English

Our students study English Language at GCSE following the curriculum for the Cambridge iGCSE.  During the two years they read and study a range of texts from across the globe learning how to become critical readers.  Students will study a range of fiction and non-fiction texts from the 19th, 20th and 21st century in preparation for the English language exam.

Our students learn how words create imagery and how writers use this to engage them as readers.  They will engage with texts through story, poetry, drama and non-fiction, with film and theatre used to support understanding of complex ideas. 

Students are expected to produce three pieces of coursework over the two years, followed by a GCSE external paper.  They will write a story, a descriptive piece and a response to a newspaper article all between 500 and 800 words. 

All of our students are given extra support through small-group interventions supported by our teaching assistants.  Further support is given in coursework workshops and Easter revision sessions.

Whole-school literacy approaches help students to develop their use of key vocabulary in coursework and exams.