English

Faculty Leaders: Mrs. Atton / Mr. Hutton

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Our faculty is a place where a love of reading is nurtured. Pupils who study English at Dame Elizabeth will be engaged to such a high level that they are motivated and inspired to explore and communicate with texts independently, demonstrating a personal appreciation and enjoyment of English in all its facets, including the contextual influence it has on their modern lives and its fundamental place in global history. Our core motivation is that our young people believe in their ability to seek out knowledge beyond the classroom and to flourish in a safe and happy environment.

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​Curriculum and Assessment Policy

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AQA GCSE English Language and Literature – 2 GCSEs

 

Language: 100% External exam (two examinations)

Paper 1: Explorations in creative reading and writing (50%)

Paper 2 : Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives (50%)

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Literature: 100% External exam (two examinations)

Paper 1: Shakespeare and 19th century novel  (40%)

Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry (60%)

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Students will study a range of literature including poetry, plays and prose. They will be introduced to texts from across different ages and cultures, and will consider the contextual significance of the worlds reflected in such works. Key communication skills such as spelling, punctuation and grammar are actively promoted in English lessons and functional English, including the production and analysis of up to date and relevant non-fiction texts is a core feature of our curriculum.

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As a faculty we differentiate our curriculum and exam entries according to pupil/ cohort needs.

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AQA A Level English Literature, Spec A

 

Paper 1: Love through the ages (40%)

Paper 2 : Texts in shared contexts (40%)

Non-exam assessment - Independent Critical Study: Texts across time (20%)

 

Students will study a two year course covering a range of literature including poetry, plays and prose. They will be introduced to texts from across different ages and cultures around a recurring theme of love, and will consider the contextual significance of the time period and genre. 

 

Working with texts over time involves looking at ways in which authors shape meanings within their texts; it also involves thinking about a wide range of relevant critical theories, some of them to do with the production of the text at the time of its writing, and some to do with how the text has been received over time. The A-level non-exam assessment component provides opportunities for students to pursue their own areas of interest and develop personal and independent learning skills through independent study and wider reading around a shared theme.

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FURTHER DETAILS LINK [ A-level Course Information ]

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Details of extra-curricular and homework

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Homework club for all years for pupils who would like additional help and support.

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Year 11 and 10 exam revision support is given throughout the year with after school activities available alongside holiday sessions in school.

 

All year groups will be given half termly spellings and knowledge organisers that form part of their self-testing homework. This is in addition to class teacher set tasks. Every week, pupils will expected to learn part of their Knowledge Organiser and test themselves using a different colour pen in their homework books. These will be checked by class teacher weekly.

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Contact and support details

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The English faculty are always happy to answer any questions or queries from parents, students and visitors. If you would like any further information please contact school reception who will liaise with the faculty leader directly.