Head of Department: Mrs Straw
Curriculum information:
Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8, 9).
- Pupils receive 5 lessons per week, building reading, writing and speaking and listening skills.
The composition of the lessons:
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A range of pre and post 1914 literature
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Non fiction and media texts
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Spelling, grammar, punctuation and presentation
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Pupils are banded for these years. (There are 2 band 1 classes, 2 band 2 classes, 2 band 3 classes and a special needs group)
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Class movement occurs throughout the years in order to support pupil progress.
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In the summer term of years 7, 8 pupils sit end of year Option Tests. These reveal reading and writing levels as well as a general level. These tests reflect the type of questions and the style of the SATs (Standard Attainment Tests). However they are designed specifically for this age group.
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Some pupils in year 7 will sit Progress Tests in the month of May. These tests are National and check the progress of pupils 12 months after the year 6 SATs. These tests are aimed at those pupils on the borderline of level 4 (either just above or below. Level 4 is the average standard that the government believes most children leaving primary school in year 6, will achieve).
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In year 9, pupils sit the SATs in May. There are 3 papers for English: reading, writing and reading Shakespeare.
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After the SATs, year 9 begin their GCSE coursework.
Key Stage 4 (Years 10, 11)
Pupils receive 4 lessons per week, following the AQA syllabus; scheme A for English, some take Literature and for the first time this year, a pilot group will sit media.
The composition of the lessons:
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Higher tier study both English and Literature
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Foundation tier study English. If the pilot is successful, foundation tier will additionally study media
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4 lessons of English are provided each week
Pupils are set as far as is possible (This is a mixture of ability setting and social setting, the tier- higher or foundation, is determined by the options chosen and is set by the Head of Year and curriculum group) these sets remain the same for both years in order to ensure continuity.
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In the transition phase, year 9 complete all 3 of their speaking and listening tasks. (Without this, candidates are not awarded a GCSE for English)
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In year 10 the coursework for English and Literature is completed. The end of year exam is a mock paper for Non Fiction, media and information. Cluster 1 of the poetry is also completed.(This is the first section from the anthology text that pupils are given at the beginning of the course)
Additionally
An online literacy test, awarding half a GCSE grade, is taken by all pupils in KS4. This mainly tests reading and comprehension skills.
