Staff
O. McGarrigle (Head of Department)
L. Fleming (Head of Key Stage 3 English)
A. Cuddy
N. Stewart
E. Porter (Librarian)
KS3
At Key Stage 3 the English programme is organised in a series of units based on literary and other topics. All three genres of poetry, prose and drama are covered in the scheme of work for each year group. The English Department prides itself on its cohesive approach to teaching. The teaching of English is based on three key principles:
Year 8 Public Speaking Competition – December 2023.
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English is heuristic; it has to do with discovery;
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English is recursive; the development is often charted not by the acquisition of new skills but by a more sophisticated ability to handle familiar ones;
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English is holistic; the four modes of language (speaking, listening, reading and writing) are inextricably woven.
Year 8
New Beginnings
Kensuke’s Kingdom
The Landlady
Book Binge
Introduction to Poetry
Writing to Describe
Shakespearean Snippets
Year 9
Teacher’s Choice Novel: Fatboy Swim/Stormbreaker/Warhorse, Private Peaceful or The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
Poetry
Short Story: Lambs to the Slaughter/The Darkness Out There
Persuasive Writing
Travel Writing
Year 10
Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry
Creative Writing
The Media
War Poetry
21st Century short stories
Introduction to Shakespeare ‘Macbeth’
GCSE
CCEA English Language comprises of two externally and two internally assessed units. It allows students the opportunity to explore texts, words and images and learn how to express opinions, form higher independent views and challenge ideas. It will provide a sound basis for progression to further study, higher education or employment.
Content
Assessment
Weightings
Unit 1
Writing for Purpose and Audience and Reading to Access Non-Fiction and Media Texts
External written examination
1 hour 45 minutes
30%
Unit 2
Speaking and Listening
Controlled Assessment
20%
Unit 3
Studying Spoken and Written Language
Controlled Assessment
20%
Unit 4
External written examination
1 hour 45 minutes
30%
Personal or Creative Writing and Reading Literary and Non-Fiction Texts
CCEA English Literature comprises of two externally assessed and one internally assessed unit. Students are afforded the opportunity to explore a range of texts and genres, to develop as discerning and critical readers.
Content
Assessment
Weightings
Unit 1
The Study of Prose
External written examination
1 hour 45 minutes
30%
Unit 2
The Study of Drama and Poetry
External written examination
2 hours
50%
Unit 3
The Study of Shakespeare
Controlled Assessment
2 hours
20%
A Level
CCEA English Literature
Content
Assessment
Weightings
AS 1: The Study of Poetry 1900-Present and Drama 1900-Present
External written examination
2 Hours
60% AS
24 % of A Level
AS 2: The Study of Prose Pre 1900
External written examination
1 hour
40% AS
16 % of A Level
A2 1:
Shakespearean Genres
External written examination
1 hours 30 minutes
20 % of A Level
A2 2:
The Study of Poetry Pre-1900 and Unseen Poetry
External written examination
2 Hours
20 % of A Level
A2 3:
Internal Assessment
Internal assessment
Students complete a 2500 word essay
20%
Extra-Curricular
The English Department makes a significant contribution to many areas of school life, particularly to the school’s extra-curricular programme. English teachers help to prepare students for a variety of competitions, including ‘Young Writer’s’ Poetry and Creative Writing competitions, Poetry recitals, participation in the local Feis and Public Speaking and Debate, to name a few!
The English Department regularly organise theatre visits, affording students the opportunity to see a production of their chosen texts from the CCEA syllabus. The Department is also responsible for the school production. In recent years, combining with the Music Department to produce ‘Oklahoma’, ‘Our House’, 'My Fair Lady' and 'Our House'.
The Department recognises the importance of extra-curricular activities and strive to ensure that students have every opportunity to participate!