INTRODUCTION In Years 7, 8 and 9 English and English Literature are taught and assessed as an integrated subject following National Curriculum guidelines. The course aims to develop pupils’ language abilities in three key areas of reading, writing and speaking and listening and will extend the literacy programme started in Key Stage 2.

COURSE DETAILS

Reading

Pupils are encouraged to read a variety of literature. In class they will read a range of novels, short stories, plays and poems written both before and after 1900, as required by the National Curriculum. They are encouraged to read widely and independently for their own enjoyment as well as for their personal development. A study of non fiction and media texts will also be undertaken. Paired-reading involving Year 10 pupils is also offered to support Key Stage 3.

Writing

During the course pupils are taught to improve their confidence in writing their own stories, poetry and drama scripts as well as developing their ability to write non fiction accounts. The pupils will be able to develop their competence in planning and drafting, using both computer technology and writing skills. They will be given opportunities to improve their spelling and vocabulary as well as to develop neat and legible handwriting. Alongside this, extra-curricular clubs such as Spelling and Creative Writing Club, are offered for pupils after school.

Speaking and Listening

The pupils are given opportunities to develop their communication skills through a range of oral activities. They are encouraged to participate in discussion, role play and in more formal presentations. The ability to listen and to respond to what is heard is an important skill to be developed through oral work. Drama is also used widely to improve communication. This links with the assessments tasks needed in GCSE English.

Syllabus

Pupils will follow the National Curriculum, which includes the study of pre-1900 authors, Shakespeare and more modern writers. They will also develop the ability and confidence to write for different purposes and audiences. All schemes of work are relevant to the National Literacy Strategy with key focus pieces of work expected from every pupil.

Assessment

Pupils will be assessed internally throughout the course, both by teacher assessment and by school examinations. In May of Year 9 the pupils will take their national attainment tests, which consist of three papers, one testing their reading comprehension, the second their understanding of a set Shakespeare text and a third testing their writing ability. There will also be teacher assessment every half term, which will focus on either Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening and Spelling. All pupils create a portfolio of assessment pieces by the end of the year.

Home Learning

Home learning is set to practise and develop the skills learned in the classroom. In Year 7 pupils can expect approximately one hour per week rising to an hour and a half in Year 9. Tasks set will include essay writing, research, the practice of language skills and private reading.

Beyond the Classroom

We will offer trips to the theatre, cinema and museums, whenever appropriate. We also hope to offer workshops and visiting speakers to support and to extend the work covered in the curriculum. Pupils can receive help with home learning at lunchtime and after school workshops. Creative and poetry writing opportunities are also offered to enhance the writing of pupils at KS3.

How Parents Can Help

We would like to encourage parents to take an active role in their child’s education by encouraging their child to reach his/her potential. Parents can help in the following ways:

• Spelling

New vocabulary is introduced particularly through reading. Any word that is not clearly understood in private reading can be looked up with parental support, using a dictionary. New vocabulary can be introduced into a child’s writing with the aid of a thesaurus.

Parents can encourage their child to read widely and can assist in their choice of private reading material by visiting the public library or book shop with their child. As oral skills are important in subjects other than English, pupils need to develop confidence and fluency when reading aloud. Parents can assist in this area by listening to their child reading aloud from a book or even a newspaper for a few minutes every day. All pupils have a reading diary which parents should sign on a weekly basis.

As home learning is an integrated part of the course parents can become involved in the assignments set. They can encourage their child to produce their best work and can persuade them to devote the appropriate length of time to the work. Often pupils will rush their work and are too easily satisfied with a low standard of presentation. Therefore, high parental expectations can raise the quality of work that is produced at home.

Parents can encourage their child to take advantage of the visits offered by the school. They can also support the curriculum by taking their own children to the local theatre, cinema or museum as all cultural visits extend the experience of young people.

Securing Success

If your child regularly fails to meet deadlines or produces work of an unacceptable standard s/he will be considered to be not securing success. Following liaison with Learning Development to check whether there might be a specific reason for the underachievement the pupil can expect to be detained to repeat the work properly. If this solution proves unsuccessful we shall invite the parents to meet with their child’s teacher to set targets to aid the child to reach his or her full potential. Form tutors will also be kept informed.

Staff

Head of Communications – Christine Lawrence.

If at any stage you are concerned or have any questions relating to Communications, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s English teacher or Mrs Lawrence. We will be pleased to arrange an interview at a mutually convenient time.