Department Head: Mrs K Jude

Department Members:

H.Hardy (Asst. Team Leader KS3), J Hogben (Asst. Team Leader KS4), E Parker-Clark, J Ryder, A Shewan, K Sutton, K Trenbirth

 The Aims and Objectives of the Department

Language is central to the process of teaching and learning, contributing to development of the individual child, because of the cognitive functions of both spoken and written language in exploratory learning and organising and making sense of experiences. English is essential as both a set of tools for accessing the world, and in the contribution it makes towards pupils' personal development. English is also an essential instrument in the development of individuality, awareness of self, the growth of personal identity and the acquisition of self confidence.

It is the aim of the English Department at Hartford High to fulfil the challenge roles set out for it by continuous improvement and to further enrich the pupils experience through:-

• Displays
• Theater Visits
• Poetry Competitions
• Book Quizzes

English is compulsory across all year groups.

English at Key Stage 3

Year 7

• Baseline tasks will be completed in the first Half Term by all pupils - This is assessed every half term internally
• Each pupil will have 7 lessons per fortnight (1/2 lesson per fortnight is timetabled in the LRC)
• Differentiated spelling books will be used

Year 8

• Assessments will cover reading, writing, speaking and listening. Spelling tests will take place at the beginning and end of the academic year
• Each pupil will have 6 lessons per fortnight (1/2 lesson per fortnight is timetabled in the LRC)
• Differentiated spelling books will be used

Year 9

• Assessments as per Year 7 & 8 for the first 3 half-terms. Mock SATS & Shakespeare papers will be used for Spring & Easter assessments respectively
• Each pupil will have 7 lessons per fortnight (1/2 lesson per fortnight is timetabled in the LRC)
• Spelling will be addressed

English at Key Stage 4

Year 10

Most pupils will follow the GCSE English course over the year with exams at the end of Year 10. The subject requires four pieces of written coursework, two of which may be a GSCE 'cross over' piece. Some students will study the Entry Level English course.

Year 11

Most pupils will follow the GCSE English Literature course over the year. Some may also retake GCSE English. Students who followed Entry LEvel in Year 10 will be entered for GCSE English if appropriate.

Again four pieces of written coursework, two of which may be a GSCE 'cross over' piece, are required.

WJEC Entry Level Certificate in English

This specification provides the framework for students whose abilities at the start of KS4 appear to be below the standards required to gain a GCSE in English.

For more details about the WJEC specification for GCSE English or the Entry Level Certificate, visit the WJEC website