Subject overview
English is an essential subject as it teaches literacy skills that are needed in all other subject areas. It is a highly popular subject area as the Curriculum allows for creativity and encourages a love of Literature.
All students take English Language and English Literature as separate subjects to GCSE in Key Stage Four; this is taught in mixed ability groups. The Key Stage Three syllabus teaches the skills students need to achieve in preparation for further study at Key Stage Four.
The four main skills are reading, writing, listening and speaking. English Literature AS and A Level is a lively and challenging discipline which can be successfully combined with all subjects. It appeals to those who take pleasure in reading a wide variety of Literature, who enjoy expressing their opinions and developing independent ideas. The English department is a team of 11 specialists.
| Key Stage 3 | Key Stage 4 | Key Stage 5 |
|---|---|---|
At Key Stage Three the students are taught through units of poetry, drama, prose, media, novels, non-fiction, language study and short stories across all the years. Students in Key Stage three (years 7-9) study English for seven one hour slots.
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Years 10 and 11 follow the AQA Key Stage 4 combined syllabus for English Language and English Literature GCSE. This course has a 40% coursework in English language and 30% coursework for Literature. The students study a classic novel, a play by William Shakespeare as well as a modern novel, a modern drama and a range of poetry taken from the AQA Anthology. |
At AS and A2 the students follow the AQA A syllabus. The new syllabus offers exciting opportunities for students to develop skills at A Level. Many of the students who study AS and A2 go on to read English at University. |
We offer a range of extra curricular activities to all students including a reading club, a poetry club and a creative writing club. We actively encourage students to enter National competitions and see their work published. Sadie Smith is a famous old student who has written a number of best selling novels.
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