The English Department consists of English, Media Studies, Drama and Theatre Studies
Aims
The English Department believes in the concept of excellence for all and provides an English curriculum which offers all learners with the opportunity to develop their own unique talents and realise their full potential.
- To develop their speaking and listening skills through the use of language in a wide variety of situations and contexts.
- To develop their reading skills and encourage an awareness of the value of text (both literary and non-literary) and its influence on the individual, giving them enjoyment of a wide range of texts and other stimulus materials and therefore access to the whole curriculum.
- To develop their writing skills and give them the opportunity to write for real purposes so that they understand that there are different forms of writing for different purposes and audiences, and that they can only communicate effectively through the accuracy, structure and clarity of the written word.
- To prepare our students for the challenges of external examinations: GCSE English, GCSE English and English Literature and BTEC Media Studies, A Level English Literature and A Level English Language
Accommodation & Resources
The majority of the English Department is accommodated in suited rooms on one corridor in the Languages Block. All rooms have white boards. There are display boards in every classroom and along the corridor that connects them. All rooms have interactive whiteboards and we make great use of these facilities. These offer teaching via specialist IWB software, power point presentations, use of the internet and more besides.
The English Department enjoys excellent links with the school library (which is pre bookable as a teaching room) and regularly participates in activities such as the annual Litfest and visiting writers.
The English Department has a wide range of texts for use at both KS3, KS4 and KS5. We also have a photocopier and printer for our exclusive use.
Key Stage 3
Students at KS 3 follow Schemes of Work derived from the National Literacy Strategy with plenty of our own innovations and ideas. There is particular emphasis on pre 1914 Literature including Shakespeare and Dickens. In Year 7 students are taught in mixed ability tutor groups for the first month and then grouped in broad bands using KS2 data and teacher assessment. Weaker students are taught by the SENCO in small groups as part of the highly successful ALPS programme. The groups largely roll over in to Year 8 and in Year 9 students are taught in more specific ability groups. Students have 4 x 50 minute periods per week, one of which is a double lesson.
Key Stage 4
Students follow either the OCR GCSE new specification English course and BTEC Media or OCR GCSE English and English Literature course. Students are taught in ability groups. We have a 100% entry policy. GCSE examination results for English, English Literature and BTEC Media are outstanding.
Key Stage 5
Students follow the AQA Syllabus for both AS and A2 Levels in English Language and English Literature. Both of the subjects are excellent subjects which enhance a variety of courses offered at University and in the workplace. Media studies is also offered.
Additional Information
The English Department welcomes new staff and offers the following opportunities:
- A visit to the Department before taking up a post.
- Observations and team teaching with other members of the Department.
- Full involvement in collaborative planning and reviewing of materials, courses, and all aspects of the Department's work.
- An English Department based mentor.
Extra Curricular Activities
We offer a wide variety of theatre trips, for example, a visit of The Black Cat Theatre Company gave Year 9 the opportunity last year to see Much Ado. We take advantage of being so close to Stratford and offer visits there regularly.
In the past the English Department has hosted the very popular Media Week as part of the whole school enrichment week in July and in 2011 we held a Writers Workshop for Gifted and Talented students in years 7 and 8. The school enrichment week has also offered trips to Disneyland Paris, visits to London for musicals, museums and The BBC.
We have extension activities for Gifted and Talented students which include Theatre trips for all year groups, masterclasses for students in years 7 and 8 and a Cinema Club and Debating Club for year 9 students. Our pupils get recognised for their achievements internally and externally, for example, one of our students won the Media prize at the first Annual Black Country Challenge Students Awards.