英语
Our mission as a department centres on fostering a love of 英语, how we develop character (not just analysing them!) and intelligence through the exploration of literature, motivating students to achieve their potential in this subject regardless of their background.
We want students to become confident critical readers of fiction and non-fiction, poetry and prose as well as understand the impact language can have on an audience. Beyond just reading books or preparing for exams, students learn to communicate their ideas effectively in their writing and speech- skills essential for future success.
What will you learn about?
学生们 engage with literature from ancient times to the present day across three key stages as well as exploring connections to relevant non-fiction texts; thematically grouped poetry; modern and Shakespearean drama.
Beginning in 7年 students will learn about the key components of stories through examining classical mythology before putting what they have learned into practice by writing their own; a first taste of public speaking via our in house competition ‘Baron Burns’; an introduction to Shakespeare is the final unit, designed to prepare students for future study the following year.
Year 8 students focus largely on ‘whole texts’, comparing non-fiction and fiction side by side and exploring links between Shakespeare’s plays and his poetry. 8年 students read Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol whilst exploring written accounts of urban life in 19th Century Britain; Of Mice and Men is studied in the second term and the exploration of love and relationships Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing in the final summer term.
In the last year of Key Stage 3, 今年9, students focus on the skills needed for GCSE. This year bridges the gap between the two Key Stages, examining a 19th century novel- The Sign of the Four by 艺术hur Conan Doyle; a Shakespeare play- Romeo and Juliet; complete units of study linked directly to the GCSE examination- Writing for an Audience and Love and Relationships poetry.
We currently follow the AQA specification at GCSE (English Language and English Literature, English), and AQA at A Level (English Literature). A Level English Literature is a popular path for many sixth formers, who often go on to study 英语 Literature at University.
To be successful in this subject students will need to be good at and enjoy:
学生们 should develop good reading and pre-reading habits. The most successful students read and are read to frequently, whether fiction or non-fiction, and are given the opportunity to discuss their feelings and ideas both in school and at home. It is essential that students learn to read independently the material they study in class and read widely linked texts at home which is supported by parents.
We expect all students to play their part in creating a positive learning environment in 英语 lessons; often we explore difficult themes which require a level of maturity. It is crucial that students are able to engage with these topics seriously.
Progression routes & career opportunities
The ability to communicate effectively is essential to all walks of life. Leaving school with a pass in English enables students to progress in any chosen field and immediately opens avenues and doors otherwise shut off. Students may continue to study English at A Level, as it is regarded by employers and top universities as being a subject of value and demonstrates an individual’s ability to think and communicate in a structured and critical way. 学生们 who graduate with an English degree find opportunities with many different employers. Public and private sector organisations such as the National Health Service (NHS), educational institutions, local and national government, financial and legal firms, and voluntary and charitable organisations employ 英语 graduates in a range of roles
188bet体育work/extended learning
Only one extended homework is set per half term, which his used to enable students to reflect on the skills being developed for that unit of study. Typically, other regular homework is set once or twice fortnightly and is used to build on knowledge gained in the classroom.
Additional information
To help develop skill in and control of grammar, 7年 and 8 pupils have access to the IXL website and app which intuitively teaches and then assesses a range of spelling, punctuation and syntactical elements. 学生们 begin this work in the school library each week but there is an expectation that they commit 20 minutes a week at home to practicing these skills online.
