English is a thriving subject at St.Edmund Arrowsmith High School. Innovative teachers are the principal resource and a team of 10 specialists delivers the courses at KS3 and GCSE in an exciting and dynamic way . Our constant aim is to develop ability, confidence and pleasure in the written and spoken word.
We also recognise that literacy and communication skills are essential if students are to leave school equipped to deal with the demands of modern life. In addition, we aim to foster an enjoyment of literature and language that will stay with our pupils long after they leave school.
In English lessons, pupils are encouraged to express opinions, articulate feelings and explore ideas in speaking and listening. We love good books and aim to instill the reading habit in our students. We seek to develop critical thinkers who are able to evaluate the opinions of others and promote their own ideas based on sound evidence. Moreover, we emphasise the need for accurate expression and appropriate style in all forms of written and spoken communication.
In English, pupils are encouraged to become actively involved in their own learning. Activities as diverse as story-telling, debate or role-play underpin an increasingly challenging literary curriculum which includes Shakespeare and other pre-twentieth century texts, modern fiction, drama, media and literature from other cultures. In addition, the study and critical evaluation of non-literary texts such as biography, travel-writing and journalism are encouraged throughout the key stages.
The department is well-resourced and staff work collaboratively in creating and sharing innovative teaching materials. The needs of a broad ability range are met by working closely with colleagues in the Special Educational Needs Department.
We believe that pupils respond well to a wide range of stimulus material and teaching strategies, thus film, video and drama sessions are incorporated into the curriculum. Word-processing skills are honed and the Internet accessed during lessons in the ICT suite. Regular visits to the library help develop research skills and encourage personal reading for enjoyment.
Highlights of the year include poetry and letter-writing competitions, public speaking, book week and theatre visits
Key Stage 3
English is a core subject in the National Curriculum; all pupils have four lessons a week in Years 7, 8 and 9. In year 7, all pupils follow a library-based ‘Learning To Learn’ course. For the first two years students are taught in mixed ability form groups; in Year 9 they are divided into sets according to ability. Work is differentiated to enable each student to reach their full potential. All work in English is aimed at extending pupils’ abilities in the three main language areas of:
* Speaking and Listening: pupils are encouraged to develop their capacity to express themselves through a variety of oral work
* Reading : the ability to read, understand and respond to all types of writing is developed
* Writing : students acquire the necessary skills for effective communication in written language , matching style to audience and purpose, and paying careful attention to correct spelling and grammar
Key Stage 4
In Years 10 and 11, students receive four lessons per week for GCSE English and English Literature. We follow the NEAB syllabus and pupils are grouped according to ability.
* In English students are extending a range of skills in speaking and listening, reading and writing. They will be involved in speaking and listening presentations, writing workshops and the close study of literary and media texts. Assessment is comprised of 40% coursework and 60% examination.
* In Literature, pupils will prepare prose and poetry texts for a written terminal examination and a coursework folder which contains pieces on wide reading, Shakespeare and twentieth
century drama . Assessment comprises 30% coursework and 70% examination.
To support pupils of lower ability we offer the Welsh Board Certificate of Achievement in English
