Aims and Curriculum at KS4 Years 10 and 11
The English Department aims to prepare all pupils thoroughly for their G.C.S.E. examinations in order for them to achieve the best grades possible. It is hoped that many boys will continue with the subject at A Level.
For the GCSE courses in English and English Literature, we organise the boys into three or four sets depending on the size of the year group, and it is anticipated that each set will be taught by the same teacher for the two years.
We follow the Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC) combined course where,
in English (40%) and in English Literature Specification A (30%), the coursework
component is internally assessed and externally moderated. In total, pupils
produce six essays, together with all the associated drafting, and participate
in three or more oral activities calling for individual presentations and
collaborative work in small groups or pairs.
Pupils study prose and drama texts from an extensive list prescribed by the WJEC which encompasses both pre and post 1914 works, including Shakespeare. The examination papers and coursework also test pupils’ ability to read and comprehend material and to write creatively and persuasively.
Occasionally, some boys will only be entered for G.C.S.E English as we, and
they, feel that they will benefit from focusing on core skills. These boys will
still complete four pieces of coursework and participate in three oral
activities.
