Teachers & Roles in Department
- Ms G Bingley – English Teacher
- Ms A Gill – English Teacher
- Ms R Hodkin – English AST
- Mr S Powell – English Teacher
- Mr P Renardson – Assistant Head[Language for Learning]
- Mr B Tales – English Teacher
- Miss S Twigg – Head of Department
About the English Department
The English Department aims to develop skills and confidence in the three main areas of English : speaking and listening, reading and writing. These three areas underpin all planning, both curricular and extra-curricular. However, our driving aim is to foster an enjoyment and love for reading and writing, whilst encouraging pupils in their growing abilities in speaking and listening.
The department is housed in seven classrooms, all of which have interactive whiteboards with free access to multi-media equipment. The department also has access to an excellent learning resource centre, various computer suites and a range of AV / DV equipment.
The department prioritises the purchase of new texts to augment an already impressive range of fiction, poetry, drama and non-fiction texts. The study of media, classic drama and fiction is also supported by an extensive collection audio / visual material.
Curriculum
Key Stage 3
Pupils follow the Renewed Secondary Strategy Programme of Study. Schemes of work have been designed to:
- Address the objectives outlined in the Secondary Strategy.
- Ensure pupils experience a wide range of literacy, non fiction and media texts.
- Enable pupils to make progress towards final KS3 assessment.
- Ensure ALL pupils make appropriate progress based on KS2 data.
Key Stage 4
Pupils study for two GCSE qualifications : English and English Literature.
We are currently following the Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC) GCSE Specification A. This includes coursework (a total of six pieces) most of which is completed in Y10. Speaking and Listening assessments are made throughout the course. Final examinations consist of three two hour papers.
Homework
It is our policy to set homework every week for all classes in years 7 – 9. This homework will take the form of a half-termly “project”. The project is themed and allows students to practice a wide range of skills, developing key areas such as independent research. For more information about KS3 homework please see the homework section.
The homework demands made upon KS4 pupils will vary, but students are expected to read widely and review class notes in addition to formal assignments. As GCSE coursework is usually completed in Year 10, it is anticipated that homework set during that year will be related to the appropriate coursework task. In Year 11, students will usually be asked to complete tasks related to exam preparation.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Typical activities, visits and clubs offered to students are :
- Theatre trips.
- Study days, revision sessions, booster classes.
- Visiting theatre groups in school.
- “Readables” book club
- Competitions – short story, poetry etc.
We also work closely with the drama department and encourage and support pupil participation in school productions.
