Key Stage 4
Students follow syllabus AQA Specification B Language and Literature.
The course is based on the requirements of the National Curriculum which is designed to develop candidates’ knowledge and understanding of language and literature and to provide progression towards further study through a wide range of reading opportunities as well as speaking and listening in a wide range of contexts.
To encourage pupils to take responsibility for their own learning, students are expected to compile Independent Learning Files on each topic studied. These files will contain all class work, homework and individual research completed, ultimately being used either as revision aids or to complete coursework.
Year 10 is the start of the GCSE course and the texts for the Literature examination are studied first. There are three areas studied:
Prose published after 1914 -either 'Lord of the Flies' OR 'Of Mice and Men' OR 'Roll of Thunder'
Drama published after 1914 – 'An Inspector Calls'
Poetry published pre 1914 – selected War Poems edited by Christopher Martin
Click on VLE link to access resources
Work is also started on the coursework component for both English Language and Literature. This consists of 5 pieces:
Personal Writing (Fiction)
Personal Writing (Non-Fiction)
Response to Shakespeare – 'Othello' OR 'Romeo and Juliet'
Response to Prose – either 'A Christmas Carol' OR 'Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde'
Response to Poetry (comparison) – Post 1914 War Poetry
Click on VLE link to access resources
This work continues into Year 11 when examination skills are also tested. The examination will test:
Reading
Response to pre-released media text
Response to unseen media text
Response to Poetry from different cultures
Writing
Response to the ‘triplet’ argue, persuade, advise
Response to the ‘triplet’ analyse, review, comment
Click on VLE link to access resources
Throughout the two year course various assignments are set to examine Speaking and Listening skills. It is required that opportunities are given for group work, an extended individual contribution and a drama focused activity. The skills covered are to
· explain, describe, narrate
· explore, analyse, imagine
· discuss, argue, persuade