English

English GCSE and other qualifications provide a gateway to future success post16. However, beyond this, English should be at the heart of the curriculum as through it, students learn how to communicate and how to understand themselves and others. Through the study of language and literature, students should develop as individuals and become more sensitive to others and the world around them. Therefore, English should support with the development of Fundamental British Values and SMSC.

Available courses:
English Language
Functional Skills English
English Literature
ELC Step up to English

Name of Course
English Language
Qualification
AQA GCSE English Language

Outline of Course
Students complete two exams to achieve an overall grade for their GCSE.

Paper 1 – Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing
This exam is 1 hour 45 minutes and makes up 50% of the exam grade.

Section A (25%) – Reading:
Close reading one prose extract of literature
Assessed through four standard questions.

Section B (25%) – Writing:
A creative writing task.

Paper 2 – Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives
This exam is 1 hour 45 minutes and makes up 50% of the exam grade.

Section A (25%) – Reading:
Close reading two extracts of high-quality non-fiction writing, one from the 19th century, the other from the 20th or 21st century

Assessed through four standard questions

Section B (25%) – Writing:
Writing to present a point of view. There is no choice of question

Component 3 – Students also should complete a non-assessment Speaking and Listening task.  They must make one presentation/speech, including responses to questions and feedback.

How it’s taught
– Small group work
– Discussion
– Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar Exercises
– Speaking and Listening Exercises

Topic Areas
– Creative and Personal Writing
– Writing presenting a viewpoint in different forms (including speeches, articles and letters)
– Reading Comprehension – including summaries, analysing language and structure, evaluating writers’ viewpoints.
– Spelling, Punctuation, Grammar
– Speaking and Listening

Homework
– Revision materials provided
– CenturyTech activities for all students

Name of Course
Functional Skills English

Qualification
Edexcel Functional Skills Entry Level 1,2,3; Level 1 & 2

Level 1 is equivalent to Grade 2 GCSE. Level 2 is equivalent to Grade 4 GCSE.

Outline of Course
Students will be prepared for examination at the appropriate level.

The course includes study of:
– Reading for Information
– Formal and Informal Writing
– Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar.

There are two exam papers (Up to 1 hour 15 each) which are taken when students are ready. Level 1 and 2 are marked by the Exam Board.

Students also have two Speaking and Listening Assessments that are marked by the teacher.

How it’s taught
Alongside GCSE English Language.

Name of Course
English Literature

Qualification
AQA GCSE English Literature

Outline of Course
Students who join us with a prior study of Literature or whose attendance, interest and ability suggest they will achieve an additional qualification are prepared and entered for this.

Name of Course
ELC Step up to English

Qualification
AQA Entry Level 5970

Outline of Course
‘Step up to English’ helps Entry Level students build basic and relevant literacy skills; it is suitable for students of all ages. It offers two Steps: Silver Step (Entry Level 1 and 2) and Gold Step (Entry Level 3) which helps to build upon pupils’ confidence and attainment, whilst providing progressive steps towards GCSE English.

This qualification is non-examination based, which means all of the assessments will be completed by the teacher, in school. This will help to support those students who struggle with formalised assessments. As the foundation skills begin with ‘Step up’, these skills then progress to mirror the ones needed for the English Language GCSE qualification. This progression then helps to create a smooth transition to your child’s future qualifications and goals.

The specification offers two components in both steps, which assess both reading and writing. Spoken language is included in Component 1 and contributes to the overall mark.
Each component thematically links reading and writing and supports high-quality provision and engaging teaching and learning.

• Component 1 is ‘Literacy Topics’ which requires students to complete a number of tasks based around a particular theme. Pupils will need to complete two of these Components, both of which will also include an assessment of their Spoken Language (in a small group and individual presentation). In addition, they will be assessed on their ability to explain their ideas and write in formats such as letters, newspapers, emails etc.
• Component 2 is ‘Creative Reading and Writing’ which focuses more on literature and tests the pupils’ understanding of the language used in literary and literary (non-fiction) texts. Pupils will also be required to write creatively, using description and their imagination.

How it’s taught
Independent work/small group work and discussion. (SPAG) – spelling, punctuation and grammar exercises will be re-visited as well as Speaking and Listening tasks.
19th – 21st Century Literary and non-fiction texts; creative writing/persuasive writing; comprehension, formal writing and discussion tasks.

Homework
Students will be given the opportunity to do homework; however, students can work through past papers, comprehension booklets and general revision skills.