St. Mary's Church Of England High School

Tel: 01992 629124 | Email: admin@st-maryshigh.herts.sch.uk

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        • St Mary's Church of England High School
          Lieutenant Ellis Way
          Cheshunt
          Herts EN7 5FB

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English

The English Teaching and Learning Area at St Mary’s is passionate about Language and Literature. We want our students to be as passionate as we are about learning.
We believe that reading is fundamental for students to be able to excel in English as it opens their minds and imagination as well as helping to develop their vocabulary and grasp of grammar.

Our approach to the teaching of English Literature and Language is an integrated one. Our aim is to develop the skills of our students so that they become great communicators whilst also developing an appreciation of the writing of others.

Literature allows us to introduce students to a range of social, political and cultural issues. Texts are carefully selected and students will study a range of fiction and non-fiction texts across each of the key stages as they develop their analytical skills.

Through the exploration of the writing of others, we promote the importance of being able to have a voice of your own. Both oral and written communication is valued highly and students are taught these distinct skills. Emphasis is placed on the accuracy of written communication and time is dedicated to ensuring that students secure the key skills of spelling, punctuation and grammar.

During each key stage, we ensure that the building blocks are put in place for students to succeed and to prepare them for the next stage. Students are given mnemonics to help approaches to writing and analysis which they can use from Key Stage 3 all the way through to Key Stage 5.

KS3 English

KS3 English

Our Curriculum

English is taught through seven periods per fortnight. Students are taught in mixed ability groups.

Students in Year 7 and Year 8 also have a timetabled LRC lesson once a fortnight, which is a designated reading hour.

Course Description

In each Year group during Key Stage 3, students are given ample opportunity to learn and develop the core skills that are necessary to enable them to be successful within this key stage and build a foundation for Key Stage 4. Whether it be understanding and analysing the effectiveness of techniques and themes in contemporary and pre-19th century literature, writing according to purpose and audience, or improving speaking and listening skills, each segment of English is explored in every Year group using a plethora of strategies and approaches designed to meet the needs of all students.

Homework/Extended Learning

Students will receive two hours of homework/extended learning per week.

Extended Learning for Years 7, 8 and 9 is split between reading and writing. Students will have a short story to read, which they will demonstrate their understanding of by completing a quiz in lessons. They will also have a creative writing task, which actively promotes and encourages a greater use of ambitious vocabulary, more sophisticated sentence structures and greater application of literary devices.

KS4 English Language

KS4 English Language

Our Curriculum

Students follow the AQA (8700) syllabus.

Course Content

The specification enables students of all abilities to develop the skills they need to read, understand and analyse a wide range of different texts covering the 19th, 20th and 21st century time periods as well as to write clearly, coherently and accurately using a range of vocabulary and sentence structures.

Students who study English Literature at GCSE are able to:

  • Read a wide range of texts, fluently and with good understanding
  • Read critically, and use knowledge gained from wide reading to inform and improve their own writing
  • Write effectively and coherently using Standard English appropriately
  • Use grammar correctly, punctuate and spell accurately
  • Acquire and apply a wide vocabulary, alongside a knowledge and understanding of grammatical terminology, and linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language

In addition, students are be able to listen to and understand spoken language, and use spoken Standard English effectively

Skills and Progression Routes

On completion of the course, students will have developed a number of skills including:

  • An appreciation of both fiction and non-fiction texts
  • Making comparisons between texts
  • Summarising information
  • Proof reading written work
  • Communicating ideas using standard English

Some suggested progression routes and career opportunities English supports include:

  • Journalism
  • Broadcasting
  • Media and Advertising
  • Law
  • Teaching
  • Public Relations Publishing
  • Consultancy
KS5 English Language
Course Title and Exam Board A Level English Language AQA (7702)
Course Content This course has been designed with a specific view to enabling students to build on the skills they’ve developed at GCSE, by engaging creatively and critically with a wide range of texts and discourses.

The AQA course provides students with the scope to bring their own unique skills and specialisms to the classroom, and get the best possible results.

Students will be exposed to exciting and relevant text and data-based sources to teach what they enjoy and inspire their study of English Language.

Assessment 1 (exam):  Language, the individual and society

Assessment 2 (exam):  Language, diversity and change

 

Assessment 3 (non-exam assessment): Language in action

Assessment Assessment 1: 

2 hours 30mins – 100 marks – 40% of A-Level

Assessment 2:  2 hours 30mins – 100 marks – 40% of A-Level

Component 3: Word Count: 3,500, 100 marks – 20% of A-Level

Progression Routes A Level English Language has always been a qualification that is looked upon with enthusiasm by universities, colleges and employers. Outside of the more traditional career paths – such as teaching, journalism and publishing – English Language is a fantastic qualification for complimenting career paths that require a deep understand of linguistics and the science behind language and language development.
Additional Information Pupils will be required to purchase – in advance – individual copies of the texts being studied. Likewise, all pupils will be required to purchase folders suitable for holding the substantial quantities of content that will accumulate as the course progresses.

More detail and examples of work regarding the English Language and English Literature curriculum can be found here

  • English & MFL
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  • English Literature
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St Mary’s Church of England High School
Lieutenant Ellis Way
Cheshunt
Herts EN7 5FB

General Enquiries: 01992 629124
Student Absence: 01992 642918

admin@st-maryshigh.herts.sch.uk

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