The Avon Valley School’s English faculty has responsibility for the students learning of English Language and English Literature. The faculty is also responsible for the Library Suite. This Suite encourages students to read 50 books in the time that they study at The Avon Valley School.
A brief overview of the topics covered by the faculty in Key Stage 3
English |
|
Year 7 |
Year 8 |
|
|
Courses currently offered by the faculty in Key Stage 4
English Literature |
|
OCR GCSE English Literature (9-1) - J352 OCR GCSE English Literature Examination sat in Year 10 Students will study texts which include one Shakespeare play, a selection of poetry post-1789, one 19th century novel, and one modern prose or drama text from the British Isles. They will develop skills in how to critically read and evaluate literature, as well as articulating informed, independent responses to texts. Students have to make connections between a set text extract and a thematically-linked unseen extract in each exam. |
|
Course structure |
|
Exploring modern and literary heritage texts (01) This is in two sections. Section A focuses on one modern prose or drama set text. Section B focuses on one 19th century prose set text. |
Exploring poetry and Shakespeare (02) This is in two sections. Section A focuses on a themed poetry cluster from the OCR set poetry anthology. Section B focuses on one set Shakespeare play. |
English Language |
OCR GCSE English Language (9-1) -J351 OCR GCSE English Language Examination sat in Year 11. Our GCSE in English Language helps students develop the skills required to read fluently and critically in a wide variety of high-quality literary and non-fiction genres, and to use written and spoken English accurately and effectively in different styles and contexts. Students must complete components 01 and 02, and then either 03 or 04, to be awarded the OCR GCSE (9-1) in English Language. |
Course structure |
Communicating information and ideas (01)* Focuses on reading and writing non-fiction texts. Students will:
The unseen texts could include essays, journalism, travel writing, speeches, biographical writing etc. Students are required to analyse the language and structure of the texts then compare and evaluate them in response to a statement given in the exam. This paper has two parts worth 40 marks each. In part A students read and compare non-fiction texts; in part B they write one original piece of non-fiction. |
Exploring effects and impact (02)* Focuses on reading literary prose texts and creative writing. Students will:
The unseen texts could include prose fiction, literary non-fiction e.g. biographical writing etc. Students are required to analyse the language and structure of the texts and compare and evaluate them in response to a statement given in the exam. The original piece of writing that they produce will be a piece of creative writing. This paper has two parts worth 40 marks each. In part A students read and compare literary prose texts; in part B they write one original piece of creative writing. |
Spoken language (03 or 04) Students deliver a presentation on an agreed topic; the presentation may be a talk, debate, speech or dialogue. They then listen and respond appropriately to questions and feedback. Non-exam assessment. |
Exam board specification link |