English
We want to inspire a love of English within every student by introducing them to an exciting and challenging range of writers, texts, cultures and views. English is a vital subject for academic success but also as a means to navigate the world. We provide students with the skills to absorb fundamental information, comprehend dynamic stories, be able to read between the lines to understand the views and messages of others, as well as hone their own critical and creative voice in response. At Ruislip High School, we give students access to worlds outside of their own and instil a love of language and literature that will last a lifetime.
Assessment
Assessments will be completed in students’ assessment ‘blue’ books. Students will have assessment sheets to assist with their assessments and all planning for assessments will also be completed in these books. Directed Improvement and Reflection Time (DIRT) lessons will also be completed in these books where students will have a chance to respond to feedback and improve their work.
Assessments will follow the schemes of learning and will be embedded within the schemes. Assessment will follow the following format:
- Formative feedback: students will be assessed midway through a scheme of learning. As a minimum, teachers will work through the assessments and students will correct their own work using whole-class feedback, peer feedback and self feedback.
- End of unit assessment: at the end of a scheme of learning, teachers will formally assess students on learning that has taken place during a scheme. This will be formally marked.
Homework
Homework is typically set using Educake which provides instant feedback to students and includes vocabulary and spellings of key words, and reading short fiction or non-fiction extracts to extend reading experience for English Language and/or memorisation of quotes or key knowledge for English Literature.
Key Stage Three - Years 7, 8 and 9
Key Stage Four - Years 10 and 11
Students study the AQA examination board for both English Language and English Literature GCSEs. Both courses are 100% examination with two examinations for English Language and two examinations for English Literature. Students study the 19th century Robert Louis Stevenson novel ‘The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’, the more modern play ‘An Inspector Calls’ by J. B. Priestley, and the Shakespeare play ‘Macbeth’. Students also study a range of poetry linked by the themes of power and conflict, and unseen poetry. For English Language, students explore a range of fiction and non-fiction from 19th, 20th and 21st century texts, learning how to analyse how writers’ choices affect readers. Students will also write their own pieces to narrate, to describe and to express a range of viewpoints.
Exam Board: AQA
Key Stage Five - Years 12 and 13
Studying English Literature at Key Stage Five allows students to experience a wide range of challenging and thought-provoking texts to further encourage their passion for the subject. Lessons follow a seminar style format with students discussing and debating ideas around the texts, crafting ideas together to become critical thinkers and writers.
