English

Course content

Key Stage 3:  

The Key Stage 3 English curriculum develops pupils’ literacy, spelling, punctuation and comprehension skills in order to make them effective learners across the curriculum as a whole.  These skills are taught to pupils as they study a variety of texts, including poetry and media.  

Key Stage 4:

At Key Stage 4 all pupils are entered for both GCSE English and English Literature.   

We follow the AQA A syllabus for both English and English Literature and pupils are required to prepare a coursework folder which reflects their study of pre- and post- 1914 drama, pre-1914 prose, media and creative writing.  Pupils cannot be entered for either English or English Literature unless they have submitted a complete coursework folder.  In preparation for their exams pupils also study a range of poetry (pre- and post- 1914) and a novel (To Kill A Mockingbird or Of Mice & Men). 

Facilities 

There are three designated English classrooms, all of which have interactive white boards.  All pupils have access to ICT facilities. 

Activities  

The English Department sees reading as central to pupils’ enjoyment of and progress in English.  We encourage pupils to enjoy reading by involving them in activities such as the Southwark Book Award, book week and library lessons.   

The English Department has also created a curriculum enrichment programme - a series of events aimed at promoting learning outside the classroom.  This year the programme includes a visit by the Firepoet, an in-house Shakespeare workshop for Years 8 and 9, participation in the Speak Out Challenge for Year 10 and a Year 11 trip to thePoetry Live! event.    

Study Clubs 

The English Department organises a comprehensive range of After-School and Saturday School study sessions for Year 11 pupils.  Dates and times are advertised around the School and in the Year 11 Bulletin.  This year the English Department has also organised three full-day revision sessions to be led by Peter Buckroyd (Chief Examiner for AQA English).

Exam Results 

In 2009 83% of our pupils obtained a level 5 or above at Key Stage 3; 61% of our pupils obtained a grade ‘C’ or above in GCSE English and 70% obtained a grade ‘C’ or above in GCSE English Literature.

Staff 

Mrs H. O’Donnell - Head of Department  

Ms T. Rughooputh

Ms M. Tumelty 

Ms C. Sayed

Ms P. Belvett

Mrs S. Smith

Ms C. Miranda

Ms S. Marston