Curriculum

At St Thomas More, we aim to deliver a varied and exciting English curriculum across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 that recognises the diversity of the English Language and the rich cultural history of the Literature canon. Furthermore, we aim to instil in students a love of all aspects of English Literature and Language.

Core Skills

Speaking and listening skills are nurtured across Key Stage 3 and 4; we believe it is essential that all students can articulate their ideas and be confident speakers, which is an essential skill for life. All students are encouraged to write for a variety of purposes and to regard writing as an enjoyable and important process. In addition, the English department promotes the enjoyment of reading and we ensure all students understand the benefits of reading and the impact this has across the curriculum. During Key Stage 3 and 4 all students will read a wide range of non-fiction and fiction texts to develop their analytical and inference skills. However, our ultimate aim is to embed a love of reading and to inspire students to be independent readers.

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3, pupils are introduced to a variety of subjects through a range of Literature texts and engaging schemes of work.  The English department seek to provide students with an interesting range of opportunities to use spoken and written English in both real and imagined situations. Furthermore, speaking and listening tasks are embedded into the curriculum to encourage students to develop their oral confidence and drama skills. Students will develop their independent learning skills during KS3, which will challenge and extend their understanding of English Language and Literature.

The English department and school believe in the importance of reading and we believe it is crucial that students develop this skill, therefore we actively promote reading.  In Year 7 and 8 students have regular reading lessons and use the resources in the library to develop an interest in this subject.

During Year 7, 8 and 9 students will cover a range of topics that encourage collaborative and ‘deep’ learning. These include: the novel, creative writing, poetry, analysing media and non-fiction texts, investigating spoken language, writing for specific purposes and a play. Each unit has a specific assessment focus and culminates with an assessed piece of work to monitor each individual student’s progress across the year.

Key Stage 4

At Key stage 4, students follow the AQA syllabus for English Language and Literature. GCSE English is taught over six lessons a fortnight and home learning is set on a designated day every week. English lessons combine the Language and Literature course and the majority of students will sit two GCSE examinations: GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature during Year 11. However, students who benefit from spending more time on their English skills will only sit GCSE English.

GCSE English Language has one examination, four controlled assessments and three speaking and listening tasks

GCSE English Unit 1: Understanding and Producing Non-Fiction Texts (40%)

• Assessment: examination

GCSE Speaking and Listening tasks (20%)

• Individual
• Collaborative
• Drama

Skills from KS3 are built upon and students undertake a variety of engaging and stimulating tasks, which enables students to communicate a range of ideas using Standard English.

GCSE Controlled Assessments (40%)

• Spoken Language Study
• Extended Reading
• Creative Writing (task 1)
• Creative Writing (Task 2)

GCSE English Literature

Students will use the AQA Anthology to explore a wide range of poetry and they will do one Controlled Assessment (25%): ‘The Significance of Shakespeare and the English Literary Heritage.’ Furthermore, there are two examinations:

• Poetry Across Time -analysing an unseen poem and comparing poems from the AQA Anthology (35%)
• Exploring Modern Texts (40%)

Facilities and Resources

The team consists of six dedicated English specialists. The team works collaboratively to share good practice, develop creative and engaging schemes of work and to create a positive learning environment for students.

The department uses ICT to enhance learning and we recognise the importance of ICT to develop different forms of communication. The department has a set of laptops and access to a computer suite to enhance teaching and learning. In addition, texts and resources are updated to ensure students engage with a wide range of stimuli across KS3 and KS4.

Home Learning Timetable

*Home Learning is set every week. Teachers will set a range of tasks to focus on key skills and assessments.

KS3	Blue Week	Red Week
Year 7a	Thursday	Wednesday
Year 7b	Thursday	Friday
Year 8a	Thursday	Wednesday
Year 8b	Tuesday	Monday
Year 9a	Tuesday	Thursday
Year 9a	Wednesday	Monday

 

KS4	Blue Week	Red Week
Year 10a	Monday	Thursday
Year 10b	Tuesday	Friday
Year 11a	Thursday	Monday
Year 11b	Friday	Tuesday

 

Extra-Curricular Provision

The department holds a range of after school revision classes, which will take place throughout the year leading up to GCSE exams and key assessments. Furthermore, Miss O’Mullane is available every lunchtime in room 34 to help students with home learning or any English issues. In addition, Miss Mc Cann runs a Creative Writing Workshop every Monday after school in room 32 from 3.00 -4.00 pm.

 

Useful Websites

www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize

www.universalteacher.org.uk

http://www.englishbiz.co.uk/

http://www.s-cool.co.uk/gcse/english

www.sparknotes.com/

Reading websites

http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/bigread/top100.shtml

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/oct/04/anthony-horowitz-top-10-apocalypse

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/may/25/stephen-kelman-top-10-outsider-story

Grammar and Spelling websites

freerice.com

http://www.kwarp.com/portfolio/grammarninja.html

English Staff

Miss. C O’Mullane – Curriculum Leader of English

Miss. H. McCann - Assistant Curriculum Leader of English

Mrs. S. Stacey - English teacher

Mrs. E. Green – English Teacher/ teacher in Charge of Performing Arts

Miss. C. Condon - English teacher

Miss. E. Dixon - English teacher

If you would like to get in touch with someone from the Department please feel free to contact us using the following email address: englishdept@stmcollege.org.uk