English
English has a major role in the development of all young people; it enhances students’ transferable skills and links to all other curriculum subjects. At the Sele School, English lessons are challenging and fun and stimulate curiosity and discussion. We aim to equip the students with the skills they need to be effective and enthusiastic communicators, whilst fostering their creativity and imagination.
English lessons provide students with the opportunity to express themselves in both speech and writing. They will be taught the importance of careful crafting and editing in all aspects of their English work, as we aim to develop independent and successful writers. We are committed to nurturing a love of reading for pleasure and provide the students with access to a very wide range of diverse texts. English lessons also allow students to explore spiritual, moral, social and personal issues that impact on the lives of young people.
Key Stage 3
In Key Stage Three English, students will be immersed in fiction, non-fiction and other media which will allow them to explore the human experience and the world around them - both past and present. Students will develop literacy skills through reading, writing and speaking and listening, whilst also fostering empathetic skills, world knowledge and cultural capital. Regular visits to the library are built into English lessons, ensuring that we nurture a love of reading, providing access to a wonderful range of fiction and non-fiction books. Literacy skills are taught and revised organically within each scheme of learning as we prepare students not only for academic success but also to meet the demands of employment and adulthood.
Key Stage 4
Students follow the AQA course for the GCSE qualifications in Language and Literature. For the Literature exam, they study the Power and Conflict cluster of poetry supplied by AQA, as well as 'A Christmas Carol', 'An Inspector Calls' and 'Macbeth'. For the Language exam, they study a breadth of fiction and non-fiction texts and will practise writing in different forms for different audiences and purposes. There is no coursework component for these qualifications. Students also need to take a separate Speaking exam in order to be able to achieve a grade for English Language. We recommend that students purchase their own copies of Literature examination texts so that they can annotate them. These can be purchased via the school.
Key Stage 5
The teachers in the English Department share a passion for English Literature and this is reflected in the A level course which sees students reading and studying literature ranging from Jacobean Tragedy to contemporary dystopian Fiction. Students are taught to develop a critical and personal voice when discussing Literature and are encouraged to read independently to widen their
exposure to a range of challenging texts. There is a coursework component which is worth 20% of the qualification, followed by two written examinations. This is a highly regarded academic qualification that prepares students well for the academic rigour of University study.
