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