English Department
Aims of the subject:
English is vital for communication in learning and life.
The study of English provides a pathway to a critical understanding and enjoyment of the rich diversity of written texts. Through the investigation of the way the language operates, we begin to have a sense of our own cultural identity. Pupils will develop their skills in the following key areas:
- Speaking and listening – including drama, discussion and presentation;
- Reading – including fiction / non-fiction and considering the author’s craft,
- Writing – generating ideas, planning, drafting, shaping language for effect
- Language - exploring and analysing language structure and variation
Key Stage 3 English (compulsory course)
Year 7 course outline:
Non-Fiction and Media
Norfolk dialect project
Class reader
Extended writing
Shakespeare project
Poetry and drama (other cultures and English heritage)
Year 7 teaching group organisation:
English is taught to pupils of similar ability in sets. English, French, Geography, History, Music, R.S. and Citizenship share setting. English is allocated two double periods (approximately two hours and twenty-five minutes) each week.
Assessment:
Students’ progress is tested by half-termly assessments. Each assessment focuses on speaking and listening, reading or writing. Assessment marks are recorded and are used to inform teaching and learning across KS3.
Homework:
For most students, English homework is set on a weekly basis. This varied work includes: research; reading for the Diss High School Reading Challenge; comprehension work; generating ideas; planning extended writing; essay writing and exam revision.
Year 8 course outline:
Non fiction (degrees of formality)
Class reader
Drama
Pre-1914 prose (comparative work)
Pre-1914 poetry
Shakespeare in performance
Year 8 teaching group organisation:
English is taught to pupils of similar ability in sets. English, German, R.S. and Classics share setting. English is allocated two double periods (approximately two hours and twenty-five minutes) each week.
Assessment:
Students’ progress is tested by half-termly assessments. Each assessment focuses on speaking and listening, reading or writing. Assessment marks are recorded and are used to inform teaching and learning across KS3.
Homework:
For most students, English homework is set on a weekly basis. This varied work includes: research; reading for the Diss High School Reading Challenge; comprehension work; generating ideas; planning extended writing; essay writing and exam revision.
Year 9 course outline:
Poetry
Short stories (comparative work)
Shakespeare Exam skills and preparation
Business English project/Science in the News
Class reader
Business English
GCSE transition unit
Year 9 teaching group organisation:
English is taught to pupils of similar ability in sets. English and Modern Foreign Languages share setting. English is allocated three double periods (approximately three hours and thirty-five minutes) each week.
Assessment:
Students’ progress is tested by half-termly assessments. Each assessment focuses on speaking and listening, reading or writing. Assessment marks are recorded and are used to inform teaching and learning across KS3. SATs take place in May of Year 9. These external examinations will provide students with a benchmarked reading and writing level as well as an overall English level of achievement.
Homework:
For most students, English homework is set on a weekly basis. This varied work includes: research; reading for the Diss High School Reading Challenge; comprehension work; generating ideas; planning extended writing; essay writing and exam revision.
Key Stage 4 / GCSE English and English Literature (compulsory course)
Year 10 course outline:
Autumn
Coursework one – Open Writing
Coursework two – Poems from Different Cultures and Traditions
Paired speaking and listening assignment
Introduction to prose text for the Literature exam
Spring
Exam skills – Paper 2 work
Individual speaking and listening assignment
Coursework three – Closed writing
Coursework four – Shakespeare play
Summer
Exam skills – English Papers 1 and 2
Coursework five – Prose text
Unseen poetry work
Summer holiday reading and essay redrafting
Year 11 course outline:
Autumn
Coursework six – pre-1914 poetry comparison
Literature exam skills
Mock examination preparation
Coursework collation
Introduction to the play for the Literature exam
Spring
Mock exam review
Preparation for Literature exam
Preparation for English Papers I and 2
Group speaking and listening assignment
Exam technique and timed essays
Revision lessons
Year 10/11 teaching group organisation:
English is taught to pupils of similar ability in sets. English is allocated two double periods and one single period (approximately three hours) each week.
Assessment:
Students’ progress is tested by regular assessments. Each assessment focuses on a specific GCSE skill: speaking and listening, reading or writing. Assessment marks are recorded and are used to inform teaching and learning across KS4. Students have opportunities to work in timed conditions in class but they also have the Year 10 exam and Year 11 Mock in order to experience working in exam conditions in the Hall/Gym. Teachers and pupils review this exam work and pupils are assisted in the writing of meaningful targets to help them to achieve their GCSE target grades.
Homework/coursework:
For most students, English homework is set on a weekly basis. This varied work includes: research; reading; comprehension work; generating ideas; planning extended writing; essay writing; drafting coursework and exam revision.
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