English

Why is English Important?

English is vital for communicating with others in school and in the wider world, and is fundamental to learning in all curriculum subjects. In studying English, pupils develop skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing that they will need to participate in society and employment. Students learn to express themselves creatively and imaginatively and to communicate with others confidently and effectively.

Literature in English is rich and influential. It reflects the experiences of people from many countries and times, and contributes to our sense of cultural identity. Students learn to become enthusiastic and critical readers of stories, poetry and drama as well as non-fiction and media texts, gaining access to the pleasure and world of knowledge that reading offers. Looking at the patterns, structures, origins and conventions of English helps students understand how language works. Using this understanding, students can choose and adapt what they say and write in different situations, as well as appreciate and interpret the choices made by other writers and speakers.

English at KS3

Our work is centred around three core themes, one being explored each term. Each theme has a central text upon which all other work is built. This ensures that every Key Stage 3 student at Bishopsford reads a minimum of 3 novels a year. Good readers are able to make links in their reading and we enable these links through our choice of reading materials across the three years; themes are revisited with more challenging aspects and concepts year upon year. The central texts act as a spring board to other topics and areas of focus and teachers plan specific lessons in relation to the text and theme that are informed by rigorous assessment and tracking.

The Key Stage 3 scheme of work has been carefully compiled to ensure that each year is a progressive continuation of skills developed in previous years. 

English at KS4

By the beginning of year 10 our students should be confident speakers, fluent readers, and skilled writers who will have absorbed a wealth of good literature and non-fiction and have a solid foundation on which to commence their GCSE studies. Explicit links between the key stages are made so the skills and knowledge previously developed can be expertly put into practice at Key Stage 4.

From September 2010, all students will study English Language. For selected students, there will be the opportunity to gain additional GCSE qualifications in English Literature and Digital Literacy.

For English Language, students will complete three units:

English Today

Explores English in the world around us – the English we see and use every day of our lives. Students will develop skills in reading a range of non-fiction texts, some of them printed and some of them on –screen. They will learn how writers use presentation and language to communicate their ideas and perspectives to their readers. In writing, students will learn how to write for different audiences and purposes, and to express their ideas clearly and precisely.

The Writer’s Craft, The Writer’s Voice

Students will study a prose text from a different culture and tradition, exploring how the writer crafts their work. Additionally, this unit prepares students for the writing task that they have to complete in their examination. They will learn to write a response to a situation, issue or problem and be able to use evidence to support the views and opinions you write about. They will be taught plenty of strategies for writing under time constraints in the exam.

Spoken Language

The Spoken Language unit gives students the opportunity to develop their speaking and listening skills, complete a spoken language study and produce a piece of writing for the spoken voice. Spoken language is all around us. Students will explore both scripted speech and spontaneous speech. They will learn to identify features of spoken language and understand the effects it has on different audiences. 

English Post-16

GCE AS English Language and Literature 

In this course, students will explore texts from both a linguistic and literary perspective taking on an integrated approach, and they will also create their own texts.

The kinds of texts they will explore include literary, non-fiction and media texts that are spoken, electronic, digital and multi-modal. So, in addition to prose, drama and poetry, students will explore communication through the medium of informal and formal speech, telephone calls, emails, text messages, TV and radio broadcasts and blogs – taking a hands on investigative approach to texts that are part of out everyday lives.

Beyond the Classroom

We offer a number of enrichment activities throughout the year. As well as offering revision sessions and homework support clubs, we shadow the Carnegie Medal, take part in The School Shakespeare Festival, participate in the National Mock Trials competition and ESU debate.

How Can Parents Support their Child?

Encouraging and listening to your child read is essential to their literacy. Furthermore, membership at the local library is recommended. Proof reading of written homework is a final area where parental support is welcomed. 

Useful Links

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks3bitesize/english/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english/

http://revisioncentre.co.uk/gcse/english/index.html

http://www.englishbiz.co.uk/

http://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/