Solway Community Technology College
Head of Department: Mrs G Scholey
Subject information:
Literacy is an essential skill in the world and English Language
is one of the qualifications required by the majority of employers and a
passport to further education. Many pupils also leave Solway and continue
their English studies in various sixth forms and sometimes at university.
Oral communication skills are also much sought after in the world of work
and the Speaking/Listening skills developed during Key Stages 3 and 4 help
prepare pupils for their life after school.
In addition, a love of reading can open up a world of delight; you've never
bored with a good book!
KS3 information:
The department follows the National Curriculum Programme of Study. Depending
on their set, pupils have either four or five lessons of English a week.
Pupils study how our written language has evolved and practise their spoken
language skills in discussion, presentation and drama activities. Creative work
involves the writing of various forms of poetry and prose. Technical skills include
sentence work, spelling skills and the use of a range of grammatical devices. Various
reference skills are practised. All pupils work with a variety of prose and poetry texts
and the course also involves independent reading.
KS4 information:
The two year course, again involving the skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening,
leads up to GCSE qualifications in English Language and English Literature. The course
covers the study of twentieth century and pre twentieth century prose and poetry,
including a play by Shakespeare. Various forms of writing are undertaken along with
the study of how language is used to persuade, argue, instruct or inform. A Media Studies
component is built into the course and pupils also research and write about aspects of Spoken
Language.
Assessment is by Controlled Assessments - assignments written in school under exam
conditions - and by examination.
Assessment how?
Pupils are assessed in all four skills of English through controlled assessments
and examinations. Controlled assessments take place throughout Years 10 and 11. Pupils
should be aware that Controlled Assessments completed in Year 10 form part of their final
grade. The examinations are in May of Year 11.
Exam Info:
Exam Title:
GCSE English Language and English Literature
Exam Type:
GCSE
Exam Board:
AQA