Facebook Twitter YouTube The Cheadle Academy HOME ABOUT TCA SIXTH FORM NEWS CURRICULUM PROSPECTIVE PARENTS PARENTS STUDENTS CONTACT US English Director of English: Miss V Wilkinson - vwilkinson@thecheadleacademy.co.uk Deputy Leader of English - Mrs K Tetley - ktetley@thecheadleacademy.co.uk Teacher of English - Mrs K Wibberley - kwibberley@thecheadleacademy.co.uk Teacher of English - Mrs R Munro - rmunro@thecheadleacademy.co.uk Departmental Vision Take a walk along the English corridor and you will see a variety of lessons taking place. Some classes will be working in groups, exploring literary or non-fiction texts and sharing their responses to them. Some classes will have pushed the tables to the side and will be using drama to present their own scripts or to explore the viewpoints of different characters. Yet another group could be engaged in a vigorous debate on a current issue, honing their persuasive skills as they argue over a range of issues. Some groups will be in the Library, reading a book of their choice whilst the teacher works with a small group of students to support them with their progress. This is the department vision in action. We believe in creating a challenging and engaging atmosphere where children learn in different ways and are encouraged to meet high expectations. We want the best for every child we teach and track their progress carefully throughout their time with us to ensure our teaching meets their learning needs. We intervene quickly when someone is struggling. KS3 Overview (what is taught in KS3) In Years 7 and 8, pupils learn through themed units of work which cover the media, poetry, prose, plays and non-fiction texts. They develop their skills in reading a variety of texts looking for different levels of meaning and writing in a variety of styles including essays, newspaper articles, speeches and short stories. Speaking and listening skills are developed through role-play, presentations and group work. We assess pupils each half-term, focusing on specific skills so we can respond to their individual learning needs. The Key Stage 3 curriculum is designed to meet the demands of the new GCSE courses, with more focus on written accuracy and more challenging texts from previous centuries included. KS4 Overview (what is taught in KS4) In Year 9, 10 and 11 students follow one of two pathways to GCSE exams. The majority of students prepare to take two GCSE’s, in English Language and in English Literature. A small number of students prepare to take English Language only, using the extra time to develop their key skills in written and spoken communication. Those studying for English Literature will study a Shakespeare play, a 19th century novel and a modern play text. In addition, they will study a collection of poems from the 18th century onwards. KS5 Overview (what is taught in KS5) Two A Level courses are available in Years 12 and 13. English Literature students study a range of classic and modern texts including poetry, prose and a play. They are expected to read widely and to write detailed analytical essays. English Language students explore the grammar and structure of the English language and how it is used in society by different groups such as people in power, men, women, young children and teenagers. They are expected to learn a large amount of subject-specific terminology and to write detailed analytical essays. Many careers are open to students studying both these subjects, including journalist, speech therapist and law. Career Opportunities All careers involve English. All college courses, apprenticeships, employment and universities expect a qualification in English, often at grade C or above. For the new GCSE’s, numbers are used in place of grades and it is likely colleges will ask for a grade 5 or better. This is not the same as a Level 5 in SATS. Bedrock Learning We have invested in an innovative literacy improvement tool called Bedrock Vocabulary. It is a website that helps children learn very important vocabulary. As your child progresses through the curriculum, they will study hundreds of words whilst reading fiction and non-fiction texts. You can help your child make even greater progress by logging on to see how well they are getting on. The following link explains this in further detail. Bedrock Learning Useful websites www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks3bitesize/english/ www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english/ www.timesspellingbee.co.uk/ Extra-Curricular Activities KS3 Film club KS4 revision classes Reading buddy programme © 2021 The Cheadle Academy · Legal Information Station Road, Cheadle, Staffordshire, ST10 1LH E-mail: office@thecheadleacademy.co.uk Tel: 01538 493900 · Fax: 08718 956963 Academy Website Design by Greenhouse School Websites By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Learn more DECLINE ACCEPT