English

Head of Department: Miss S Nelson - s.nelson.scs@osborne.coop
2nd in Department: Mrs K Thomas-Henry - k.thomas-henry.scs@osborne.coop

English is a significant world language and is seen by employers as one of the most important qualifications an applicant needs to have for both college courses and career opportunities.  In both the work environment and in our private lives it is important to be able to listen to, read and understand quite complex information.  It is also enjoyable to be able to listen to and read both fiction and non-fiction and to have the skills and understanding to judge the quality of writing for ourselves.

Reading for pleasure.
Every month we recommend a book for students to read which we feel they would enjoy.  Please also see the following links for our recommended reads, these are organised by year group. Please see below for the titles.

It is the responsibility of each Year 11 student to revise independently, every week.

Curriculum Map - English

GCSE Course Study Breakdown (Key Stage 4)

Year 11 Course Title:  GCSE English Language
                                     GCSE English Literature

Exam Board & Code:  AQA GCSE English Language 8700 Full GCSE Course Specification (PDF)
                                      AQA GCSE English Literature 8702  Full GCSE Course Specification (PDF)

Assessment:

English Language:

Paper 1: 50% (80 marks), 1 hour 45 minutes
Paper 2: 50% (80 marks), 1 hour 45 minutes
Spoken Language Unit: Endorsement as part of GCSE

English Literature:

Paper 1: 40% (64 marks) - 1 hour 45 minutes
Paper 2: 60% (96 marks) - 2 hours 15 minutes

There is NO controlled assessment or coursework in either course.
 

Year 9

Year 9 begins with the study of two GCSE level texts designed to prepare students for the content and develop the required key skills.  Once completed, students begin the GCSE course.

Throughout Year 9, pupils will be taught and will practice the reading and writing skills needed for GCSE English Language Paper 1 and Paper 2 in addition to studying a range of set texts.

(i) A study of 'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck and its social and historical context.
(ii) A study of 'Richard the 3rd' by William Shakespeare
(iii) A study of 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens (GCSE English Literature Paper 1).
(iv) 'Blood Brothers' by Willy Russell

Year 10

Throughout Year 10, pupils study the set literature texts:

(i) Macbeth by William Shakespeare (GCSE English Literature Paper 1).
(ii) The strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde By Robert Louis Stevenson ( GCSE Literature Paper one)
(iii) AQA Conflict and Power Anthology and an unseen poetry study (GCSE English Literature Paper 2).
(iv) An inspector calls by J.B Priestly (GCSE Literature Paper 2)
(v) Spoken Language unit (GCSE English Language separate endorsement).

Year 11

Throughout Year 11 pupils will be taught and practise the reading and wwriting skills needed for GCSE English langauage paper 1 and 2. In addition to this pupils revisit and revise the English literature set texts studied in Year 10.

Teachers of English

Literacy Across the Curriculum

Our policy is to pursue literacy and reading as important across all school subjects.  Please see the links below for more information:

 

Useful Links:

Literacy
Literacy Policy
Recommended Reads

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