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:

During Key Stage 4, students follow the AQA – A syllabus for GCSE English Language. Part of the new course (introduced by AQA in September 2010) is assessed via controlled assessments – written work that is completed under examination conditions in class time. The course is divided into three areas: Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing. Students will be encouraged to plan and take part in individual and group presentations, develop their critical literacy skills through the reading and analysis of a wide range of texts and engage in creative writing tasks.

Most students will also take AQA – A GCSE Literature. Students will study a range of stories, novels, poetry and plays.  Students will learn to interpret and analyse texts to a high standard. They will be encouraged to engage with and enjoy literature on an independent basis.

Students are either entered for higher or foundation tier exams. A higher exam enables them to achieve a grade in the range of A* to D. A foundation paper enables students to achieve between a C and a G grade.

For access to the AQA – A GCSE English Language/Literature specification, please visit: http://web.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english.php/SpecA/english.php

Key Stage 5:

In Key Stage 5, the AQA – B specification is followed, offering an AS and A-level course in English Literature. The philosophy of AQA is “that the exploration of reading processes

can be an interesting and enriching way to approach literary texts.” As such, pupils who study AS and A-Level English  will:

•  pay close attention to how narrative works in texts

•  make connections across texts through exploring their narratives

•  be introduced to notions of genre through the study of drama.

•  broaden their understanding of genre and categorisation

•  extend their independent reading

•  extend their awareness of critical methods and

readings.

Facilities

There are a number of 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.  The programme includes such things as a visit by the Firepoet, an in-house Shakespeare workshop, participation in the Speak Out Challenge for Year 10, a Year 11 trip to the Poetry Live! event and various educational visits to see professional drama productions based on the literature studied.

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.  This year the English Department has also organised three full-day revision sessions to be led by Byron McGuiness (Assistant Principal  Examiner for AQA English).

Exam Results

In 2010 93% of our pupils obtained a level 5 or above at Key Stage 3; 78% of our pupils obtained a grade ‘C’ or above in GCSE English and 93% obtained a grade ‘C’ or above in GCSE English Literature.

Staff

Ms J. McKay- Head of Department

Ms S. Duckworth

Ms C. Miranda

Ms A. Ballard

Ms C. Sayed

Ms P. Belvett

Ms T. Rughooputh