English

The Tutorial Foundation Curriculum – broad and balanced

English Curriculum

English Curriculum

Summary:
English is offered to all students within the School usually for three or more lessons per week.

Teaching/Delivery:

Teaching is provided on a regular basis by appointed English tutors. Lessons are delivered through Q&A, directed study, online videos, scaffolding and other interactive student activities. The overall aim is to provide an opportunity for every student to be able to gain a suitable English qualification at the level appropriate to their abilities at either GCSE or Functional Skills. Students are continually monitored and assessed to ensure the appropriate stretch and challenge for the more able students as well as 1:1 support for students requiring literacy intervention called Fresh Start.

KS3 Years 7, 8 and 9:

We follow the National Curriculum Programmes of Study for Key Stage 3 which offers a broad range of fiction and non-fiction. This includes the study of: contemporary and Pre-1914 literature, Shakespeare, Poetry, nineteenth century non-fiction and transactional writing. Students also develop their Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar on a weekly basis. We place an emphasis on the development of vocabulary which is a key part of our English lessons. Similarly, Reading is promoted across the School and students are encouraged to visit the school library to read for pleasure.

KS4 English Language – Edexcel IGCSE

Students on the GCSE Pathway follow the International Edexcel specification which develops the reading, understanding and analysis of a wide range of non-fiction texts and genres. Knowledge gained from this reading is used to inform and improve writing skills by looking at the use of Standard English, correct grammar and accurate spelling and punctuation. We aim to make the texts accessible to all students whilst encouraging learners to develop clear and coherent writing.

Assessment:

Component 1 – One end of year written examination worth 60% of overall GCSE comprised of two sections:
- Section A – Reading of unseen and pre- release non-fiction extracts.
- Section B – Writing – one transactional writing task.
Component 3 – Two pieces of internally assessed coursework worth 40% of overall GCSE:

Prose and poetry: an analysis of three fiction texts comprised of a choice of poems and short stories.
Imaginative writing: in response to a prompt.

Mock exams are completed in the Autumn and Spring terms.

KS4 English Literature – Edexcel IGCSE

Students on the GCSE pathway follow the International Edexcel specification which aims to introduce students to a variety of fiction texts from the literary heritage including poetry, prose and drama. This will help develop their analytical skills through reference, interpretation and inference.

Assessment:

Component 1 – Written examination worth 60% of overall GCSE: modern novel, Of Mice and Men; selection of anthology poetry and an unseen poetry question.
Component 3 –Two pieces of internally assessed coursework worth 40% of overall GCSE:

Modern drama – An Inspector Calls: An essay exploring one of the characters or themes.
Shakespeare – Macbeth: An essay exploring themes or character and context.

Non-GCSE Pathway – Functional Skills

At KS4, Functional Skills qualifications are available for students not following a GCSE pathway for English. These are a nationally recognised certification from Pearson Edexcel.

Entry Level students are encouraged to develop the skills they need to read and understand a variety of texts as well as to write clearly, coherently and accurately using a range of vocabulary and sentence structures. The qualification can be tailored to students’ needs through Entry Level 1, 2 and 3 and is a progressive programme that builds on skills at each level.

Level 1 and Level 2 courses equip learners with the practical skills needed to live, learn and work successfully. They are a mandatory part of all Apprenticeship frameworks in England.

Edexcel Awards in English are stand-alone qualifications designed to help students build their confidence and skills in different areas of English. They are comprised of:

Reading
Writing
Speaking, Listening and Communication.

All three components can be assessed at different times throughout the year to gain the full qualification.

Where students join the Tutorial Foundation for a fixed period of time, the Edexcel Awards are a valid way to recognise their progress in English before re-joining mainstream school.