English
Mrs. A. Millea (Head of English)
Mrs. J. Lascelles
Mrs. D. Watkins
Mr. H. Pearson
Ms.H. Doherty
Mrs. C. Miller (Teaching Assistant)
Welcome to the English department
English lies at the centre of our pupils’ learning experience. It underpins most areas of the curriculum and lies at the heart of the educational process – the process that is officially measured by assessments but which consists of so much more. English accommodates a range of needs – social and personal – and provides many opportunities to enrich the lives of pupils. It enables pupils to develop as learners, curious to explore themselves and the world, and to develop as valued and valuable members of society.
English teaching in Archbishop Sancroft is about enthusing and encouraging pupils to read widely, to discuss, to explore, to question, to think and to write. Classrooms are busy, lively places where pupils participate in discussion, debate, drama, and a wide variety of reading and writing activities.
The department seeks to encourage pupils to be as active and involved as possible in their own learning and it is to that we dedicate ourselves
KS3
How many English lessons will I have?
All students in years 7-9 receive six/seven hours of English teaching over a fortnight. Students are grouped in four mixed ability classes. In all years, students may be withdrawn from classes to work individually or in small groups, if they have been identified as needing extra support.
What exactly will I be studying?
All students follow a course developed from the National Curriculum and the National Framework for English for KS3. There are three main attainment targets:
- Speaking and listening
- Reading
- Writing
Students explore a wide range of texts, including contemporary and classical texts. Poetry, novels, plays, short stories and a whole variety of non-fiction texts are enjoyed by students at KS3.
In addition, students are given the opportunity to write and speak for many different purposes and audiences. The writing purpose triplets for KS3 are:
- argue / persuade / advice
- analyse / review / comment
- inform / explain / describe
- imagine / explore / entertain
Will I be expected to read independently?
Research has shown conclusively that students who regularly read for pleasure achieve more highly in formal examinations. This is why we do all we can to encourage our students to read independently. Therefore, one lesson a fortnight is designated a reading lesson in the LRC (Library Resource Centre). This is a structured lesson in which students focus on reading strategies and how to become more effective and critical independent readers (see link for suitable KS3 authors). Pupils are expected to work on the department’s reading awards of which there are four levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. We expect pupils, as an absolute minimum, to be reading for ten minutes a day. Every week, one twenty minute tutorial is dedicated to independent reading across the whole school.
How will I be assessed?
In years 7-9, students complete three assessment tasks per half term (reading, writing and speaking and listening). Each student will be awarded a National Curriculum level and sublevel (e.g. 6a) for each of the pieces of work that they complete. These levels are then tracked and monitored to enable us to identify students who need intervention or extra support.
KS4
ENGLISH/ENGLISH LITERATURE (2 GCSEs)
What will the subject cover?
Speaking and Listening activities.
Reading and responding to poetry, novels, short stories and non-fiction texts.
Writing, including original writing.
How much coursework will there be?
Five pieces to be completed by the end of Year 10, plus three pieces of oral work.
In total, worth: English = 20% (oral) 20% (written)
Literature = 30% (written)
How many exams will there be?
Two, in May/June of Year 11 for English, worth 60%.
One, in May/June of Year 11 for English Literature, worth 70%.
Are there different levels of papers?
Yes, there are two tiers,
Higher, giving D to A* grades
Foundation, giving G to C grades.
Can I study this subject at a different level from GCSE?
Yes, you can study for Entry Level Certificate in English.
What skills and interests do I need to study this course?
English is a compulsory subject for all pupils.
What careers would it be a good qualification for?
A qualification in English is desirable in most careers and essential in many. The basic qualification required for most jobs is a GCSE pass in English. Specific jobs/careers for which English/English Literature might be appropriate include:- Teaching, Journalism, Film and Television, Media, Law, Clerical Work, the Civil Service, and many careers in the Arts.
