Subject Identity

Like all successful English departments, our aim is twofold: to give all our pupils the necessary communication skills in writing, reading, speaking and listening to succeed throughout their lives, and to imbue in them an awareness of the beauty and importance of strong writing, great literature and powerful oration. It is a tall order, but the passion of the teaching staff and the wealth of resources available make it highly enriching for pupils.

Overview of work in Key Stage 3

In Years 7 and 8 pupils have three English lessons per week, taught in mixed ability tutor groups, and some pupils with particular literacy needs receive extra small-group literacy lessons each week. The curriculum in these years is modular, and for each module pupils are assessed in Reading, Writing and Speaking and Listening. Modules last roughly six weeks and are based on the National Literacy Strategy, including reading fiction and non-fiction, writing for specific audiences and purposes, analysing the media and reading and performing drama.

In Year 9 pupils study for the Key Stage 3 SATs. Modules in Year 9 are tailored to SATs skills, particularly writing for a specific audience and purpose, reading non-fiction and media texts and reading a Shakespeare play, which this year is Much Ado About Nothing.

Overview of work in Key Stage 4

In Years 10 and 11 all pupils study GCSE English and English Literature. Pupils study modules which combine exam skills with the writing of coursework and there is ongoing assessment over both years, leading to the national GCSE exams in June of Year 11.

Although teachers have a choice in which texts they teach, the syllabus requires that each student studies the following:

• Pre 20 th Century Prose
• Shakespeare
• Media
• 20 th Century Drama
• Creative Writing

• Non-fiction and Media Texts
• Writing to Argue/Persuade/Advise
• Writing to Inform/Explain/Describe
• Poetry from the GCSE Anthology
• 20th Century Prose

In years 12 and 13 students can study AS and A2 English Literature or English Language and Literature.

English Literature is a difficult but hugely rewarding course, which is suitable only for those who like reading and are prepared to read a number of substantial texts.

In Year 12 students read a minimum of a modern play, a pre-20 th century novel and a broad selection of pre-20 th century poetry, and read and write coursework on a Shakespeare play, usually Hamlet. In Year 13 they study a broader selection of texts, spanning hundreds of years, including modern and pre-20 th century novels, pre-20 th century drama, and modern and pre-20 th century poetry. Coursework is written on a modern novel.

English Language and Literature combines aspects of the Literature course, including the analysis of texts spanning centuries, with a highly detailed study of the function and effect of language. Many students enjoy this course and it is always well subscribed.

In Year 12 student undertake a module on Spoken Language, including playscripts and transcripts of conversations, a Desk Study, which introduces them to texts written in different styles and from different periods, and they write coursework on Short Fiction Study, which include analysis of a fiction text and a commentary on how the student gained their knowledge and understanding of the way language works in the text.

In Year 13 students develop their knowledge of language by studying very old texts, like Chaucer, and highly specific rhetorical texts like speeches and monologues. The coursework for this year is to write two spoken language texts, with different form, audience and purpose and provide a commentary which compares how language works in them. They study a modern play, analysing the representation of spoken language, and undertake a synoptic module, which tests them on their knowledge of literature and language gained over the two year course.

Homework

Homework in Year 7, 8 and 9 is set in accordance with school policy, and each homework task is detailed in the Module Booklet, which pupils receive at the beginning of each module. These booklets also detail optional extended homework tasks which are designed to lead to greater success in the module. In later years homework tasks are often larger and runs over a week or two, for example researching for, and writing drafts of, coursework.

Whole School Activities

The English Department is responsible for Literacy Across the Curriculum, ensuring that all curriculum areas are helping to develop pupils’ literacy skills within the work they undertake.

We are also working with the LRC on a new project called ‘Rushcliffe Reads’ which aims to promote the value and enjoyment of reading among pupils, staff and parents. As part of that project, each tutor group will have a ‘Reading Registration’ once a week, when pupils will be expected to bring a book and read silently during registration.

Clubs and Events

There are several extra-curricular activities, including Reading Club, Drama Club, an annual readathon and author visits by successful teen-fiction writers. We also take pupils out of school on various educational visits, including the annual trip to ‘Poetry Live’ where GCSE pupils get to hear the poetry studied for exams read and discussed by the actual poets.

Weblinks

AQA GCSE Syllabus

Name of Curriculum Leader