Key Stage 3:
From the very first day in Year 7 we are preparing our students for their GCSEs, English is very much a skills based subject and so we are continually revisiting vital components that students need to master.
Y7 to Y9 is specifically mapped to cover essential skills needed for the 4 exam papers they will sit at the end of Y11.
A sample of Y7 topics:
A sample of Y8 topics:
A sample of Y9 topics:
Assessment in Y7-9 is done termly and links directly to the skills we have been developing in class. As everything is directly focused on the skills required for GCSE, these assessments are GCSE style questions. Assessments take place in exam-like conditions in order to fully prepare students for the 100% exam.
GCSE English Literature
Under the new framework, English Literature is now a compulsory GCSE that all students must take. English Literature is a highly respected GCSE due to the academic nature of the course.
There are 2 components to English Literature:
Paper 1. Shakespeare and the 19th century novel.
Students will either study ‘Macbeth’ or ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and ‘A Christmas Carol.’ For both of these questions students will be given one question that will either focus on theme or characterisation and an extract to support. The exam is 1 hour and 45 minutes so their responses will be extended.
Paper 2. Modern Texts and Poetry.
The modern text they study will be either ‘An Inspector Calls’ or ‘Blood Brothers’. They will have a choice of question but no extract to support them. The poetry element of this exam is divided into 2 sessions: the poetry anthology and unseen poetry. The anthology consists of 15 pieces of poetry that students will analyse in lessons but the exam is closed book so they will not have the anthology to support them. The unseen poetry assesses their ability to analyse poetry that they haven’t been able to prepare.
The Literature exam is bigger than ever before, and there’s now a real focus on knowledge not just the application of skills. In order to support your child we suggest that you buy your own copies of the text so they can bring these each lesson and annotate in lesson. Furthermore there are some fantastic revision guides available which we would recommend you purchase at the start of Y10 so they can begin their revision from the start of the course.