Levels of attainment have risen over a number of years – the Key Stage 3 National Curriculum Test outcomes are well above average with 85% of students attaining Level 5 and above and 30% of students attaining Level 6 and above in 2007. At GCSE 88% of students gained A* - C in English and 97% of students gained A* - C in English Literature in 2007. The March 2004 Ofsted report stated,
‘experienced and very skilled teachers involve students actively in their learning. They ensure, through their high expectations, very well - paced lessons and very good relationships, and that students work with purpose and very productively. These teachers provide continuity, expertise and consistency of approach – they are powerful influences on students’ very good achievement in these years.’
At Key Stage 3 all students in Years 7 and 8 have a full diet of the English Curriculum, with Year 7 students being allocated one additional Drama lesson to enhance levels of confidence and a Library lesson to promote reading skills. Opportunities are given for students to access ICT through ICT lessons in the English ICT room.
In Year 9 preparation for GCSE is undertaken with more attention to text based reading and writing activities and speaking and listening skills. All students take part in the English National Curriculum Test.
In Key Stage 4, all students are entered for the AQA Specification ‘A’ English GCSE and the majority of students are entered for the English Literature GCSE. The range of activities offered by the course is such that the specification appeals to all academic abilities.
At Key Stage 5 students are entered for the AQA Specification ‘A’ English and English Literature combined course. The popularity of the subject is indicated by the very high student take up numbers in Years 12 and 13 and our Curriculum Area results denote the commitment of the students and staff alike.
Schemes of Work are constantly amended and the sharing of ideas plays an integral role in the success of the Curriculum Area.
The English staff encourages communication, discussion and respect for the ideas of others; we work in a supportive and positive atmosphere and view this is as an essential factor in our success.