English
The English Department comprises a team of specialist teachers working closely with the Support for Learning Department, who are backed up by a number of teaching assistants and sixth form volunteers.
Students are taught in sets according to ability and level of attainment in English. At Key Stage 3, their work is assessed according to National Curriculum levels and they are provided with either written or verbal feedback as appropriate. At Key Stage 4, work is assessed according to GCSE assessment criteria.
ENGLISH AT KEY STAGE 3
Years 7 and 8
Idsall has an excellent Library and Resource Centre, and Key Stage 3 students are encouraged to make extensive use of it. Reading is a highly valued activity and students are given a recommended reading list for each of the first three years. The books listed are not essential for study but have been chosen because they are well written and enjoyable to read. Our aim is to extend the range of choice available for private reading and to encourage students to develop the habit of reading widely for pleasure.
There is a school policy for home study and accordingly the English Department aims to set one written or learning homework each week. Half an hour should be spent on English home study in Year 7, and this amount of time is gradually increased so that it becomes at least an hour by Year 9. In addition, we expect our students to read regularly at home and keep records of the titles of books, their content and any further impressions in their best English book. Pupils are encouraged to read at least one book independently each half term and to complete at least two tasks from the Reading Task Bank that is on the VLE.
It is very helpful for students to carry with them, at all times, a small, lightweight dictionary and thesaurus. The Collins Gem Dictionary and the Oxford Mini Dictionary are both excellent and have durable, plastic covers. Similarly, we recommend the Collins Gem Thesaurus.
We encourage students to word process some of the work which they submit for assessment. They are also expected to have a supply of pens and pencils, and would benefit from having crayons and highlighters for use within lessons. Usually, fountain or cartridge pens aid good presentation, but some students find fibre tips or roller ball pens more convenient. Biros tend to be more suitable for rough work, but are, of course, always useful.
ENGLISH AT KEY STAGE 4
Year 9
Pupils in Year 9 work towards a Functional Skills qualification in English. During the year, they will undertake external examinations in reading and writing, as well as completing Speaking and Listening assessments in class. The curriculum has been designed to provide a firm basis for study at GCSE as a number of tasks mirror those that will be encountered in Years 10 and 11.
Years 10 and 11
The most important point to bear in mind is that a qualification in English is crucial for higher education and for many jobs. Students will study either English Language and English Literature (2 GCSEs) or English (1 GCSE). The basic elements of these courses are:
English
Speaking and Listening - 20%
Reading - 40%
Writing - 40%
60% will be examined through controlled assessments
40% will be assessed through examination
English Language
Speaking and Listening - 20%
Studying spoken language - 10%
Studying written language - 35%
Writing - 35%
60% will be examined through controlled assessments
40% will be through external examinations
English Literature
Students will be expected to study a range of texts drawn from prose, drama and poetry. They will respond critically and imaginatively:
25% will be examined through controlled assessments
75% will be through external examinations
The decision on which course is most appropriate for each student and their tier of entry will be based on aptitude and ability.
Further information from Mrs Sherwin
