Year 9
In Year 9 students follow a curriculum which incorporates the National Curriculum Key Stage 3 guidelines, as well as putting in place skills necessary for the GCSE course which starts in Year 10. The course requires pupils to study prose, poetry and Drama, allowing them to develop the skills of literary analysis; they are also encouraged to produce examples of creative writing in each genre. A Shakespeare play is studied in preparation for the end-of-year examination. Language skills covered include speaking and listening, as well as reading and writing in different styles for different purposes. This will include for instance: making speeches, debating, discussion, newspaper analysis, diaries and letter writing. In addition the pupils are shown how to research a factual project, using the library and IT centre, and are introduced to word processing skills in the IT department. There is revision of all grammatical work, including parts of speech and sentence construction, as well as encouragement to use both a dictionary and a thesaurus.
Years 10 & 11
English and English Literature [AQA] : 3702 + 3712
Students follow the National Curriculum via the GCSE English and English Literature syllabuses. All students begin their course by studying for both the English and English Literature GCSEs, which provides a rigorous programme of reading, writing, speaking and listening.
For English, the students will study fiction and non-fiction texts. They will be required to produce a coursework folder which will be 20% of their final mark. In this they will be tested on their ability to write both creatively and analytically, focussing on evocative techniques and film study. They will also complete a series of oral assessments (20%) involving informative, analytical or persuasive tasks. For this they will be required to speak in public, take part in discussion and contribute to drama activities. The remainder of the English assessment (60%) is examined. One exam focuses on non-fiction, media and persuasive writing, the other on the poetry of different cultures, and expressive writing.
The coursework on Shakespeare, and Nineteenth Century prose fiction for English overlaps with the Literature requirements; therefore students will submit a joint coursework folder. In addition, their literature folder will contain an analytical piece on a Twentieth Century play chosen by their teacher. For their literature exam they will study a Twentieth Century novel, chosen from AQA’s selection, and a selection of pre-1914 poems.
Sixth Form
English Language [EDEXCEL] (AS)
Students intending to join this course should have an active interest in spoken and written language. It is necessary to have a GCSE qualification in English, and students need to be prepared to study concepts and frameworks for the study of language. Speaking and writing skills will also be developed further.
The course is divided into three units : textual commentary, a desk study and coursework based on the language of the media. The course is designed to appeal to students who enjoy reading a wide variety of written and spoken language, and who enjoy expressing and justifying their opinions. English language is directly relevant to life and experience: it is also a popular qualification for entry to a wide range of courses in higher education or for future careers.
English Literature [EDEXCEL] (AS and A2)
Sixth Formers intending to join this course should enjoy reading and should feel that they have had some success in studying literature at GCSE or at Standard Grade.
The English Literature course is designed to introduce students to a variety of literature, to encourage their enjoyment of it, to develop their critical abilities and writing skills and to give them a basic knowledge of the subject. The course is primarily the study of literature; the intention is to encourage, deepen and extend an enjoyment and appreciation of English literature based on informed personal response. In Year 12, the student will look at a play, a selection of poetry, a pre-1900 prose text and a Shakespeare play. These three units make up the AS-level. In Year 13, students move on to two further plays, poetry (probably Chaucer), coursework on 20th Century prose and a synoptic unit involving criticism and comparison. Anyone choosing this course will be expected to read more widely than the set books prescribed for the syllabus. The candidates will be assessed by exam (85%) and by coursework (15%).