English Faculty

Teaching and Learning Director
Mrs C Banham

The English Faculty believe English is integral: it underpins every aspect of learning as language is power. Therefore, through our own passion for English, we endeavour to empower and inspire literate individuals who are competent, confident, articulate and aspirational. We will engender a love of literature, language and communication through immersion in a broad range of texts, topics and learning journeys. This is central in the preparation of learners for life beyond Oulder Hill, as independent citizens with dynamic leadership skills, who can successfully express their thoughts and ideas in a variety of contexts, within the school environment and beyond.

Overview of Curriculum Key Stage 3

Throughout their time at Oulder Hill, students in KS3 are taught English in placed into ability groups. These groups are fluid and are revisited frequently. Moreover, each group has 4 lessons per week.

Students will be set homework on a regular basis, usually twice a week. Homework will involve either a writing task, research, planning, learning or reading. Each homework will normally amount to about thirty minutes of private study.

Students are assessed regularly in lessons and at the end of each unit of work with a common assessment piece. Staff will make constructive comments which aim to point out the strengths in their work and highlight weaknesses for future action.

Overview of Curriculum Key Stage 4

Pupils in current Years 9-11 are following 2 GCSE qualifications, one in English Language and the other in English Literature. They will be awarded 2 separate GCSE grades following their exams in the summer term. Both GCSE qualifications are obtained through an exam worth 100% of the final grade awarded. There is also an Individual Speaking Test which students must undertake, which is recorded, and this is a separate qualification. There is only one tier of entry for examination in both Language and Literature

Sets in KS4 are similar to those in KS3: students are placed into ability groups. Once again, all groups are reviewed regularly.

The specification code for GCSE English Language is 8700 (UK):

View Specification

The specification code for GCSE English Literature is 8702:

View Specification

Students in Y9 will be introduced to some of the set texts and key poems, they will require for their GCSE Literature exam. They will focus on understanding of the plots/key ideas as well as the context that surrounds and reinforces some of the texts/poems. As they progress into Y10, further set texts will be introduced and students will combine the knowledge they already have with methods used by the writers.

For GCSE English Language, students will be taught how to develop familiar skills gained at KS3, as well as gaining a working knowledge of how to adapt these for GCSE style questions.

For current students in Y10, they will be introduced to all of set texts and some of the set poems that they will require for their GCSE Literature exam. They will focus on understanding of the plots/key ideas as well as the context that surrounds and reinforces some of the texts/poems. As they progress into Y11, further poems will be introduced and students will combine the knowledge they already have with methods used by the writers.

For GCSE English Language, students will be taught how to develop familiar skills gained in previous years whilst also being introduced and progressing higher order skills, such as synthesis and evaluation. Some time is also spent in teaching exam expectations and conditions.

During their time in Y10, students will also complete their Speaking and Listening endorsement, where they will present and answer questions on a topic of their choosing.

For current students in Y11, they will revisit key texts and poems required for their GCSE Literature exam as well as skills needed for their GSCE English Language exam. These will then be developed into exam preparation.