English English
KS3
At Key Stage 3, all students follow the requirements of the National Curriculum. English is taught in mixed ability groups in Years 7 and 8.
In Year 9, new mixed ability groups are created, and the curriculum is tailored to help students adjust for the demands at GCSE: all students are prepared for the GCSEs by developing a similar set of skills required at GCSE level. This includes studying a Shakespeare play in its entirety and studying a novel from the GCSE syllabus.
A typical KS3 curriculum will cover:
|
Year 7 |
Year 8 |
Year 9 |
Autumn 1 |
Skellig |
Holes |
Richard III |
Autumn 2 |
Skellig |
Holes |
Richard III |
Spring 1 |
Introduction to Shakespeare |
Media & Non-fiction |
Poetry (pre & post 1914) |
Spring 2 |
Poetry |
Hamlet |
Media & Non-fiction |
Summer 1 |
Non-fiction |
Poetry |
Lord of the Flies |
Summer 2 |
Media |
Pre-1914 short stories |
Lord of the Flies |
Assessments at KS3 are continual with formal end-of-year assessments in each year.
KS4
At Key Stage 4, all students are given the opportunity to take GCSEs in English Language and English Literature. Students are taught in mixed ability groups and the current exam board of choice is AQA. A small number of students study Functional Skills English.
A typical KS4 curriculum will cover:
|
Year 10 (Eng Lang) |
Year 11 (Eng Lit) |
Autumn 1 |
Of Mice & Men |
Macbeth |
Autumn 2 |
Creative Writing |
Kindertransport |
Spring 1 |
Spoken Language Study |
Poetry anthology |
Spring 2 |
Non-fiction reading & writing |
Re-visit Of Mice & Men |
Summer 1 |
Exam Practice |
Exam Practice |
Summer 2 |
Jekyll & Hyde |
|
The GCSEs are assessed throughout the year via controlled assessments and at the end of the year by examination.
There is a strong emphasis at both key stages on developing Speaking and Listening skills.
We aim to ensure that all students leave Acton High School with a love and appreciation of literature for life; as competent readers and writers and with the ability to talk confidently in a variety of different contexts.
Click here to view GCSE Breakdown
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