English
What Is Special About This Subject?
It encourages students to appreciate the richness of the English language in all its forms with literacy at its core. It empowers students to empathise and value the thoughts and experiences of the world around them.
What Is The Learning Journey Through This Subject?
Key Stage 3 - English
WHAT WILL I LEARN IN THIS SUBJECT?
The purpose of teaching English is to increase students’ understanding of the language and to develop their ability to use it as effectively as possible in all its forms.
WHAT KNOWLEDGE AND THEMES ARE COVERED?
Year 7 and 8
|
Term |
Theme |
Content Covered |
|
1 |
Curiosity |
Y7 - History of the English Language.(where the English language comes from and how it has evolved over time. Y8 - Conspiracy theories- using conspiracy stories such as Geli Raubal, Marilyn Monroe and Sam Cooke to encourage curiosity and expressing and building on their own opinions. |
|
2 |
Shakespeare season |
Yr 7 - Richard III Yr 8 - Romeo and Juliet |
|
3 |
Poetry |
Y7 - 7 styles of poetry Y8 - Poetry from around the world |
|
4 |
Compare, Contrast, Communicate. |
Comparing texts and learning about transactional text (newspapers, diaries, blogs, formal/informal letters). Through the development of oracy skills |
|
5 |
Novel Study |
Y7 - The Rules by Paul Orton Y8 - Outcast United Warren StJohn Discovering exciting language and exploring character development. |
|
6 |
Play study |
Y7 - Our Day Out by Willy Russell Y8 - Billy Elliot |
Year 9
|
Term |
Theme |
Content Covered |
|
1 |
Term 1: Did curiosity kill the cat? |
19th Century Non-fiction |
|
2 |
Term 2: Did Shakespeare actually write his plays? |
Shakespeare |
|
3 |
Term 3: How do we live in modern times? |
Unseen poetry |
|
4 |
Term 4: What is the Tell Tale Heart? |
Comparison |
|
5 |
Term 5: What makes a hero? |
Novel Study |
|
6 |
Term 6: What makes you who you are? |
Blood Brothers |
HOW IS IT ASSESSED?
English is assessed in line with NTC Standards guidelines . Each students’ work is assessed at the end of each project and their progress is monitored throughout the year.
What extra-curricular activities can students get involved in?
Debating Club
Year 9 visit to London Dungeons
Tear 7 and 8 Shakespeare Workshop
What can my child do at home to improve his progress in this subject?
Reading the texts at home that he will study on this programme which are highlighted above in the learning of English.
WHERE DOES THIS TAKE ME?
The skills learnt in English ensure that all KS3 students have improved their understanding and application of the skills required at KS4 for the study of English Language and English Literature. For example, the students will study prose, poetry and drama; the English ‘triplets’ for reading, writing, speaking and listening are taught in projects throughout the year .
Key Stage 4 – GCSE English Language And Literature
WHAT WILL I LEARN ON THIS COURSE?
You will study towards to separate qualifications, a GCSE in English Language and a GCSE in English Literature
GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Students will draw upon a range of texts as reading stimulus and engage with creative as well as real and relevant contexts. Students will have opportunities to develop higher-order reading and critical thinking skills that encourage genuine enquiry into different topics and themes. It will ensure that students can read fluently and write effectively and are able to demonstrate a confident control of Standard English and write grammatically correct sentences, deploying figurative language and analysing texts.
|
Topic |
Content Covered |
|
AQA Language Paper One - Exploration in Creative Reading and Writing - Acting on Feedback |
Improving reading and writing responses |
|
AQA Language Paper Two Writers’ Perspectives and Viewpoints |
How non-fiction writers use to language to convey their perspectives and ideas |
|
Language Paper Two - Acting on Feedback |
Mock exam for Paper One - improving reading and writing responses |
|
Language Paper Two |
- how writers use language to create exciting and engaging stories |
|
Paper One and Two |
- Revision |
HOW IS THIS QUALIFICATION ASSESSED?
You will sit two exams alongside other non-examination assessments:
- Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing– Written exam of 1 hour 45 minutes which makes up 50% of the GCSE
- Paper 2: Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives – Written exam of 1 hour 45 minutes which makes up 50% of the GCSE
- Non-examination Assessment: Spoken Language
- o Set and marked by the teacher throughout course
- o Separate endorsement (0% weighting of the GCSE)
GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE
This course will encourage students to develop knowledge and skills in reading, writing and critical thinking. Through literature, students have a chance to develop culturally and acquire knowledge of the best that has been thought and written. Studying GCSE English Literature should encourage students to read widely for pleasure, and as a preparation for studying literature at a higher level.
|
Topic |
Content Covered |
|
Blood Brothers by Willy Russell - set play |
Themes of poverty, relationships and family Dramatic techniques and understanding of the form of a play |
|
Poetry - Power and Conflict Poetry |
Themes of power and conflict reflected in the poems Understanding of the form of poetry and how they are connected |
|
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - 19th Century set text |
Themes of poverty, greed and hypocrisy Understanding of the social and historical context of the novella |
|
Macbeth by William Shakespeare |
Themes of regicide, witchcraft and leadership Dramatic techniques and understanding of the form of a play |
|
Unseen poetry by various poets |
Looking at different forms, themes and ideas from various poets Understanding of how poetic techniques are used effectively |
HOW IS THIS QUALIFICATION ASSESSED?
You will sit two exams:
- Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19thCentury Novel – Written exam of 1 hour 45 minutes which makes up 40% of the GCSE
- Paper 2: Modern Texts and Poetry – Written exam of 2 hour 15 minutes which makes up 60% of the GCSE
WHAT QUALIFICATION WILL I ACHIEVE?
A GCSE from AQA in English Language and a separate GCSE from AQA in English Literature
What extra-curricular activities can students get involved in?
Year 10 Blood Brothers Visit
Year 11 Globe Visit
What can my child do at home to improve his progress in this subject? Reading the texts at home that he will study on this programme which are highlighted above in the learning of English.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE?
Speak to Mr Keating (keating@ntc.kent.sch.uk) or any of the English team.
