• poetry (some modern, some pre 20th century)
• a modern novel
• Shakespeare play
• a 20th century play
• an aspect of the media such as television or film
• non-fiction writing

When you study the texts you will need to read them carefully so you can write about how ideas and characters are presented, as well as the techniques the writer uses.  You will learn to use different styles of writing.  You will also do oral work, taking part in pair, group and class discussions as well as role-play.  To do this well, you will need to listen carefully to what other people are saying.  Sometimes, you will use IT to develop your ideas.

When your homework is marked, the teacher will identify spelling and punctuation errors so you can correct these and learn from your mistakes.  The teacher's comments will help you to understand what has been successful in a piece of writing and what you need to target in order to improve.  Various tasks within each unit will be used by your teacher to formally assess you, using the National Curriculum levels and APP (assessing student progress) grids.  These tasks become part of your APP folder which will be used to help track your progress.

In Year 7 you will have four English lessons each week.  Each lesson starts with 10 minutes quiet reading.  You will be able to visit the library at least once a week.  In Year 8 you will have three English lessons a week, some of which will incorporate Drama.  In Year 9 you will have four English lessons.  Groups will depend on progress and results.

Key Stage 4 English

At Key Stage 4 you will study for the AQA GCSEs in English Language and Literature.  You will be examined on a combination of controlled assessments and examinations

In Year 10 you will focus on English Language exam preparation.  This includes the analysis of non-fiction and media texts and the development of your writing skills.  Once you take the exam in January, it is time to focus on controlled assessments, which are taught in modular units.  Each unit is based on a text that you will study in order to be able to write an assignment at the end of the unit.  These units are:

• Shakespeare and the Literacy Heritage
• Spoken Language Study
• Producing non-fiction and media texts

You will also be given a range of oral tasks that provide an opportunity for us to assess you oral skills

In Year 11 you will focus on the set texts that you will be tested on in the final literature examination, on preparing for the unseen poetry part of the examination, and on developing examination techniques.  You will study a selection of poem work on developing your analytical writing skills.  There will be further opportunities for ongoing assessment of your oral skills.

The course aims to develop and test your skills in the key areas of reading and understanding writing in a variety of styles and speaking / listening.

Students who do well in this subject are those who can:

• Read carefully and respond thoughtfully
• Use what text tells them in order to judge what is suggested
• Analyse the ideas, themes and characterisation in a text
• appreciate how an author uses language to create an effect
• Understand how a text is structured
• Write in a clear and organised way with a good level of accuracy
• Adjust their style of writing to suit the purpose and audience
• Contribute to discussions, expressing a viewpoint clearly; and yet also listen to what others say and consider a different viewpoint

English GCSE is important as whatever career you choose, it its an indication of your general level of literacy and your ability to communicate.  English Literature GCSE is a valuable qualification as it is an indication of your competence as a reader and your ability to analyse and reflect.  Whatever career you choose, employers will respond positely if you offer this qualification, as well as one in English.