete a formal assessment task, ranging from role plays to written examinations, this data is an important part of helping the students to succeed. All students are aware of their current levels and will be informed of the necessary steps needed to make progress.