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English
Introduction
English is a core
curriculum subject which services the whole school. Its three profile
components are:
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talking and listening;
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reading;
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writing.
The emphasis at all
time is on active learning. The fostering and maintenance of pupils'
enthusiasm for the subject is central to the philosophy of the
department. Discussions, role-playing, empathic exercises and a variety
of other dramatic activities are used in the classroom as vital aids to
learning. wide reading is encouraged; the students maintain reading logs
in every year.
As well as regular
teacher assessment, pupil self-assessment is also encouraged as a
creative aid to real progress.
GCSE English
At present we follow the Northern Ireland GCSE English syllabus
(CCEA) which has been designed to be compatible with the CCEA English
Literature syllabus. Work submitted for the attainment targets of
Reading and Writing, where suitable may also be used for assessment in
English Literature.
GCSE Written Exam (60%)
Paper 1 ( 2 hrs) ; 30%
Paper 2 (2hrs); 30%
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Section A
– Writing*: Functional/Transactional /Practical
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Section B
– Reading: Comparison of 2 non-lit texts, one of which is
non-fiction (e.g.
autobiography,
travel), the other media (e.g. newspaper article, leaflet). 3
or 4 questions: including one on non-fiction, one on a media text
and one comparison
*NB In both
writing sections one-third of the marks will be awarded for
sentence structure, punctuation and
spelling.
GCSE Talking and Listening (Orals) ( 20%)
The best 3
assignments are selected for assessment. The range of tasks should
provide opportunities to :
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explain, describe,
narrate
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explore, analyse, imagine
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discuss, argue, persuade
The situations
should include the formal and informal.
The contexts must
include :
GCSE English Coursework
Folder (20%)
There are four assignments:
Recommended upper limit – 2,500 words
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A Modern
Poetry (from other cultures)
: comparison of at least 2 poems.
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B Shakespeare:
any text.
NB
media component no longer obligatory.
Can be used, or traditional essay responses to themes/chars or
assignments based on one or more scenes of play, or more
creative response. Note the importance of showing awareness of
text as dramas i.e. look at language and dramatic
structure. Also be aware of the social, historical and cultural
background to the text.
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C Persuasive*
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D Personal;
Creative* (can be based on set
Literature texts eg diary entries, write-ons etc)
*One of these 2 assignments must be
handwritten.
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KS3 English
At Key Stage 3 language and literature
are taught as a unified whole; the students are taught to appreciate
and produce language in a variety of contexts: functional,
transactional, literary, critical, creative and personal. Poetry,
prose and drama texts form an integral part of our teaching schemes.
A-level English
A-level English Literature students follow the AQA syllabus which
includes an attractive coursework option.
GCSE English
Literature
At
present we follow the Northern Ireland GCSE English Literature
syllabus (CCEA) which has been designed to be compatible with the
CCEA English Language syllabus.
Assessment is by written
exam (70%) and coursework (30%).
Written Exam. (70%)
The exam is 21/2
hours long and has three sections:
Choice of 2 questions.
Candidates will be directed to a particular passage as a
starting point for consideration of issues raised there and
elsewhere in the play.
Choice of 2 questions.
More general than those for Sections A and C.
Choice of 2 questions,
(a) or (b). Both will require 2 poems to be considered. One will
be specified. In (a) type qs, candidates will compare and
contrast the specified poem with one of two others named in the
q. In (b) type qs they will compare and contrast the specified
poem with one other appropriately selected poem from the
anthology.
Coursework Folder: (30%)
3
Assignments (max.: 2,500 words)
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