Welcome to the Littleover Community School English Department
We aim to provide pupils with a broad, balanced and rich English curriculum in Key Stages 3 and 4, as well at 'A' Level.
We want our pupils to achieve their very best and become engaged and active learners.
Our Expectations of Pupils
We expect the following of pupils in English lessons:
- To be punctual
- To bring the right equipment to lessons
- To complete all homework to a good standard
- To hand homework in on time
- To listen to and respect the opinions of others when they are talking
- To act upon all targets given to them
- To follow instructions promptly
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English at KS3: Years 7, 8 and 9
We expect the following of pupils in English lessons:
By the end of Year 9, you will have focused on several areas in English. English is a very rewarding and enjoyable subject if you are prepared to work hard. Do not forget to ask for help from a teacher if you require it. Reading in your own time and working on your English skills at home will also help you to improve.
You will develop your confidence in speaking and listening for a variety of purposes, including public and formal situations. You will be encouraged to evaluate the way language is used. You will also read a wide range of texts and begin to interpret their meaning.
In terms of writing, you will begin to develop your own style and learn to write appropriately, using various formats and layouts.
In Years 7, 8 and 9 will also work on some elements of: Spelling, vocabulary, sentence construction and punctuation, paragraphing and cohesion, stylistic conventions of non-fiction, standard English and language variation, research and study skills, reading for meaning, understanding the author’s craft, studying literary texts, directed writing, group discussion and drama.
Your SATs will take place towards the end of Year 9. These are nothing to worry about; they are simply testing what you have learnt in Years 7, 8 and 9. You will be tested on your reading, writing and one play by William Shakespeare. You will prepare for these in lessons as well as in your own time. SATs are a great opportunity to show what English skills you have developed since Year 7.
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English at KS4: Years 10 and 11
During Years 10 and 11, you will be preparing for your GCSEs. You will also continue to develop your skills in English as well as learning new ones. Key Stage 4 is a great opportunity to show off these skills to achieve the grades that you deserve at the end of Year 11.
You will be working on the GCSE AQA Specification A syllabus. Most of you will take two GCSEs in English: English and English Literature. You will be entered for either the Higher Tier or the Foundation Tier. The paper you are entered for is based on the work you do in class, coursework and your mock exams. You and your teacher will decide what the right paper is for you.
Your GCSE will be made up of both coursework and exams (see page outlining what is in each exam). For the English GCSE, 60% of your final grade will be made up of your exams and 40% made up of coursework. The exam consists of two papers. The first is about unseen non-fiction and media texts and writing to argue, persuade or advise. The second focuses on Poetry from Different Cultures and Traditions and writing to inform, explain or describe. Your coursework may consist of speaking and listening, substantial prose (e.g. Shakespeare), original writing and coursework with a media focus.
For the English Literature GCSE, 70% of your final grade will be made up of your exam and 30% made up of your coursework. Your exam has two sections. The first is a question on your prose set text (the one you have been reading in class). The second section has one question on pre-1914 and post-1914 poetry. Your coursework may consist of a Shakespeare play, post-1914 drama and pre-1914 prose.
You will develop various skills throughout Key Stages 3 and 4. In Speaking and Listening, you will address to some extent: group discussion and interaction, drama, Standard English and language variation. As part of Reading, you will focus on: understanding texts, English literary heritage, texts from different cultures and traditions, printed and ICT-based information texts, media and moving image texts, language structure and variation, literature and non-fiction and non-literary texts. You should study two Shakespeare plays, drama by major playwrights, works of fiction by two major writers published both before and after 1914 and poetry by four major poets published both before and after 1914. As part of Writing, you will work on: composition, planning and drafting, punctuation, spelling, handwriting and presentation, Standard English and language structure.
Key Stage 4 is also very enjoyable. It allows you to explore different areas of English to those studied in Key Stage 3. You should use all of the skills you have developed since Year 7 to achieve the grade you deserve in your English and English Literature GCSEs. Remember to use the rest of this website to help you to revise and find useful resources. Space out your revision to avoid leaving it all until the last minute. Read at home and work on your English skills to help you to improve. If you need help or advice, ask a teacher.
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