“English is vital for communicating with others in school and in the wider world, and is fundamental to learning in all curriculum subjects. In studying English, students develop skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing that they will need to participate in society and employment. Students learn to express themselves creatively and imaginatively and to communicate with others confidently and effectively.

Literature in English is rich and influential. It reflects the experiences of people from many countries and times and contributes to our sense of cultural identity. Students learn to become enthusiastic and critical readers of stories, poetry and drama as well as non-fiction and media texts, gaining access to the pleasure and world of knowledge that reading offers. Looking at the patterns, structures, origins and conventions of English helps students understand how language works. Using this understanding, students can choose and adapt what they say and write in different situations, as well as appreciate and interpret the choices made by other writers and speakers.”

The National Curriculum for England
DCFS/ QCA

Enrichment

A wide range of enrichment activities is available, including:

• Carnegie Shadowing Group
• Creative Writing Club
• ‘Pulp Fiction’ reading group
• Debate Club
• Year 7 Spelling Club

English

English offers opportunities for students to:

• Read widely and analytically
• Write in a variety of styles and for a range of purposes and audiences
• Become confident speakers and sensitive listeners
• Develop their skills of imagination, creativity and empathy

The English Department

English is taught by eight subject specialists at The Netherhall School and Sixth Form Centre, all of whom teach across the full age and ability range. All members of the English Department are passionate about the subject and keen to find creative ways to share their enthusiasm with students, both inside the classroom and in extra-curricular activities. We have strong links with the Faculty of Education at Cambridge University and have earned an excellent reputation for our training and support of PGCE English students.

Year 6/7 Transition

Our Year 6 into Year 7 transition unit offers an exciting opportunity for all Year 6 students coming to Netherhall to prepare themselves for English at secondary school. Our unit encourages students to write a short letter about themselves as well as reading a poem and writing one themselves. Their Year 6 transition work is completed in new exercise books which they continue to use in Year 7.

Key Stage 3 English

In Years 7, 8 and 9 students can expect to explore a wide range of literary, non-literary and media texts ranging from Shakespeare plays to ‘The Simpsons’. Students begin to explore the ways in which writers create effects and convey meanings within their texts and are challenged to extend their own writing styles by considering how to write for different purposes and audiences. Speaking and listening skills are developed through small group and class discussion as well as individual presentations, for example, delivering a ‘Newsround’ style report to their classmates.

Assessment within English is ongoing throughout the year and students are regularly assessed using the ‘Assessing Pupil Progress’ criteria introduced by QCA. Students receive positive feedback and targets in the three areas of reading, writing and speaking and listening which help them to successfully identify how they can make progress and improve upon their current attainment.

GCSE English and English Literature

Most students are entered for two GCSE courses: English and English Literature. Written coursework comprises 20% of the GCSE English mark and 30% of the GCSE English Literature mark. During Years 10 and 11 students study a range of texts, from pre-twentieth century novels to modern multicultural poetry. They learn to develop sophisticated skills of written expression in a range of styles and for a variety of audiences. A further 20% of the mark for GCSE English is awarded for speaking and listening, and over the course students have opportunities to develop their skills in group discussion, individual presentation and dramatic role-play.

English at A Level

The English Department at Netherhall offers two AS/A2 courses: English Literature and a combined English Language and Literature course. Both are popular choices and we usually run three groups each year. We follow AQA Specification B and both courses are modular. Students study two units in Year 12 leading to an AS qualification and two in Year 13 resulting in the A2 qualification.

Additional Exam Information

For more in-depth information about our English courses click here.