English - Alderbrook School

Implementation

Key Stage 3:

In Key Stage 3, English groups are mixed ability except 7z-9z who will be mainly based in the Archer Clive building. There are 5-6 groups on each side of the year group. Pupils follow a different scheme of work every half term. These schemes of work are designed to encourage a love of fiction & non-fiction texts, as well as building up to a skills-based curriculum at GCSE level.

Year 7

Autumn 1: Dystopian Fiction
Autumn 2: Myths & Legends
Spring 1: Much Ado About Nothing
Spring 2: The 19^th Century Child
Summer 1: Identity Poetry
Summer 2: The Power of Persuasion

Year 8

Autumn 1: Crime & Detective Fiction
Autumn 2: Grisly & Gothic Fiction
Spring 1: The Taming of the Shrew
Spring 2: Love & Relationships Poetry
Summer 1: Inequality & Adversity in Non-Fiction Texts
Summer 2: Revolution

Year 9

Autumn 1: Frankenstein/Narrative Writing
Autumn 2: Frankenstein/The Victorian Non-Fiction Text
Spring 1: Romeo & Juliet
Spring 2: Writing to Engage
Summer 1: War Poetry
Summer 2: A View From the Bridge

Key Stage 4:

In Key Stage 4, English groups are set by ability based on KS3 performance. There are 5-6 sets on each side of the year group. Both AQA English Literature & English Language are examined at the end of Year 11 in sets 1-5, whilst set 6 groups focus on the skills-based course of Step Up to English and the GCSE English Language qualification. Literature is not assessed for this group.

Year 10

Autumn 1: English Literature Paper 1 – Jekyll & Hyde
Autumn 2: English Literature Paper 1 – Macbeth
Spring 1: English Language Paper 2 & Speaking & Listening
Spring 2: Conflict & Unseen Poetry
Summer 1: Language Paper 1 Section B & Conflict Poetry
Summer 2: Language Paper 1 Section A & An Inspector Calls

Year 11

Autumn 1: Retrieval of Literature Paper 1 (Jekyll & Hyde/Macbeth) & Main Focus on Language Paper 1
Autumn 2: Retrieval of Literature Paper 2 (Conflict & Unseen Poetry) & Main Focus on Language Paper 2
Spring 1: Retrieval of Language Paper 2 & Main Focus on Literature Essays (Conflict & Unseen Poetry)
Spring 2: Retrieval of Language Paper 1 & Main Focus on Literature Essays (Jekyll & Hyde/Macbeth/An Inspector Calls)
Summer 1: Revision of all key components of both Literature & Language examinations

Key Stage 5:

English Language (AQA)

Why A level English Language?

The study of English Language is a complex, yet inspiring, journey into communication in its most diverse forms. Alongside the exploration of grammatical structures, students will have the opportunity to analyse how language impacts on individuals and communities, within a rigorous and academic framework.

What will you study?

A level English Language is quite different from the experience at GCSE, as it focuses on how the language is learnt, used and changed in different contexts, at different times.

University degrees that require or often prefer English include:

English Literature, English Language and Linguistics, History, Media Studies, Drama, Modern Foreign Languages, European Studies and American Studies.

Entry requirements:

Minimum grade 6 in GCSE English Language.

‘The English Language is nobody’s special property. It is the property of the imagination. It is the property of the language itself.’

Derek Walcott, Poet

English Literature (AQA)

Why A level English Literature?

English Literature has enabled mankind to express itself and in return, we are able to question and affirm our own values and beliefs through the power of literature. By exploring a range of texts, we are able to enhance our experiences of different cultures, philosophies and eras.

What will you study?

A level English Literature provides a deepening insight into the social and historical contexts which influence writers. The exploration of literature enhances critical thinking and analysis, developing excellent communication skills. In the study of English Literature, classical and modern texts come alive and have relevance to our ever-changing world.