English
Staff List and HOD Names
Michael Morris - Head of Department
Margaret Larkin
Richard Thompson
Caiomhe Coyle
Debbie Birney
Katrena McArdle
Grace McCallion
Sheila McFall
Ann Murray
Leanne Rice
Eamon Trainor
Aims of Department
Department members will promote high standards, high achievement and encourage pupils to be the best that they can be.
We will deliver a broad and varied curriculum that is accessible to all learners and takes into account the individual needs of pupils.
We want our pupils to be motivated by lessons that employ and range of teaching styles and resources to engage and challenge pupils.
Pupils will feel valued and have opportunities to take ownership of their learning.
All pupils will feel that they can achieve and develop skills within this subject.
Outline of Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5
In Years 8, 9 and 10 the English Department aims to develop skills in Reading, Writing and Speaking and Listening.
Pupils will have the opportunity to engage with a range of stimuli, including peers, poetry, drama, non-fiction, media and multi-media, to enhance creativity and stimulate curiosity and imagination. The aim is to create opportunities for pupils to become critical, creative and effective communicators by:
Expressing meaning, feelings and viewpoints
Talking, to include debate, role play, interviews, presentations and group discussions
Listening actively and reporting back
Reading and viewing for key ideas, enjoyment, engagement and empathy
Writing and presenting in different media and for different audiences and purposes
Participating in a range of drama activities
Interpreting visual stimuli including the moving image
Developing an understanding of different forms, genres and methods of communication and an understanding of how meaning is created
Developing their knowledge of how language works and their accuracy in using the conventions of language, including spelling, punctuation and grammar
Analysing critically their own and other texts
Using a range of techniques, forms and media to convey information creatively and appropriately
Programmes of study should allow pupils to meet the following objectives:
Objective 1
Developing pupils as individuals
(key elements: Personal understanding, mutual understanding, spiritual awareness, personal health and moral character)
Objective 2
Developing pupils as contributors to society
(Key elements: citizenship, media awareness, cultural understanding and ethical awareness)
Objective 3
Developing pupils as contributors to the economy and the environment
(Key elements: employability, education for sustainable development and economic awareness)
Pupils should be able to:
Research and manage information effectively, including Using Mathematics and Using ICT where appropriate
Show deeper understanding by thinking critically and flexibly, solving problems and making informed decisions, demonstrating Using Mathematics and Using ICT where appropriate
Demonstrate creatively and initiative when developing ideas and following them through
Work effectively with others
Demonstrate self-management by working systematically, persisting with tasks, evaluating and improving own performance
Communicate effectively in oral, visual and written formats (including ICT and the moving image) showing clear awareness of audience and purpose and attention to accuracy
KS4
CCEA G.C.S.E. English Language
Unit 1 (Exam) 30%
Section A: Writing for purpose and audience
Section B: Reading to access non-fiction and media texts
Unit 2 (Speaking and Listening) 20%
Individual presentation and interaction
Group discussion (externally moderated by CCEA)
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Role play
Unit 3 (Controlled Assessment) 20%
Task 1: The study of spoken language
Task 2: The study of written language
Unit 4 (Exam) 30%
Section A: Personal or Creative Writing
Section B: Reading literary and non-fiction texts
KS5
The department currently offers a GCSE English Language repeat programme. This one year programme follows the same Key Stage 4 course.
Repeat candidates can carry forward grades from previous modules, as long as 40% of the grades are new at cash-in.
E.g. Unit 1 - exam – Grade C – carried forward
Unit 2 – Speaking and listening – new result – 20%
Unit 3 – Controlled Assessment – new result – 20%
Unit 4 – exam – Grade C – carried forward
This example follows the 40% Terminal Rule
A single unit can be carried or different combinations of units as long as 40% of the result is new.
Career Opportunities
GCSE English Language - your passport to the workplace!
A grade C in English Language is an essential requirement for further education, employment and many apprenticeships.
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As well as providing a benchmark for Communication Skills that is relevant to every job, an English qualification has a direct link to a range of occupations including journalism, publishing, TV and radio, advertising, marketing, retail management and sales, librarianship, copywriting and teaching.
Make sure you have the qualification and skills that employers seek!
Additional Information