English encourages and allows all students to develop their curiosity, thinking and engagement. The differing worlds of both fiction and non-fiction and the experiences they portray are explored through a range of texts and ways of learning. Students have exciting opportunities to ask the’ bigger’ questions presented through reading, discussion and wider study, including live resources and film.
The main aim of the English curriculum is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping learners with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through reading for enjoyment across a wide range of styles and genres.
English is usually taught in reading ability sets in KS3 (Years 7, 8 and 9) so that the lessons are developed at the right pace for the learner. The curriculum will be the same.
In KS3, learners are expected to develop an appreciation and love of reading, and read increasingly challenging material independently. This includes reading a wide range of fiction and non-fiction, including in particular whole books, short stories, poems and plays from a variety of genres, historical periods, forms and authors.
In their written work, students are taught to write accurately, fluently, effectively and at length, for a range of purposes and audiences, including:
At this stage, students are taught to speak confidently and effectively. They’re expected to use Standard English confidently in a range of contexts, including classroom discussions, speeches and presentations. They should be able to express their own ideas and keep to the point. Students take part in formal debates and structured discussions. They improvise, rehearse and perform play scripts and poetry, and use role, intonation, tone, volume, mood, silence, stillness and action to add impact.
The GCSE in English Literature course will start midway through year 9 with a final exam in the summer of year 10.
KEY EXAM | |
Unit 1 Prose (different cultures) and poetry (contemporary)* | Not assessed 2020/2021 |
Unit 2 Drama and prose | May 2021 |
CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT | |
Unit 3 Shakespeare and poetry | September 2020 – February 2021 |
RESOURCES AND INFORMATION
Revision Guides | General revision guides about poetry comparisons could be useful. Revision guides for your key texts could also be helpful: Blood Brothers Lord of the Flies A Christmas Carol A Taste of Honey Resistance An Inspector Calls Heroes Macbeth Check with your class teacher to see which texts you are studying. |
WJEC Website | https://resources.wjec.co.uk/Pages/ResourceByArgs.aspx?subId=56&lvlId=2 |
BBC Website | https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/z9gjp39 |
Apps | Pixl Lit App |
Quizlet | Download the app free and find quizzes for all components of the course. |
The GCSE in English Language will start in year 10 after the completion of the English Literature course with a final exam in the summer of year 11.
KEY EXAM/ASSESSMENT | EXAM |
Unit 1 Speaking and Listening | September 2020 – February 2021 |
Unit 2 Description, narration and exposition | May/June 2021 |
Unit 3 Argumentation, persuasion and instructional | May/June 2021 |
RESOURCES AND INFORMATION
Revision Guides | General revision guides about reading comprehension and writing accurately could be helpful. |
WJEC Website | https://resources.wjec.co.uk/Pages/ResourceByArgs.aspx?subId=11&lvlId=2 |
BBC Website | https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/ztjmv4j |
University of Bristol Website | https://www.bristol.ac.uk/arts/exercises/grammar/grammar_tutorial/page_41.htm |
Quizlet | Download the app free and find quizzes for all components of the course. |