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Key Stage 4 |
In English, we have two GCSEs that all students are entered for: GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature. Though students read two of their Literature texts in year 9, it is not until year 10 that we really begin to focus on the assessment objectives and requirements of the exam – enjoying and understanding the text must come first! By the end of year 10, students have covered all of their Literature content (five sections) and have practised the skills needed to be successful in Language. This means that year 11 is for honing the knowledge and skills, perfecting exam techniques and practising specific routines related to the four papers they will sit in the summer.
In the Autumn term of year 10, we continue our Literature study with our third text, the seasonal A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. As with our earlier novel studies, we use a cold-read approach to allow students to immerse themselves in the storyline of the text before we pull it to pieces and analyse it! In year 10, we start to interleave Language and Literature. Alongside A Christmas Carol, students also study a range of 19th century non-fiction extracts, allowing them to learn essential historic context, deepen their understanding of the novel and practise their Language Paper 2 skills – all at once!
As we move into the Spring term, we start the Poetry Anthology, studying the fifteen poems in the power and conflict cluster that students will need for the fourth section of their Literature exams. This is a challenge with so much to cover but again our interleaving strategy means that the students engage with the poems and their context, as well as using the topics as a stimulus for Language creative and transactional writing practice.
We finish year 10 with a thematic recap of all of the Literature texts in the Summer term. This consolidates students’ knowledge of the individual texts by focusing on themes and motifs that they share. As well as this, we complete the Spoken Language Endorsement. This is a mandatory part of the English Language GCSE that requires students to present and then answer questions on their chosen topic. Students are graded Pass, Merit or Distinction. While this can be a bit nerve-wracking, it is a great opportunity for students to share their passions with their teacher and peers, and also makes good practice ahead of the college interviews which soon follow in year 11.
Year 11 is about bringing it all together – filling any little gaps, approaching Literature texts through more mature lenses, and building confidence ahead of the exams in the Summer.
We continue the interleaved approach – revising Language and Literature alternate weeks – to help students prepare for the demands of final revision and the mental (and emotional) challenge of the exam period.
Farnborough Sixth Form offers A-levels in English Language, English Literature, or combined Language and Literature, as well as Drama and Theatre Studies, and Performing Arts. Students may also find a passion for English leads them to other subjects such as Law, Sociology and Politics.
Farnborough College of Technology (in partnership with the University of Surrey) offers English Literature degrees coupled with subjects like Psychology or Criminology.
Though good literacy is essential for all areas of life, academic success in English can also lead to careers in fields such as marketing, media, public relations, and journalism.