English
Subject Overview
English at Savio Salesian College provides pupils with functional skills to communicate effectively, unlock lifelong prospects as well as opportunities to engage with texts, think critically and gain an appreciation of unfamiliar contexts.
A range of strategies are used to cater to the needs of individual learners, making use of technology and creative approaches to help pupils enjoy English.
Pupils are expected to complete one homework task per week and are encouraged to read widely outside of school to build their vocabulary and imagination, as well as improving understanding and concentration skills.
Here are some suggested websites to support learning in English:
http://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/skills
http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/english
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/z3kw2hv
Key Stage 3 Overview (Years 7-9)
Pupils follow the national programme of study, the aims of which are that pupils
- read easily, fluently and with good understanding
- develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information
- acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language
- appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage
- write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences
- use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas are competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate.
This is achieved through:
Reading
- develop an appreciation and love of reading, and read increasingly challenging material independently
- understand increasingly challenging texts
- read critically
Writing
- write accurately, fluently, effectively and at length for pleasure and information
- plan, draft, edit and proof-read
Grammar and Vocabulary
- pupils will learn to consolidate and build on their knowledge of grammar and vocabulary
Spoken English
- pupils will learn to speak confidently and effectively
Key Stage 4 Overview (Years 10-11)
QUALIFICATIONS:
AQA GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
AQA GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE
At Key Stage 4 all pupils are given the opportunity to achieve two GCSEs, following the AQA specification in English Literature and English Language. The courses are taught over two years and pupils will be awarded a grade between 9-1.
English Language
Pupils sit two examinations: all texts in the examinations for English Language are unseen.
Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing
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What's assessed
Section A: Reading
- one literature fiction text
Section B: Writing
- descriptive or narrative writing
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Assessed
- written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 80 marks
- 50% of GCSE
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Questions
Reading (40 marks) (25%)– one single text
- 1 short form question (1 x 4 marks)
- 2 longer form questions (2 x 8 marks)
- 1 extended question (1 x 20 marks)
Writing (40 marks) (25%)
- 1 extended writing question (24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy)
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Paper 2: Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives
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What's assessed
Section A: Reading
- one non-fiction text and one literary non-fiction text
Section B: Writing
- writing to present a viewpoint
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Assessed
- written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 80 marks
- 50% of GCSE
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Questions
Reading (40 marks) (25%) – two linked texts
- 1 short form question (1 x 4 marks)
- 2 longer form questions (1 x 8, 1 x 12 marks)
- 1 extended question (1 x 16 marks)
Writing (40 marks) (25%)
- 1 extended writing question (24 marks for content, 16 marks for technical accuracy)
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Non-examination Assessment: Spoken Language
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What's assessed
(AO7–AO9)
- presenting
- responding to questions and feedback
- use of Standard English
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Assessed
- teacher set throughout course
- marked by teacher
- separate endorsement (0% weighting of GCSE)
English Literature
All assessments are closed book: any stimulus materials required will be provided as part of the assessment.
All assessments are compulsory.
Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th-century novel
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What's assessed
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How it's assessed
- written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 64 marks
- 40% of GCSE
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Questions
Section A Shakespeare: students will answer one question on their play of choice. They will be required to write in detail about an extract from the play and then to write about the play as a whole.
Section B The 19th-century novel: students will answer one question on their novel of choice. They will be required to write in detail about an extract from the novel and then to write about the novel as a whole.
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Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry
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What's assessed
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How it's assessed
- written exam: 2 hour 15 minutes
- 96 marks
- 60% of GCSE
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Questions
Section A Modern texts: students will answer one essay question from a choice of two on their studied modern prose or drama text.
Section B Poetry: students will answer one comparative question on one named poem printed on the paper and one other poem from their chosen anthology cluster.
Section C Unseen poetry: Students will answer one question on one unseen poem and one question comparing this poem with a second unseen poem.
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