Broughton Hall Catholic High School - Curriculum / English

English

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Introduction

When I look back, I am so impressed again with the life-giving power of literature. If I were a young person today, trying to gain a sense of myself in the world, I would do that again by reading, just as I did when I was young

Maya Angelou

english By studying English, we intend for pupils to develop an enjoyment of reading and a confident grasp of both written and spoken language. In a wider sense, we also endeavour to build on, through careful selection of texts, important Christian values such as empathy for those struggling in a range of different circumstances. Students benefit from the development of their analytical skills - allowing them to decode language and infer/deduce meaning. In KS3, our aim is to encourage pupils to become global citizens through their introduction to literature from a wide range of cultures in Year 7, developing their understanding and acceptance of people from all walks of life. This study also provides pupils with examples of 'present day' cultural differences; in a KS3 curriculum which covers key elements of society from the past, present and potential future across a range of cultural settings. This then creates the foundation for continuing study, providing our students with a wealth of Literary experience, through consistent interleaving of substantive and disciplinary knowledge. This, in turn, allows pupils to enjoy their learning, as well as prepare them for examinations at Key Stage 4 and 5.

We want students to understand the power of the written and spoken word, and how different contexts have a huge impact on how these forms of communication are used/received. The department also want students to accept and understand the importance of English, not only for their study within the subject but also how vital it is across all academic subjects and throughout their lives outside of education. KS3 students all participate in a reading lesson each week - the aim of which will be to promote a love of literature through a varied and intriguing collection of both fiction and non-fiction, with an emphasis on improving reading skills to allow them to access the whole school curriculum.

As a department, we feel that we have developed an ambitious and inclusive curriculum across KS3 - KS5 that will build on and develop the knowledge that our Year 7 students have acquired throughout their Primary schooling. Our aim is to create the perfect learning environment for our students to flourish and become inquisitive about the English language; investigating how writers endeavour to bring characters and setting to life through exploratory reading opportunities and then how to harness these skills in their own creative and transactional writing.

We ultimately want our students to become life-long learners; to embrace and enjoy the fantastic curriculum opportunities we intend to offer them and to develop an appreciation for the study of English throughout their time at Broughton Hall, and consequently develop into empathetic and valuable members of their communities.

Staff

D. Jones - Head of Department
T. Kelly - Lead Practitioner English
J. Harkin - Assistant Head of Department
C. McIlroy - English Teacher
N. Wilson - English Teacher
L. Wilson - English Teacher
A. Kivi - English and Media Teacher
S. Cameron - English, Media and Film Studies Teacher
C. Blundell - English Teacher
C. Thompson - English Teacher
D. James - English Teacher
L. Wilson - Reading specialist

Programme of Study KS3



By studying English, we intend for pupils to develop an enjoyment of reading and a confident grasp of both written and spoken language. In a wider sense, we also endeavour to build on, through careful selection of texts, important Christian values such as empathy for those struggling in a range of different circumstances. Students benefit from the development of their analytical skills - allowing them to decode language and infer/deduce meaning. In KS3, our aim is to encourage pupils to become global citizens through their introduction to literature from a wide range of cultures in Year 7, developing their understanding and acceptance of people from all walks of life.

This study also provides pupils with examples of 'present day' cultural differences; in a KS3 curriculum which covers key elements of society from the past, present and potential future across a range of cultural settings. This then creates the foundation for continuing study, providing our students with a wealth of Literary experience, through consistent interleaving of substantive and disciplinary knowledge. This, in turn, allows pupils to enjoy their learning, as well as prepare them for examinations at Key Stage 4 and 5.

Extra-curricular opportunities

Creative Writing Club
Each Tuesday after school, students can come and demonstrate their creative flair in our Creative Writing Club. With the guidance of two English specialists, students are given the opportunities to develop these skills of creativity and to enter local and national competitions to gain recognition for the excellent pieces they produce. The club meets from 3pm to 4pm and is open to all KS3 students.

Programme of Study KS4


Head of Department: Mr D. Jones
Contact email address: jonesd@broughtonhall.com
Specification: AQA English Language and Literature
Qualification: GCSE (two in total)

Autumn Term Spring Term Summer Term
Sept-Oct Nov-Dec Jan-Feb Mar-Apr May-June July
Year 10
Language Language Paper One Language Paper Two
Literature 19th Century text - A Christmas Carol Anthology Poetry
Year 11
Language Paper One Writing Revision Paper Two Writing Revision Exams
Literature Macbeth Exams

english

How is the course structured & assessed?

Language

Students sit two exams following the completion of the course in summer term of Year 11.

Paper One: Explorations in creative reading and writing - 1hr 45mins
Paper Two: Writers' viewpoints and perspectives - 1hr 45mins

Students also complete a non-examination assessment in the form of a Spoken Language presentation.

Literature

Students sit two exams following the completion of the course in summer term of Year 11.

Paper One: Shakespeare and the 19th century novel - 1hr 45mins
Paper Two: Modern texts and poetry - 2hrs 15mins

What can these qualifications lead to?

The next step on potential career paths could lead our GCSE students to study A-Level English Language and/or English Literature, both offered at Broughton Hall. The study of English permeates almost every industry imaginable, as students learn key communication skills, as well as the ability to gain meaning from a wealth of reading opportunities. Due to the strong focus on academia across all English courses, students have used their studies as stepping stones to careers in Journalism, Law, the Creative Arts and Administration to name but a few.

