ENGLISH
The focus for English in Years 7, 8 and 9 is to build on the existing skills of the three main aspects of English; oracy, reading and writing. All aspects of the English Curriculum in Wales are pupil-centred and skills-focussed. It allows pupils to be continually assessed and their progression tracked. This enables pupils to be supported and guided to achieve their own attainment goals and potential.
Across KS3 pupils will study Fiction and Non-Fiction texts
Fiction
Pupils will read novels and plays by Jane Austen, Roald Dahl, William Golding, R J Palacio, Annabel Pitcher, Shakespeare, Robert Swindells and Mildred D Taylor. All the chosen texts will allow pupils to explore different issues, themes and topics.
Pupils will also study poetry by John Agard, Simon Armitage, William Blake, Wilfred Owen, Siegfried Sassoon and William Wordsworth. They will learn how to analyse language, to use poetic devices for effect and give their own personal response to text.
Non-Fiction
Pupils will learn to differentiate between texts, recognising the text types and their purposes. Pupils will understand that letters (formal and informal), speeches, adverts, menus, infographics, instructions, graphs and schedules all have different purposes such as; to inform, to persuade, to explain and to advise.
Oracy will allow pupils to explore their speaking and listening skills using different expressions, tone and register. They will learn to present information through individual and group presentation and discussion.
Reading will allow pupils to use their inference skills, locate text through skimming and scanning and evaluate. Pupils will be taught how to use different reading strategies, comprehend text and respond using analysis.
Writing will allow pupils to use their creative imaginations, argue and persuade and recount. Pupils will be taught how to use accurate SPaG (spelling, punctuation and grammar), structure and organise different formats of writing and use a varied vocabulary for description.
KS3 is the springboard needed by pupils to enter KS4 education as an able, confident and conscientious learner. Pupils will be armed and prepared with the aspiration, knowledge and skills needed to successfully achieve GCSE’s (WJEC) in English Language and English Literature.
Progression towards Examinations
At St Brigid’s we prepare all pupils for the WJEC English Language and English Literature courses.
English Language
The GCSE in English Language promotes an integrated approach to oracy, reading and writing so that writing and oracy work are stimulated by reading experiences.
GCSE English Language will focus primarily on the functional aspects of language. The term ‘functional’ here should be considered in the broad sense of providing you with the skills and abilities you need to take active and responsible roles in your communities, everyday life, the workplace and in educational settings. This means that we encourage you to be active readers, the wider the reading experiences, the better!
How will I be Assessed?
GCSE English has two examinations, both which assess reading and writing skills. All texts in the examination will be ‘unseen’, that is, you will not have studied the examination texts during the course. Oracy is assessed through NEAs, which consist of a recorded presentation and a small group discussion. The examinations are un-tiered.
English Literature
The GCSE English Literature specification should encourage you to be inspired, moved and changed by following a broad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study. You won’t find English teachers more enthusiastic than when they are teaching literature! Our aim is to help you to see its rich, diverse and influential power.
We study a range of poetry, including poets from Wales, a modern novel, literature from other cultures, a Shakespeare play and heritage drama. Studying English literature helps to sharpen your analytical skills. ... You will also develop your planning and research skills as well as gain knowledge of history, culture, philosophy and even human behaviour.
How will I be Assessed?
There are two examinations, and two pieces on NEA which are done in class. The examinations are closed text, which means that you will need to learn key quotes! English Literature is tiered.
What next after the course?
Many of our students go on to study both English Literature or English Language at AS and A Level.
Future Employment Opportunities?
There are a plethora of work opportunities for those with a degree in English, from journalist to copywriter, editor to business administrator, work in the arts or even teaching!