English
English is a National Curriculum subject and so all pupils have English lessons throughout their time at Sir Bernard Lovell. In Years 7, 8 and 9 they develop their literacy skills and become accomplished readers and writers. The schemes of work they follow cover grammar, punctuation and spelling skills but also aim to foster creativity and enjoyment of reading and writing.
Skills sessions and reading
Skills sessions at Key Stage 3 take place for 35 minutes in the middle of each day. The focus of these sessions is primarily to consolidate and improve the key literacy skills which will enable students to progress in every area of study whilst at SBL. During the course of the year, three numeracy fortnights also form the focus of the Skills Sessions.
For further information read our Developing confident readers leaflet (Pdf, 1.4Mb)
GCSE
In Year 10, pupils begin their GCSE English Language and English Literature courses. All pupils at the Sir Bernard Lovell School take both English Language and English Literature examinations at the end of Year 10 and Year 11.The syllabus followed for English is the WJEC (Welsh Joint Education Council) specification. It requires students to become competent in a range of writing skills such as creative writing, writing to argue, writing to persuade. Students study a range of poetry, prose and drama from different eras. Their coursework folder makes up 60% of their final mark, with 40% allocated to Writing and 20% to Speaking and Listening. The final examinations make up 40% of the final grade.
The syllabus followed for English Literature is also WJEC. Students study a Shakespeare play, Nineteenth Century writing and a range of poetry.
Students are taught by a team of specialist English teachers and are encouraged to enhance their learning in English by reading as widely as possible.
A-S and A-Level
We offer English Literature and English Language at A-Level. Students are taught by specialist teachers and follow the syllabus offered by the AQA examination board. We work in close association with our Kingswood Partnership schools. Pupils complete two units of study in each of the two years of Sixth Form. One unit will be an extended piece of coursework. The other units are assessed in final examinations in May. Students are able to re-take individual units if they wish to improve their AS final grades. Teachers make it a priority to be available to assist and support students with their English studies at all times.
Sir Bernard Lovell School makes every effort to interest pupils in the written word. Pupils are encouraged to use the Library and to log-on to our extranet to enhance their studies.
Please do not hesitate to contact Curriculum Leader Ms K J Blueman if you would like to know more about English at Sir Bernard Lovell School.
Note: some of the documents on this page are in PDF format. In order to view a PDF you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader
"Sir Bernard Lovell School makes every effort to interest pupils in the written word. Pupils are encouraged to use the Online Learning Centre and to log-on to our extranet to enhance their studies."
