Welcome to English

Year 7 and Year 8
The students read, analyse and study a range of contemporary novels, modern drama and Shakespeare. There is a joint news project, in conjunction with BBC education, which is undertaken by both year groups in which they act as reporters and create a news broadcast.
We aim to offer a range of outings to the theatre and local libraries, as well as welcome poets and authors into school to motivate and encourage the students to read and write for pleasure.

Year 9
In Y9, the students in English begin their first GCSE. The students are required to study a range of media, from music and film to advertising and social networking forums. They undertake a programme of assessment and examination and can achieve a GCSE result by the end of the year.
KS3
Recent activities

Y8 trip to Shakespeare’s Globe
Y7 creation of Elizabethan comfit
Y7 Welcome to English Day
Y7 St. Jerome’s Day celebration – A reading event
Ormesby English Department does Halloween

KS4
At Key Stage 4, pupils study for either one or two GCSEs. We offer an English GCSE or English Language and English Literature combined.

English GCSE
This course is a combination of both controlled assessment (CAT) and examination.

CATs
This element of the course is worth 60% of the overall grade. The pupils are required to complete a minimum of five written pieces and undertake three speaking and listening tasks. The tasks range from the study of a play by Shakespeare and poetry to contemporary novels and creative writing.

Examination
The exam is split into two sections – reading and writing. These sections constitute 40% of the overall grade. The examination is 2 hours and 15 minutes in length.

English Language and English Literature
This course involves studying a mixture of novels, plays and poetry as well as conducting a language study.

This course is worth two GCSEs.

Useful Revision Websites
AQA website to look at past exam papers, mark schemes
http://www.aqa.org.uk/qual/gcse/eng_a_assess.html
http://www.aqa.org.uk/qual/gcse/eng_lit_a_assess.html

Quick revision activities for both English and Literature
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/

Useful plot, character and theme summaries on all novels
http://www.sparknotes.com/home/english/

To improve English grammar
http://www.edufind.com/english/grammar/toc.cfm

To improve your literacy (spelling, vocabulary, reading skills)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/index.shtml