Menu Login Quick Links About Us School Prospectus Sixth Form Contact Us English Overview The English department is a large team of dedicated and dynamic teachers. We are committed to providing a rigorous and varied curriculum and have high expectations for all students. All of our teachers are subject specialists with a range of expertise. We aim to teach students, whatever their ability, the skills required to communicate both in and outside of school. We also aim to embed a lifelong interest and curiosity in literature and the power of words. Key Staff Ms van der Lip - Head of Department Mrs Blake Mrs Griffiths (2nd in Department) Mrs Huxtable Miss Jones (3rd in Department) Miss Khazmi Mr Morton Mr Plumtree (2nd in Department) Mr Riley Mrs Scarr Ms Smit Facilities English is taught in classrooms across the school. Rooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards, visualizers and sound systems that allow students to engage with a wide variety of texts. We also have a dedicated bank of laptops and tablets that can be used in lessons. Curriculum Intent The purpose of English is to help students with effective and confident communication as well as being resilient in their approach to learning. Our English students will be analytical and perceptive in their critical appreciation of different texts and will develop empathy and perseverance. Key Stage 3 Students follow a curriculum based on the requirements of the National Curriculum. All year groups will study a range of texts including Shakespeare, pre-20th century, contemporary and multimodal. In each year, they will also study a selection of poetry texts and a modern play script. Teachers plan their lessons based on the ability and needs of the individuals within their groups so we have a wide range of texts that are available. All Key Stage 3 students have a lesson timetabled in the library once a fortnight in which they work on a range of reading and library skills. Much of our teaching in Key Stage 3 is in mixed ability groups. Some students are taught in smaller ‘support’ groups in which the teacher will deliver the curriculum at a pace suited to the students’ needs. Some students are challenged by the pace of delivery and the selection of texts in a larger ‘fast-paced’ group. Year 7 Curriculum Assessment Plan Year 8 Curriculum Assessment Plan Year 9 Curriculum Assessment Plan Key Stage 3 Banding Students will follow national guidelines throughout Key Stage 3 to support and prepare them for their Key Stage 4 courses. The school operates a banding system of 1-9 (9 being the highest band). Students will be given a target based upon their Key Stage 2 scores and baseline assessments on arrival at Edgbarrow. The band they are awarded at the end of the Key Stage is intended to be indicative of the grade they may achieve at GCSE. Reading Marking Criteria Writing Marking Criteria Key Stage 4 GCSE We teach an integrated course for English Language and English Literature which involves studying novels, short stories, drama, poetry, non-literary and other media texts. There will be opportunities to write in a variety of styles and to participate in many speaking and listening activities throughout the course. Students are taught in mixed ability groups with the exception of two fast-paced groups of students with Band 9-7 targets. There are also two Set 2 classes. Each year we review the best pathway for our students at GCSE. All Key Stage 4 students will be entered for both AQA English Language and English Literature qualification. All students are entered for both courses. Year 10 Curriculum Assessment Plan Year 11 Curriculum Assessment Plan Highest Ability and Talented Reading List Key Stage 5 We offer three A-Levels within the department. English Literature, English Language and Film Studies are well established, successful A-Levels that have been running for a number of years English Language Students will continue to develop their interest in English through learning about the structure of English, its varieties, different functions and through their analysis of different types of, largely, non-fiction writing. Students will write for different audiences and purposes. A wide range of skills is developed including research skills using books, magazines, the internet and primary research. Independent learning is an essential part of this course. Students are expected to give presentations as part of the course and to write analyses of texts. Students need to be capable writers and to enjoy exploring the nuances of language. Year 12 Curriculum Assessment Plan Year 13 Curriculum Assessment Plan English Literature Students will read widely, critically and independently across centuries, genre and gender. We hope to stimulate thought and discussion on a number of issues and ideas. The course also aims to develop the informed, independent reading of literary texts. There is a central emphasis on the analysis of unprepared texts in the exams so students are encouraged to link, connect and compare a wide range of whole texts and extracts. Students will develop an ability to argue logically on evidence from a range of texts and to approach all forms of literature with awareness and perception. Year 12 Curriculum Assessment Plan Year 13 Curriculum Assessment Plan Progress We work closely with the Progress Department to ensure that students with a variety of educational needs are supported by the department in their English lessons. Extra-Curricular Mission Containment This national writing competition asked students to write a 100-word saga about a contamination epidemic. We are delighted to announce that 34 Edgbarrow students will have their work published! Poetry Escape ‘Poetry Escape’ is a national poetry competition that encourages students to write in any form they choose about liberation and freedom. 20 students have had their poetry published and an anthology is in the library to view. Congratulations to our budding poets! For further information regarding our English Curriculum please contact: Ms van der Lip marianne.vanderlip@edgbarrowschool.co.uk Within this Section Corvus Learning Trust Headteacher's Welcome Curriculum Pastoral Support Departments Art & Photography Business and Economics Careers & Work-Related Learning Computer Science and IT Design & Technology Drama and Theatre English Film Studies Geography History Languages Library Mathematics Music Physical Education Politics Progress-SEND Religious Studies Science Social Sciences Governors Pupil Premium Newsletters OFSTED Parent View Policies Safeguarding School Vision & Values Latest News Sixth Form Open Evening 2021 Edgbarrow School Grant Road, Crowthorne Berkshire, RG45 7HZ 01344 772 658 01344 776 623 Email Us Get Directions Edgbarrow School is an academy and part of the Corvus Learning Trust, a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales, company number 11045796, registered at Corvus Learning Trust, Grant Road, Crowthorne, Berkshire, RG45 7HZ. 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