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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. At the end of Year 9, pupils take Key Stage 3 SATS tests in English. In 2007, 86% of pupils gained a Level 5, the expected level in English.

GCSE

In Year 10, pupils begin their GCSE English and English Literature courses. All pupils at the Sir Bernard Lovell School take both English and English Literature examinations at the end of 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 40% of their final mark, with 20% allocated to Writing and 20% to Speaking and Listening. The two final examinations make up 60% 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. Their coursework folder makes up 30% of their final grade, with one examination paper making up 70% of the mark.

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.

Entry Level

For a very small number of students we offer the Entry Level qualification. This is also a WJEC syllabus. It prepares students to take GCSE English in their first year of Post-16 education e.g. at college or alongside their apprenticeships. The students work in a very small group so that they receive high levels of personal attention from a teacher who has specialised in working one-to-one with pupils.

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 three units of study in each of the two years of Sixth Form. One unit will be an extended piece of coursework. The other two 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. We frequently invite well known authors to speak with pupils, and a professional theatre group visits Year 9 to perform the Shakespeare play they are studying for Key Stage 3 SATS. 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.