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 About the Department:
Our Department aims to provide students with the opportunities to enable them to acquire and understand the richness and diversity of Language and Literature. It is through an awareness of the power of language that we are able to communicate and understand ourselves and others. Communication is fostered through a variety of media, and equal attention is given to Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing in our schemes of work. Literature plays an important role in encouraging an understanding of the world through the experiences of others; it stimulates reflection and discussion, and is an integral part of the Department's work.
The schemes of work that we follow have been carefully planned to ensure that they meet the legal requirements of the National Curriculum and in particular those of Key Stages 3 and 4. Our curriculum reflects and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of our students and of the community in which we work.
The Strengths of the Department:
Performance at KS3 and KS4 has steadily improved. At KS3 (44% at level 5/6 in 1999) we are rated above average when compared with schools with similar intakes. At KS4 we are rated well above average when compared to schools with similar intakes. In the last three years at GCSE level we have increased English A*-C grades from 25.5% to 28%, and A*-C grades from 94.1% to 99.4% (above national average). Achievement in relation to NFER baseline testing predictions shows very significant added value. Academic improvement is based on the fact that the English Department provides a calm, purposeful working atmosphere.
The Department prides itself on working closely to develop effective and regularly revised teaching materials. ICT is an integral part of the work of the Department. We are able to make use of the suite of computers sited within the Department area, and we will also benefit from four multi-media
PCs for the Media Studies Department. The Department organises regular trips to reinforce and extend achievements in the classroom. For example, students have been taken to Westferry Printers to take part in newspaper production simulations; they have attended GCSE Poetry Live events, and they have enjoyed trips to West End productions. The English Shakespeare Company has come to school to give workshops to help prepare children for KS3 tests.
Staffing:
The Department is led by Laura Sparkes and John Wilks (job-share Head of Department).
There are currently eleven other teachers in the team:
Najma Ahmed
Ammar Al-Ghabban (i/c Media Studies)
Vivian Alomenu
Roger Barrett
Gareth Brennan
Lorna Damms
Bronwen Evans
David Gay
Leanne Kilgour
Arileia Ormeρo
English Assistant: Ruzna Begum
Further Detail:
KS3 Level Exemplars: Footballer Car Crash
Story (Word Format)
English
Attainment Targets
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