Programme of Study KS5


English Language

Key Information

Level: A Level
Examination Board: AQA
Subject Leader: Mr Jones
Course Leader: Ms Mcilroy

Entry Requirements

Grade 6 in both English Language and Literature.

Why choose this course?

This course requires a love of language exploration and a readiness to investigate a variety of different texts and data from a range of sources. In addition, you will need to demonstrate initiative in personal research and organisational skills and to appreciate that success depends on the enthusiasm with which you consolidate lessons with personal investigation. Willingness and confidence in applying linguistic frameworks to texts is essential.

Prospects

This is a highly regarded qualification, which will be acceptable for any course of study at degree level. It is particularly suitable for students who wish to progress to journalism, teaching, publishing, the media, speech therapy, linguistics or any career which requires a high level of literacy. It is an excellent preparation for the demands and study skills needed for higher education.

Course Content

The AQA specification:
Offers opportunities for students to develop their subject expertise by exploring key language concepts and engaging with a range of texts and discourses.

Explores the study of English language both as a medium of communication and as a topic in its own right, with an emphasis on the ability of students to pursue lines of enquiry, analyse texts produced by others and debate different views.

The methods of analysis appropriate to the fields of English language/linguistics underpin all the elements of the specification, and these are applied to distinctive topic areas.

The course combines examination and coursework components

Course Topics
Language and the individual - including detail textual analysis

Language varieties - looking at the different aspects of language according to class, race, gender, age and region

Child acquisition of language

Language investigation

Original Writing

Course Opportunities/ Activities

This is a highly academic course, which teaches you a variety of critical analysis and thinking skills. All of these skills are much sought after by universities and employers. Students will have the opportunity to study a variety of non-fiction texts, learn about the history and development of the English Language and students will have the opportunity to explore the important role that language plays in creating meaning within news articles.

Support and Challenge

Students will develop their written and analytical skills in a detailed and conceptual way. Students will also develop their knowledge of English grammar and they will study it to a high level. Students are provided with essay writing guides, which ensure that students know how to access the higher grade. There is also a focus on analysing what a text is suggesting about modern society and culture.

Student Comment

I would encourage you to pick English Language A- Level because it explores many different aspects of the English Language. The knowledge that I have gained is interesting and the course also helps to develop your creativity. Another benefit of this course is that it helps you with your other subjects in terms of your analytical skills.



English Literature

Key Information

Level: A Level
Examination Board: AQA
Subject Leader: Mr Jones

Entry Requirements

Grade 6 in both English Language and Literature.

Why choose this course?

This course requires a love of reading and a readiness to investigate, not only the set texts, but a wide range of supporting material. In addition, you will need to demonstrate initiative in personal research and organisational skills and to appreciate that success depends on the enthusiasm with which you consolidate lessons with personal investigation. Willingness and confidence in forming your own opinion and to express it with conviction are also necessary requirements.

Prospects

This is a highly regarded qualification, which will be acceptable for any course of study at degree level. It is particularly suitable for students who wish to progress to journalism, teaching, publishing, the media or any career which requires a high level of literacy. It is an excellent preparation for the demands and study skills needed for higher education.

Course Content

Students will follow the AQA specification A.
This specification has a clear philosophy of reading and meaning and aims to encourage pupils to develop as an informed, independent reader and critic of literary texts. This will be achieved through a course of wide and close reading. This course provides pupils with maximum opportunities for both coursework and examination. The non-exam assessment component provides opportunities for students to pursue their own areas of interest and develop personal and independent learning skills. The variety of examination assessment styles allows students to develop a wide range of skills, such as the ability to read critically, analyse, evaluate and undertake independent research which are valuable for both further study and future employment.

Aims of the course
On this course you should develop your interest in and enjoyment of literature and literary studies as you:
- Read widely and independently set texts and wider reading poetry, drama and prose texts
- Engage creatively with a substantial body of texts and ways of responding to them
- Develop and apply your knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation in speech and writing
- Explore the contexts and others' interpretation of the texts you are reading

Course Opportunities/ Activities

This academic A-Level course is fantastic preparation for university study, given its seminar-style sessions and the importance of independent learning/organisation. Students will have an opportunity to experience a wide range of literary works, spanning the breadth of the last four centuries. Opportunities to attend events such as theatre trips and writer's workshops will always be taken if available.

Support and Challenge

Given the challenging nature of the course, staff forge strong relationships with students and are always on hand to offer support and guidance through school communication systems. Students will develop key knowledge of academic writing components, which will help to support them across their post-16 studies and the consistently successful outcomes achieved in the subject testify to the fact that students are always challenged to make those additional steps in their progress.

Student Comment

I would encourage you to choose English Literature because not only are the texts we study interesting ,but the wider knowledge and conversations in class that come along with it are too.

I liked GCSE English Literature, but I was sceptical when putting it down as one of my A-level options. I'm really glad that I did choose it, as I've enjoyed studying various texts and exploring alternative readings. Also, being able to tailor coursework to my liking has been extremely refreshing. English Literature relates so well to my other subjects and I'm able to use information from History and Psychology to support my arguments.

I chose A-Level English Literature because I really enjoyed English at GCSE, the texts at A-Level are interesting and also varied from poetry to novels. I love the variety of texts as each lesson there is something new to learn.