The English department at Saint Michael’s is extremely successful, with GCSE results consistently much higher than national averages. With a dedicated and enthusiastic team of teachers and specialist support staff, students are supported and encouraged to achieve their potential through innovative and creative teaching.
English at Key Stage 3
At Key Stage 3 students are encouraged to develop their skills in the three main areas of the curriculum: reading, writing and speaking and listening. Throughout Key Stage 3, pupils develop into creative, reflective and independent learners through a range of different learning and teaching strategies which will in turn fully prepare them for the demands of GCSE.
During Key Stage 3 pupils have access to a wide range of literature, including texts by many famous authors from Charles Dickens to Frank Cottrell Boyce. Furthermore, Year 7 and 8 pupils study plays by Shakespeare in addition to a range of poetry from different eras. Pupils are also given the opportunity to develop their writing skills by studying different styles of writing including short stories, persuasive texts and newspapers. In addition, they are also introduced to new spelling strategies and work on punctuation and grammar to improve their basic literacy skills. They are also given the opportunity to enhance their communication and creative skills through speaking and listening and drama based activities.
Throughout Key Stage 3, pupils are closely monitored with an assessment taking place each half term. This allows accurate judgements to be made about pupils’ strengths and areas in which they may need more support.
English at Key Stage 4
At Key Stage 4 pupils follow the EDUQAS syllabus in English Language and English Literature. Undoubtedly, this is one of the most important subjects students will undertake and can open the door to a range of careers and opportunities in life.
In English Language pupils are assessed by linear examinations at the end of Year 11. They have the opportunity to develop their writing skills further; writing short narratives and transactional texts, like letters and newspaper articles. In addition to this, they are challenged by a range of texts, both fiction and non-fiction, testing their reading skills through a range of comprehension questions. Furthermore, in GCSE English Language pupils are assessed in their spoken language skills, completing a formal presentation.
In English Literature pupils are also assessed by linear examinations at the end of Year 11. They study texts (plays, poetry and prose) from a variety of different eras, ranging from Shakespeare, Dickens, Priestley to a range of poets from different cultures and times.
If you want to find out more about the courses at GCSE visit www.eduqas.co.uk
And there’s more…
Pupils may want to get involved in some of the extra-curricular activities we offer in the department including book clubs, Lancashire Book of the Year Award, visits from published authors (recently including Joseph Delaney and Katy Birchall), theatre trips and a visit to London and Stratford-upon-Avon to visit Shakespeare’s Globe and birthplace.
English Learning Schemes