English Language lies at the heart of the school curriculum.  Pupils must be able to read and understand and write to a certain standard to ensure good progress across all their subjects.  It also helps pupils to become effective communicators. Pupils are encouraged to be effective communicators and critical thinkers.

Intent

To develop literacy skills in all pupils by encouraging them to be creative writers.

Transferable Skills

Pupils learn the art of writing in different forms and reading for pleasure.  They learn how to structure a speech and speak confidently.  Correct use of grammar and accurate spelling are a focus, along with vocabulary building, which has appositive impact across all subjects and later in the workplace.  Groupwork ensures that their ability to work as part of a team and their leadership skills are developed,

Assessment Weighting

Pupils  are assessed regularly and their grades are calculated at the end of each half-term as follows :

  • Tests- 60%,
  • Classwork – 20%
  • Homework – 20%.

In addition, for  GCSE exams, English Language is weighted as follows:

Paper 1  (50%): Reading: 25%

                             Writing: 25%

Paper 2 ( 50%): Reading: 25%

                           Writing: 25%

Spoken Language – separate  endorsement

Assessment (Implementation – includes how the subject is taught/ differentiation/cross curricular links)

English Language  is  taught twice a week. Spoken Language  presentations are assessed using GCSE criteria once a term, with the final exam held in November.

Pupils  writing is developed  to ensure that they use a good structure,  a good range of punctuation and  grammar. They are taught to use a wide range of punctuation and high level vocabulary.

A variety of teaching strategies are used, including  groupwork, quizzes, oral presentations, past paper practice and timed exercises.

 Differentiation –  pupils needs are assessed and catered to through various teaching strategies.

Cross-curricular – pupils are expected to use their writing and reading skills, as well as  good grammar and spelling across the curriculum.  Separate marks are allocated for the quality of written communication in several subjects by different Examination Boards.

 Pupils  are required to write an essay at the beginning of each half term and then an essay every fortnight and they complete a past GCSE paper each term.

  • All pupils write  Mock examination 1 in June
  • All pupils write Mock examination 2 in November
  • All pupils write GL Assessments ( English /Maths/Science) twice a year

What skills, understanding and knowledge will your pupils leave your subject with? ( Impact)

 There is a good pass rate in  GCSE English.  The pupils attain grades that are much higher than the national average ( 94% ave for the last three years).  Pupils will have developed the ability to  write in different forms – business letters, reports, newspaper articles, poetry and  short stories. They will be able to analyse a piece of writing and evaluate it. They will be confident communicators and critical thinkers.  They will have developed a love for reading and have strong leadership skills.

Career Opportunities

  • Journalist
  • Author
  • Teacher
  • T.V presenter
  • Actor
  • Poet