English

The Department

There are currently eight full-time and two part-time specialist teachers of English, Drama and Media Studies, although most hold positions of responsibility in other areas of the school. The department operates within a strongly supportive team framework where everyone is valued. There is a culture of joint planning, through continual exploration and sharing of teaching and learning opportunities.

Groups in years 7-11 are taught in six lessons per fortnight.  Students in years 7-9 follow a common 'core' syllabus which has been largely written by department staff to ensure that the scheme of work is sufficiently challenging and imaginative to suit the capabilities and interests of our students. This is supplemented by a variety of up-to-date texts, and further optional materials to suit the preferences of individual staff. Whilst we advocate the use of AFL on a regular basis, we also use APP materials periodically to accurately level pupils in each Assessment Focus.

At Key Stage 4, where all students currently follow the AQA-A courses (Edexcel from September 2010) in both English and English Literature, boys are encouraged to realise their potential.  In addition, there are flourishing Drama and Media Studies groups at GCSE level. Results are outstanding, and there is a continuing pattern of success at A Level.  This is an indication of the general level of commitment of the students themselves as well as the very high expectations of the teaching staff.

There are normally three-four groups of AS/A2 English students, with a further two groups following the equally successful AS/A2 Media Studies courses.  This allows for extensive opportunities for A level teaching, although all staff are also expected to teach across the full age range. English Literature is a very popular choices at A level, with over 120 students following the EdExcel examination board's modular Literature course in the sixth form. In addition, the IB Higher and Standard courses in which English Literature, which provide a compulsory IB component, are flourishing.

Accommodation is in the brand new, purpose-built English suite and comprises seven classrooms, one of which offers a suite of computers, together with offices for the Head of Department and members of the team. In a new block adjoining the suite, a theatre provides opportunities for drama work for all our students. The media facilities include a television studio, video editing suite and audio recording rooms; these are about to be extended in a new suite.  In addition, there is a high level of resourcing in both books and equipment; all classrooms have interactive whiteboards, while a range of still cameras, camcorders, digital equipment, editing software and audio recorders ensures that there is proper support for creative and practical work.

Management of the department is through regular timetabled meetings; these are predominantly used to share ideas and resources in order to continue to improve teaching and learning opportunities. A strong team spirit pervades the department which received an extremely favourable report in the last Ofsted inspection in 2007.

The department is also heavily involved in the newly-formed South West Academic Trust, a group of schools including Torquay Girls', Churston, Colyton, Bournemouth, Poole and South Wilts Grammar Schools, which works with staff from Exeter University to extend the challenges and opportunities for both staff and students.

English Literature: Transition from AS to A2

Any student who hopes to continue to A2 must:

• ·        have attained at least a grade D at AS level;
• ·        maintain at least a 90% attendance record, in future;
• ·        submit at least 90% of assignments on time, in future.

There will be a monthly review of progress in order to determine whether students have met the criteria and are thus eligible to continue on the course. Should there be any extenuating circumstances, students should discuss these with the head of department.

Re-sits of both AS coursework and the examination module are actively discouraged within the department.

English Literature: Transition from GCSE to AS level

Any student who hopes to follow the English Literature AS/A2 course should note that:

• ·        in order to proceed to A2 you will need to attain at least a grade D at AS level;
• ·        maintain at least a 90% attendance record during the AS course;
• ·        submit at least 90% of assignments on time during the AS course.

There will be a monthly review of progress in order to determine whether students have met the criteria and are thus eligible to continue on the course. Should there be any extenuating circumstances, students should discuss these with the head of department.

Re-sits of both AS coursework and the examination module are actively discouraged within the department.

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GCSE English Revision Guides Letter
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