English

Welcome

The English Department is an ambitious, high achieving and innovative department.  Recent GCSE results have been the best in the school’s history and we continually strive to maintain these high standards. Our aim is to promote learning and independence in a dynamic and engaging way that combines fun with high academic achievement. The skills of reading, writing and speaking and listening are of vital importance in many areas. They are not only essential in many careers but also underpin successful study of many subjects at all levels. To reflect this, our English lessons place students at the centre of learning to create independence and enable the development of skills in preparation for adult life. 
The department is very well resourced, staffed by 7 experienced teachers, each with a classroom equipped with a smart board and access to laptops and video cameras. We use a range of texts, from contemporary novels and poetry to Shakespeare in order to deliver the curriculum. 
To further develop students’ enjoyment and passion for English, the department offers students a wide experience. Touring theatre companies are regularly invited into school for students at both Key Stages. A variety of trips and theatre visits are organised to further enrich students’ experience of the subject, such as the Shakespeare’s Globe London weekend, and an opportunity to work with the Press Association and produce their own newspaper. We work closely with the school Library, and students are encouraged to take part in competitions, both in-school and local. Some recent ones have included The Carnegie Book Awards, National Poetry Day, World Book Day and the East Riding of Yorkshire inter-school writing competition.

KS3 Information

At Key Stage 3, students are taught English in three one hour lessons per week. Year 7 students are taught in mixed ability form groups, being moved into ability groupings from Year 8 onwards. The Key Stage 3 English curriculum is designed to enable students to experience a broad range of challenging and exciting texts, both fiction and non-fiction, in order to develop the skills and knowledge they will require to be successful at KS4 and beyond. Pupils in KS3 are assessed half-termly, building a portfolio of six assessments at the end of each academic year. The Schemes of Work we have developed allow students the best opportunities to express themselves with confidence and creativity.

KS4 Information

At Key Stage 4, students are grouped according to ability with the majority being entered for both the English and English Literature GCSE (WJEC examination board).  The study and assessment students undertake help them to become critical readers and to write accurately and fluently. As part of the GCSE programme, students carry out a range of controlled assessments that test their skills, as well as final examinations. Students study a variety of texts, including Shakespeare, novels, poetry and plays. Students also take part in various speaking and listening activities throughout the two years, including communicating and adapting language and creating and sustaining roles.
Over the course of their GCSE course, students are regularly assessed and their progress closely tracked. Year 11 students are supported with an extensive revision programme in preparation for their final exams.

Next Steps   

• John Leggott College

• New College, Pontefract