English

KS3 English Learning Journey

What are the key features of the programmes of study?
English is one of the three core subjects within the National Curriculum along with Science and Mathematics. It has three Attainment Targets which are Speaking and Listening, Reading, and Writing. Our aim is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment.

What will my child study in Year 7?
English is divided into several units: Writing skills, The History of Language, Memoir Writing and a novel. Under each of these titles, students will cover a variety of skills: writing of fiction and non-fiction; the development of active reading skills through shared texts, encouraging reading for pleasure and how to read media texts.

What will my child study in Year 8?

English is divided into several units following on from Year 7: Shakespeare, a 20th Century play, a novel and Gothic texts. Under each of these titles, students will cover fiction and non-fiction writing, the study of contemporary and literary heritage texts as well as continuing to develop their active reading skills.

What will my child study in Year 9?
English is divided into several units following on from Year 8: Dystopian Literature, Shakespeare; Identity and Multi-Cultural Britain. This will involve the study of fiction and non-fiction, persuasive speech as well as allowing students to continue to develop their active reading skills.  Whilst the main focus is on language, English Literature will be woven into the programme of study and students will prepare for their GCSE at the end of Year 11.

What homework and enrichment opportunities will my child have?
Homework is set once a week and includes reading, discussion, research and drafting of work.There are a number of reading groups which include the highly successful Debating Club and Creative Writers Club. We also have a number of visits throughout the year from award winning authors.

How is my child assessed?
Students are assessed throughout Years 7, 8 and 9 through written and verbal feedback on work.  Assessments are made in the form of timed tests, on-going work and speaking and listening activities such as delivering speeches, working within a group and role play.  In Year 9 all marking and assessment will be linked to GCSE criteria, and we follow the AQA specification. 

How are the groups organised?
English is taught in mixed ability groups. Groups are reviewed on a yearly basis.

What equipment is needed?
It is vital that all students come to their English lessons prepared with the following equipment: a fountain or hand-writing pen (blue/black), a purple pen to respond to teacher feedback, pencil and rubber, ruler, highlighters, glue and a reading book (fiction). 

KS4 English Learning Journey

English Language & English Literature GCSE

What is the course about?
Examination Board: AQA    Course Code  for Literature: 8702 -  601/4447/6
Course Code for Language:  8700 - 601/4292/3

Students will follow the AQA English Language and English Literature GCSE courses. These offer you a wide choice of reading, writing and speaking opportunities and include Shakespeare, Literary Heritage texts, and poetry.   All students will be entered for both English Language and English Literature GCSEs. These are taught separately and lead to two GCSEs, which are designed to follow the requirements of the National Curriculum. They are taught as independent subjects, almost certainly with a different teacher for each GCSE.

What skills and ideas will I learn?
You will be given opportunities to develop and demonstrate your skills and abilities to understand and produce non-fiction texts; understand spoken and written texts and write creatively; understand how to present, discuss, listen and role-play appropriately in speaking and listening activities.  You will be given opportunities, both in detailed study of some literary texts and in wider reading, to develop and demonstrate your skills and abilities in this area.

How is the course assessed?
All assessment for both GCSEs is now through final examination at the end of Year 11. However, all students will be required to take routine assessments throughout the two year course, which will allow students, parents and teachers to monitor progress.

What will the course allow me to progress to in the future?
Above all, English is the way in which you communicate and the way in which you understand the world.  The course gives you opportunities to develop your skills and your understanding in a way that, given your commitment to work, is stimulating and enjoyable. A measure of the success in English at Angmering is the enthusiasm of students, many of whom will go on to read English Language, English Literature and Media Studies at  A-level in Years 12/13. If you wish to do this, you should be aiming to achieve a grade 6 or above.

A GCSE in English Language or Literature is seen as a minimum requirement for most jobs and courses, with particular emphasis being placed upon the minimum achievement of grade 4. All students who do not achieve a grade 4 have to continue to study for a qualification in English post-16 whether they are in work, education or training. 
 

At The Angmering School, we use Sparx Reader as our dedicated homework platform for 30-40 minutes a week. Students are required to reach 300 Sparx Reader Points (SRPs) every week by reading a book of their choice and answering comprehension questions.  Students are expected to achieve 100% completion rate each week - the platform adjusts to each student's reading level, so it should take 30-40 minutes however slowly or quickly you read. If a student does not reach 300 SRPs, they will be invited to a catch up support session with specialist English teachers to help them achieve. This takes place every Wednesday from 3.15-4pm. 

For more information about how Sparx Reader supports students and parents, please visit the  parents' page https://sparxreader.com/ parents/ .