About the English Faculty

Key Stage 3 (Years 7 - 8)

During Years Seven and Eight, students follow an integrated English curriculum. Throughout the year, students are exposed to a wide range of reading material including: novels (both modern and pre-twentieth century), poetry, short stories, media texts, scripts and non-fiction writing. They will be required to emulate some of these and write in a range of different forms for a variety of audiences and purposes. They will also be encouraged to take part in an assortment of speaking and listening activities including drama, debating and discussion.

Key Stage 4 (Years 9, 10 and 11)

ENGLISH

At Key Stage 4, students begin to follow the AQA syllabus in one of two routes: two GCSEs in English Language and English Literature, or one GCSE in English and Functional Skills assessments. The work they will do on these courses will continue to build on the speaking and listening, reading and writing skills they have acquired at Key Stage 3. The courses include study of non-fiction, Shakespeare, English Literary Heritage texts and texts from other cultures, including prose, poetry and plays. They also will learn how to write in a variety of fiction and non-fiction styles. Students begin studying for their GCSE course in Year 9 and will be assessed throughout their three years of study in modular examinations and controlled assessment.

MEDIA

As a GCSE option, students study a range of media including magazine, advertising, film and TV comedy. This popular course covers both written analytical study and creative practical work and is assessed through both controlled assessment and a written exam.

Sixth Form (Post-16)

The Faculty offers a range of very successful AS and A2 courses in Media, English Literature and English Language and Literature.

ENGLISH

Students can choose between English Literature and English Language and Literature at A-Level. Both courses involve exam (60%) and coursework (40%) units. For both courses, we study AQA Specification B. Much more detailed information is available in our Sixth Form Prospectus.

MEDIA

For AS & A2, students follow the Media and Communication Edexcel syllabus which is 100% coursework. At AS, students produce a portfolio which includes: analysing Media texts (film); skills production and the creation of a media product (a choice between a short film or a print equivalent). At A2, students create a portfolio of work which includes research into radio; the creation and editing of their own radio play and a final evaluation.