Curriculum Team Leader
Miss Charlotte Carson (c.carson@tgs.starmat.uk)
Introduction
Our aim in English is for our students to achieve and succeed through enjoying creative, engaging and stimulating learning experiences which focus on the power of language to inspire, inform and challenge. We want our students to be intellectual, curious and instinctive readers, writers and speakers who are empowered to be confident and independent, to use their words to explain, describe and articulate their beliefs, knowledge and experiences and to be open to learn from others, developing empathy and understanding of their own culture, identity and literary heritage as well as that of others.
Key Stage 3
Years 7, 8 and 9: Most students are taught in mixed ability groups and have six lessons over a two week timetable. There are also nurture groups to develop students requiring additional support.
Key Stage 4 English Curriculum OverviewKey Stage 4
Years 10 and 11: Students are taught in higher and mixed ability groups. We have eight lessons over a two week timetable and students are entered for two GCSE courses: GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature. There is the opportunity for students to study the ‘Step up to English’ Entry Level course or Functional Skills English where necessary.
The set texts for GCSE English Literature are An Inspector Calls by J.B.Priestley, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson, Shakepeare’s Macbeth and a poetry unit from the AQA Anthology entitled ‘Power and Conflict’.
Examination Board:
AQA GCSE English Language 8700
AQA GCSE English Literature 8702
AQA Functional Skills 8720, 8725
AQA ELC Step Up to English 5970
Key Stage 5
We offer A Level English Literature in our Sixth Form. Students have the option to study a Level English Language at Sherburn High School.
Our A level students have eight lessons over a two week timetable and are taught by two members of our department.
Our students perform well at Advanced Level, achieving better than the national average. Groups in the Sixth Form are smaller and the atmosphere is pleasant, friendly and hard-working.
Examination Board:
AQA A level English Literature Specification B (7716/7717).
Students are also able to re-sit GCSE English Language.
Extra-curricular
The department aims to extend our students’ experiences beyond the classroom by offering a number of activities to promote student engagement with English. These include celebrating World Book Day and National Poetry Day, reading groups, theatre and cinema visits, outside speakers and study days.