English

Key Stage 3 Areas of Study:

 

Year 7:

Term 1: Poetry through the Ages

Term 2: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Term 3: An Introduction to Shakespeare

Term 4: Non-fiction texts (autobiographies and information texts)

Term 5: Modern Drama (such as Frankenstein by Philip Pullman)

Term 6: Modern Novel (such as Holes or Wonder)

Year 8:

Term 1: Modern Drama

Term 2: Poetry from different cultures

Term 3: A Study in Scarlet by Sherlock Holmes

Term 4: Modern Novel such as The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time

Term 5: The Art of Rhetoric

Term 6: Shakespeare

Year 9:

Term 1: An introduction to Gothic Literature

Term 2: Poetry

Term 3: Shakespeare

Term 4: Modern Novel such as To Kill a Mockingbird, I capture the Castle, The Catcher in the Rye

Term 5: Writing to Argue and Persuade 

Term 6:  Begin GCSE Modern Drama text An Inspector Calls by JB Priestley

 

Key Stage 4:

 

Subject: GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature (OCR)

Links to other subjects / degrees / careers:

In developing the ability to communicate in all forms, both verbal and written, English is the foundation for all further study and every career.

Skills / competencies developed:

English is a core subject developing skills of literacy. It enables students to write extended pieces of work in a logical and developed manner, whilst acknowledging the importance of technical accuracy; in addition, it teaches students to formulate arguments supported by evidence. Skills in speaking and listening are developed throughout the course, and are assessed separately from the GCSE examination (see below).

Content

English Language

Component 1: Communicating Information and Ideas (2 hour examination; 50% of total marks)

This paper has two parts worth 40 marks each. In part A students read and compare non-fiction texts, one nineteenth-century, the other from the twentieth or twenty-first centuries. In part B they write one original piece of non-fiction for a particular audience and purpose.

Component 2: Exploring Effects and Impact (2 hour examination; 50% of total marks)

This paper has two parts worth 40 marks each. In part A students read and compare literary prose texts, including literary non-fiction; in part B they write one original piece of creative writing.

Component 3: Spoken Language (non-exam assessment)

Students deliver a presentation on an agreed topic, then listen and respond appropriately to questions and feedback.

English Literature

Component 1: Exploring Modern and Literary Heritage Texts (2 hour examination; 50% of total marks)

This is in two sections. Section A focuses on one modern drama set text (An Inspector Calls by J. B. Priestley). Section B focuses on one 19th century prose set text (e.g. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen).

Component 2: Exploring Poetry and Shakespeare (2 hour examination; 50% of total marks)

This is in two sections. Section A focuses on a themed poetry cluster from the OCR set poetry anthology. Section B focuses on one set Shakespeare play (e.g. Macbeth).