Staffing Structure September 2010
Teaching Staff:
Mr M Nesbitt Faculty Leader English
Ms S Maidens Deputy Headteacher
Miss S Murphy Second in Faculty
Miss K Southwick Second in Faculty
Mr P Murray
Ms I Golightly
Ms J Dickinson
Ms K Holdsworth
Miss S Morley
Miss R Cole
Miss C Baines
Miss C Ferry
Our Vision
Our English vision is for all students to enjoy and achieve. We aim to create independent learners with lifelong learning skills who are able to adapt to the work place. In order to accomplish this we enrich our students through the study of a wide range of texts including a range of novels, poetry, media and non-fiction. Through the study of texts students learn about the world in which they live and are given the opportunity to sample others lives, to empathise and to explore other cultures and traditions.
In order to help our students succeed, they should be encouraged to read outside of school. Not only will this help them become more confident and advanced readers, but it will also see them become better writers – only when we know what makes a good read can we try to reproduce it! Football magazines, romantic novels, horror stories, autobiographies. . . no time spent reading is time wasted!
Homework Policy
Homework is set on a weekly basis. Students will be given a variety of tasks throughout the year to enhance their learning.
English: Key Stage 3
In Years 7 and 8 students are set according to ability and potential, with reviews of sets taking place at regular intervals. In English, Year 7 students are initially set according to KS2 assessment scores, while in Year 8 we set using the previous year’s results and teacher assessments.
Curriculum
In Years 7 and 8, lessons follow the Secondary National Strategy, with En1 (Speaking and Listening), EN2 (Reading and Understanding) and En3 (Writing) all being assessed over this period. In Years 7 and 8 students will experience a range of texts, both fiction and non-fiction, developing their ability to analyse the writing of others. They will also be given opportunities to write in a range of styles and for a range of purposes.
In Years 7 and 8, students will complete APP (Assessing Pupil Progress) units, which are designed to assess Reading, Writing or Speaking and Listening. These units will help inform the assessment level students are awarded each term, and allow teachers and students alike to review their position and progress and set targets accordingly.
English: Key Stage 4
In Year 9, students will begin preparing for GCSE courses with strong emphasis on developing the required skills and knowledge to attain to the very best of their ability. We aim to develop independent learning skills through a range of tasks with specific focus on students taking responsibility for their own learning.
In years 10 and 11 the majority of our students will follow two GCSE courses: GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature.
The weighting of exam and coursework in these two subjects is:
GCSE English Language – exam 40%, controlled assessment 60%
GCSE English Literature – exam 75%, controlled assessment 25%
For GSCE English Language, students must also complete En1 (Speaking and Listening) coursework. There are three tasks to be undertaken here: an individual extended contribution; a group discussion; and a drama focused activity.
Controlled assessments will take place at intervals throughout years 10 and 11, after a half term period of study and will be set in formal conditions allowing students to use a set of notes to structure their response.
Students who are C/D borderline will be given the opportunity to sit their English Language exam early so as to maximise their chances of a successful result.
During Year 11, teachers will make a decision as to which tier exam students will undertake: Higher tier (A*-D) or Foundation tier (C – G).
In order to help our students succeed at KS4, they should be encouraged to undertake independent research related to controlled assessments and exams.
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