To deliver an engaging and diverse curriculum which enables students of all abilities to enjoy and achieve. Our students will be given opportunities to explore a wide variety of literary and non-literary texts and to develop an appreciation of a writer’s craft. Through a varied programme of enrichment activities, we aim to provide a full experience of English Literature and Language and to celebrate all that the subjects have to offer.

Key Stage 3

How are students assessed at Key Stage 3?

Throughout KS3 pupils have assessment criteria that they need to work through. This is banded into 4 different levels. Pupils arrive from KS2 already at a certain level. Pupils are expected to move up a minimum of a whole level across Y7, Y8 and Y9. If pupils reach the top of Band 4 it means that they are already working at a higher level GCSE ability. Each scheme of work provides the opportunity for pupils to develop and refine these skills. Assessments will be carried out each half term in reading, writing and speaking and listening. This will provide the opportunity for them to demonstrate skills at a certain level and identify areas that need development. This assessment criteria is based on skills required at GCSE level and is designed to prepare pupils for KS4. Each scheme of work is also based around topics that pupils will study at GCSE level, giving them valuable experience in each area and an insight of what is expected of them at KS4.

Homework and Library Lessons: Pupils are given a homework project each term on a themed topic. They have a minimum of 6 tasks to complete and they choose which ones they do as long as they have completed two reading, two writing and two creative tasks. Each task holds a number of points. Pupils need to choose certain tasks to accumulate enough points to meet their target grade. All resources are available on the VLE. The other part of the KS3 homework is for pupils to read a novel per half-term. This will be regulated in a fortnightly library lesson where pupils will take tests on their understanding of the novel and work their way up the reading levels over the course of the year.

Setting: Pupils are set in mixed ability classes throughout KS3 apart from a separate higher ability class in each year that are given more challenging and complex material for more advanced skills. These sets are regularly reviewed. Pupils who need additional support will receive it in their mixed ability class.

 Key Stage 4

How are students assessed at Key Stage 4?

The new AQA specification which will be graded 1-9. This is a two year course in which pupils will complete an English Language and an English Literature GCSE, both assessed by 100% examination at the end of Y11. Throughout Y10 pupils will study the English Literature course whilst practising English Language skills which have been integrated into schemes of work along the way. In Y11, the delivery of the course allows quality revision time to refine skills and ensure pupils are thoroughly prepared for their examinations. Pupils will be assessed and graded regularly each half term on the relevant Literature components and the English Language skills. There will also be numerous trial exams throughout KS4 in both GCSE courses. Key Stage 4 homework is set weekly for at least an hour. The homework depends entirely on what pupils are studying at the time but will mostly consist of exam preparation and revision tasks.

Setting:At Key Stage 4 pupils are grouped based on ability, progress at KS3 and their minimum expected grade. Groupings are regularly reviewed.

Clubs and Activities:

Film Club
Creative Writing Club
Debating Society
BBC News Report
Carnegie Shadowing Group
Study Support
Homework Club
Library Sessions

Trips:

Shakespeare’s Birthplace
Harry Potter Studios
BBC Weather Report
Theatre Trips
Cinema Trips
Film Festivals
Reward Trips
Debating Competitions
Guest Speakers
Off Site Revision Days
University Days

Skills in English are vital in any chosen career. The ability to read, write and communicate effectively is essential for any employer and colleges, sixth forms and apprenticeships require pupils to achieve a higher grade pass in English to be accepted onto the courses that they offer.

Contact Information

Chris Gates
Learning Director for English and Media
Whole School Rewards
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Emily Atkinson
Deputy Learning Director for English
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