English

In English, we strive to engage and inspire all learners to develop a lifelong love of reading and writing. We encourage them to be inquisitive and creative whilst simultaneously nurturing the skills required to become literate and articulate in both written and verbal forms. Through all that we do, we aim to guide pupils towards empathetic and emotionally intelligent communication styles. In addition – of course – we have lots of fun! 

Learning Journey

For more information click on each of the units below.

Growth PAthways KS3

GCSE English Language (Edexcel)

Current Year 11

Students will be assessed by a 1 hour 45 minute exam which constitutes 40% of their English Language GCSE. In preparation for this, they will:

  • Study extracts from a range of prose fiction

  • Develop skills to analyse and evaluate 19th-century fiction extracts

  • Develop imaginative writing skills to engage the reader

  • Use spelling, punctuation and grammar accurately

Students will be assessed by a 2 hour exam which constitutes 60% of their English Language GCSE. In preparation for this, they will:

  • Study a range of 20th- and 21st-century non-fiction texts (including literary non-fiction

  • Develop skills to analyse, evaluate and compare non-fiction extracts

  • Develop transactional writing skills for a variety of forms, purposes and audiences

  • Use spelling, punctuation and grammar accurately

The component is internally assessed under controlled conditions, and externally monitored by Pearson.

  • Candidates must undertake a prepared spoken presentation on a specific topic in a formal setting, listen and respond to questions and feedback, and use spoken English effectively

  • Students are awarded a grade (Pass, Merit or Distinction)

GCSE English Literature (AQA)

Current Year 11

Pupils will be assessed by a 1 hour and 45 minute exam which constitutes 50% of their English Literature GCSE. In preparation for this, they will:

    • Study a Shakespeare play and a post-1914 British play or novel

    • Develop skills to analyse how the language, form, structure and context of texts can create meanings and effects

    • Develop skills to maintain a critical style and informed personal response

Pupils will be assessed by a 2 hour and 15 minute exam which constitutes 50% of their English Literature GCSE. In preparation for this, they will:

  • Study a 19th-century novel and a poetry collection from the Pearson Poetry Anthology

  • Develop skills to analyse how the language, form, structure and context of texts can create meanings and effects

  • Develop skills to maintain a critical style and informed personal response

  • Develop comparison skills

GCSE English Language (AQA)

Current Year 10

Students will be assessed by a 1 hour 45 minute exam which constitutes 50% of their English Language GCSE.

Section A: Reading

  • one literature fiction text

Section B: Writing

  • descriptive or narrative writing

Questions

Reading (40 marks) (25%)– one single text

  • 1 short form question (1 x 4 marks)
  • 2 longer form questions (2 x 8 marks)
  • 1 extended question (1 x 20 marks)

Writing (40 marks) (25%)

  • 1 extended writing question (24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy)

Students will be assessed by a 1 hour 45 Minute exam which constitutes 50% of their English Language GCSE.

Section A: Reading

  • one non-fiction text and one literary non-fiction text

Section B: Writing

  • writing to present a viewpoint

Questions

Reading (40 marks) (25%) – two linked texts

  • 1 short form question (1 x 4 marks)
  • 2 longer form questions (1 x 8, 1 x 12 marks)
  • 1 extended question (1 x 16 marks)

Writing (40 marks) (25%)

  • 1 extended writing question (24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy)

What’s assessed

(AO7–AO9)

  • presenting
  • responding to questions and feedback
  • use of Standard English

Assessed

  • teacher set throughout course
  • marked by teacher
  • separate endorsement (0% weighting of GCSE)

GCSE English Literature (AqA)

Current Year 10

Students will be assessed by a 1 hour 45 minute exam which constitutes 40% of their English Literature GCSE.

Section A Shakespeare: students will answer one question on their play of choice. They will be required to write in detail about an extract from the play and then to write about the play as a whole.

Section B The 19th-century novel: students will answer one question on their novel of choice. They will be required to write in detail about an extract from the novel and then to write about the novel as a whole.

Pupils will be assessed by a 2 hour and 15 minute exam which constitutes 60% of their English Literature GCSE.

Section A Modern texts: students will answer one essay question from a choice of two on their studied modern prose or drama text.

Section B Poetry: students will answer one comparative question on one named poem printed on the paper and one other poem from their chosen anthology cluster.

Section C Unseen poetry: Students will answer one question on one unseen poem and one question comparing this poem with a second unseen poem.

Accessibility

Open Mornings

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