English
OVERVIEW
English is one of the core subjects at GCSE, fundamental to all other subjects – and exciting and interesting in its own right.
OUR SYLLABUS
Our GCSE English Language modules include: Reading, writing and comprehension and analysis skills are developed across two papers – fiction and creative writing, and non-fiction reading and writing.
In English Literature, our modules include: The auto/biographical voice: non-fiction; The Craft of the Prose Writer (prose fiction, reading and responding to full selected novel, and creative writing); English in today’s world (media/non-fiction reading and writing); The Craft of the Poet (poetry analysis and response); and Drama (study of a play on stage and as text).
English Language (Eduqas)
The final assessment comprises two examined components, which both contain a comprehension/analysis and a writing section.
Component 1 focuses on 20th century literature and creative prose writing, whilst component 2 covers 19th and 21st century non-fiction reading and transactional or persuasive writing.
The third and final component of the exam involves the pupils giving a presentation for approximately 10 minutes on a topic of their choosing. This includes taking questions from the audience and is graded separately to the final exam.
English Literature (CIE 0992)
Pupils experience various different periods, cultures, viewpoints and situations through literary texts, and explore how different texts may reflect or influence cultural values, and contain a sense of identity. They will also learn how a literary heritage has been significant over time, and explore the meaning of significant texts in context. Close reading of language and technique, and the appreciation of the writer’s craft, underpins all such reading and response.
Exam tasks require understanding and exploration of ideas, themes and characters within studied and/or unseen texts. The English curriculum helps develop pupils as readers, writers and thinkers, expanding horizons and inspiring them to explore the immense breadth of the subject, imaginatively, knowledgeably and individually. It encourages personal expression and exploration through original writing – fiction and non-fiction – and responses to Literature study.
We have recently studied:
- Poetry, and prose: Anita Desai: Fire on the Mountain and Songs of Ourselves (poetry anthology)
- Drama – two plays: Shakespeare: A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Tennessee Williams: A Streetcar Named Desire
WHY STUDY ENGLISH?
Effective communication skills are essential in life. English is the subject that supports academic studies in all lessons, where reading, considering, writing, discussing and presenting ideas are vital. Steady improvement in English will help in school and life too, forever.
Theatre trips – for the entire Year 9 in conjunction with Drama – and for other year groups where suitable productions are accessible across the South West. There are plenty of opportunities for creative writing, most notably through contributing to the school newspaper, the Pelican Post. The English department runs the school debating group, developing pupils ability to develop arguments
- Opportunities to write for our Pelican Post newspaper.
- Debating group – discussing, developing arguments, making rhetorical speeches and entering competitions (and often successfully!).
- Reading for pleasure through the school’s extensive library, reading challenges and book group activities.
- Advanced reading, writing, and analytical skills
- Precise communication and structured argumentation
- The ability to articulate ideas confidently in discussions
- A strong foundation for university and professional careers
