English

Why study English?

The study of English builds essential knowledge to equip individuals to serve the wider world so that they can express themselves fluently and creatively and essentially become effective communicators and confident writers. Studying English helps individuals make sense of who they are by engaging with the world around them developing them culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially, and spiritually. It enhances an appreciation of other perspectives, opening new experiences. Reading, spoken language and writing are the cornerstones of success and we aim to equip our pupils with the knowledge to read critically, confidently and for pleasure; to be articulate in their spoken language; and to write effectively with style and accuracy for a wide range of purposes and audiences. 

How will I study English?

Pupils will study English Language and English Literature to encourage understanding and appreciation of a wide range of literature. There is a blend of modern, pre-twentieth Century prose, poetry, drama and a variety of British fiction and non-fiction ranging from classics to more modern texts to allow pupils to engage with complex and sophisticated ideas. Pupils will read, reflect and critique constructing their own ideas and gain versatility in their own writing. 

What will I study at Key Stage 3?

In Key Stage 3 we start by building on the skills developed in Key Stage 2: students develop their ability to independently understand texts and move from inferential understanding of the content of texts to analysing the writer’s methods.

  In Year 7, students are introduced to key concepts and skills such as hubris,  generic conventions and the analysis of language and sequencing.  The texts studied include myths and fairy tales to explore the origins of literature and first experiences of story-telling and Romeo and Juliet to consider Shakespeare’s storytelling and tragedy . 

  In Year 8, students consolidate their learning from year 7 and develop their understanding of genres and literature from different times by studying detective fiction, short stories, World War 1 poetry and Much Ado About Nothing.  

In Year 9, students continue to explore a range of texts to broaden their understanding of literature and to become more independent in their response to the texts; the increase in challenge suits the students’ growing abilities and maturity.  Students study Animal Farm and Blood Brothers.  This year acts as a bridge into preparation for the GCSE examinations.   By increasing the challenge, students are readied to study the texts for the GCSE Literature: A Christmas Carol  and poems from the AQA Poetry anthology of Power and Conflict.

What will I study at Key Stage 4?

In years 10 and 11 students prepare to take their GCSE examinations in English Language and Literature.   They develop and refine their skills of analysis, critical interpretation and personal response.  They become more skilled at writing for particular purposes and audiences.  

Students study the set texts for the Literature examinations: MacbethA Christmas CarolAn Inspector Calls and the AQA Poetry anthology of Power and Conflict.
In addition, they practise analysis of a range of unseen 20th and 21st century fiction and non-fiction texts for GCSE Language and analysis of unseen poetry for GCSE Literature.

Assessment at KS4:

GCSE English Language AQA 8700
GCSE English Language Paper 1: Explorations in creative reading and writing 

Overview  Focus 
  • Written exam (1 hour 45 minutes) 
  • 80 marks 
  • 50% of GCSE 
  • Section A: Reading literature fiction text 
  • Section B: Descriptive or narrative writing 

GCSE English Language Paper 2: Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives 

Overview  Focus 
  • Written exam (1 hour 45 minutes) 
  • 80 marks 
  • 50% of GCSE 
  • Section A: Reading one non-fiction and one literary non-fiction text 
  • Section B: Writing to present a viewpoint 

NEA: Spoken Language 

Overview  Focus 
  • Teacher sets throughout course 
  • Marked by teacher 
  • Separate endorsement (0% weighting of GCSE) 
  • Presenting 
  • Responding to questions and feedback 
  • Use of Standard English 

GCSE English Literature AQA 8702 

GCSE English Literature Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th century novel 

Overview  Focus 
  • Written exam (1 hour 45 minutes) 
  • 64 marks 
  • 40% of GCSE 
  • Section A: Shakespeare: Macbeth 
  • Section B: The 19th century novel: A Christmas Carol

GCSE English Literature Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry 

Overview  Focus 
  • Written exam (2 hours 15 minutes) 
  • 96 marks 
  • 60% of GCSE 
  • Section A: Modern text: drama; An Inspector Calls 
  • Section B: Poetry: Power and conflict anthology 
  • Section C: Unseen poetry 

What will learners be required to do in class and at home?

Eden Girls’ School expects learners to be highly punctual, well-equipped, and always working to the best of their ability. Class work will include various reading, writing and speaking and listening tasks throughout the year, as well as a significant emphasis on spelling, punctuation and grammar elements. Drama will also be practised within the curriculum.  Learners will be set homework on a weekly basis, usually in sync with the topic that is being covered in class work at the time.

How will learners be assessed?
Tracking learners’ progress is of extreme importance to us at Eden Girl’s School. Learners are assessed on a daily basis via their classwork and homework, assessed formally at the end of every half term through a reading or writing assessment in class and sit a formal end of year examination.

Enrichment?

Students have the opportunity to go on trips to enhance their understanding and appreciation of Drama. The trips include a Key Stage 3 trip to Shakespeare’s Globe and a Key Stage 4 trip to watch a theatrical version of A Christmas Carol.

 Students also have the opportunity to take part in book clubs to read for pleasure including a group which shadows the Carnegie Prize judging process.

Useful resources:
There are many useful websites to assist with English skills and learning, here a few well-known sources:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks3/
http://www.oed.com/
http://www.wilfredowen.org.uk/home/
http://nfs.sparknotes.com/

Exam bard link

Who you should see if you have any questions:
If you have any questions regarding English, please contact Ms Descombes or any member of the English team

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