The aim of the English Department is to stimulate and engage pupil interest in the English Language, inspiring them to learn and develop new skills and strengthen their talents. We aim to nurture confidence and bring a sense of achievement, by extending pupils to realize their full potential and strive towards the highest possible standards in reading, writing, and speaking and listening.
Pupils at Key Stage 3 are taught using a range of experiences: to read a variety of modern and current texts; to write in a range of styles and using a range of formats; to research; to use I.C.T. where appropriate; to draft and edit work and to develop critical thinking skills. Each unit of work incorporates reading, writing, and talking and listening activities helping to prepare students for GCSE qualifications and future employment, instilling them with confidence to express their views and peer and self-critique their work.
Year 8 students are provided with a card for our local library and visits are organised termly, helping to encourage our students to develop a passion for reading and independent study. Year 9 students are invited to attend a trip to the pantomime, in conjunction with their studies in Drama.
The CCEA GCSE English Language specification encourages students to explore and respond, both imaginatively and critically, to a variety of texts.
Students use reading to improve their writing and spoken language skills. They also enhance their understanding of how language variations relate to identity and cultural diversity.
The GCSE English Language specification develops key transferable skills, such as selecting and adapting speech and writing to suit different situations and audiences.
The CCEA GCSE English Literature specification encourages students to be enthusiastic, independent, imaginative, critical and analytical readers. It aims to increase their enjoyment of reading, helping to nurture a lifelong love of literature.
The specification deepens students’ knowledge and understanding of a range of poetry, prose and drama, including texts by local and modern writers. Students explore the impact of language, structure and form in the texts. Connecting the texts’ ideas, themes and issues is another key focus.
Students also learn how to explain settings, characters and themes creatively through social, cultural and historical contexts. They develop their ability to research, plan and prepare their responses using their own ideas and interests, as well as critical reading.
Our students thoroughly enjoy studying English Literature demonstrated by our excellent results; 100% A*-C for the past three years!
As well as a GCSE qualification in English Language, we also offer progression opportunities through the OCN NI Entry Level and Level 1 Certificate in Essentials Skills. This qualification affords learners, who can find GCSE studies extremely challenging, an opportunity to further develop skills in literacy and progress in their education.
The aim of this Essential Skills in Communication is to improve the learners’ ability to speak, listen, and respond; developing the ability to express and communicate meaning in spoken language and to interpret what others say. They will also develop the ability to read, understand and engage with various types of texts and advance their writing skills.
Please note this course will be offered alongside GCSE English Language and not as an alternative.