The English Department at Dunclug College provides a rich programme of study that is rigorous, inspiring and exciting. We offer every student a high-quality education that supports their understanding of how to write fluently and accurately, interpret information from a text and analyse a writer’s use of language. Throughout the KS3 syllabus we ensure that every learner has the opportunity to have fun and explore the societal issues that have an impact on their lives; raising awareness of the responsibilities that we have towards each other. We ensure that every student meets their learning goals and potential through regular tracking and end-of-term assessments. Whether you like to explore action and adventure, create atmosphere and suspense or analyse the scene of a crime, English at Dunclug College has everything to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Overview:

GCSE English Language

A qualification in English Language is an essential requirement for the world of work.  Pupils will develop their skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing necessary to communicate with others confidently, effectively and precisely.

You will learn to

• express your ideas creatively and imaginativel
• become critical readers of a range of texts, including media texts
• use reading to develop your own skills as a writer
• select and adapt speech and writing to different situations and audiences

During the course you will have opportunity to

• Read a range of novels and poems for enjoyment and to develop your skills in both reading and writing
• Participate in a range of group activities that count towards your final assessment
• Debate real-life issues affecting the lives of young people
• Produce your own media texts for example advertisements
• Give presentations within school and take part in an interview-skills workshop

Progression to Post 16

GCSE English Language is one of the most important qualifications for employers and securing a solid grade can open pathways into any career.  You can opt to study A-Level English Literature in school or use the communication skills you have developed for all writing, reading and speaking required in all subjects.

Assessment

Unit 1   

Personal Writing and Reading Media Texts. This is worth 20% of the final mark and is assessed externally through a written examination in Year 11 (1 hour 30 mins).

Unit 2 

Functional Writing and Reading Non-Fiction .  This is worth 20% of the final mark and is assessed externally through a written examination in Year 12 (1 hour 30 mins).

Unit 3  

Speaking and Listening.  This is worth 20% and is assessed through group and class discussion throughout Years 11 and 12.

Unit 4 

Controlled Assessment.  This is worth 40% and is completed throughout Years 11 and 12.

GCSE English Literature

“Words, words, were truly alive on the tongue, in the head, warm, beating, frantic, winged; music, and blood.”  Little Red Cap, Carol Ann Duffy

English Literature provides students with the opportunity to explore a broad range of texts and it enables pupils to develop knowledge and skills in reading, writing and critical thinking.

You will learn to

•  Think about how writers develop characters and themes
•  Understand how writers use language for effect
•  Write coherent, well-structured and analytical responses
•  Form your own thoughtful interpretations of the set texts.

During the course you will have opportunity to

•  Read and discuss a range of texts by authors from different backgrounds and time periods
•  Engage in independent work, group work, active learning and creative and analytical tasks
•  See texts come to life in live performances at the theatre

Progression to Post 16

Students can study English Literature at A Level.  English Literature provides a basis for those seeking employment in: PR and Advertising, Marketing, Publishing, Teaching, Law, Journalism, HR or Personnel Management, Administration, Civil Service.

Assessment

Unit 1 (Exam)

The Study of Prose (Of Mice and Men - 25%)

Unit 2 (Exam)

The Study of Drama (Blood Brothers - 20%)

The Study of Poetry (Love and Hate 20%)

Unseen Poetry (10%)

Unit 3 (Controlled Assessment - 25%)

The Study of Linked Texts

(a) A Shakespearean play

(b) A heritage prose text where links can be made to text (a). 

GCE English Literature

‘There is no frigate like a book 

To take us lands away, 

Nor any coursers like a page 

Of prancing poetry...’

Emily Dickinson

GCE English Literature allows pupils the opportunity to develop their interest and enjoyment in literature through reading widely, independently and critically.  Pupils will study prose, poetry and drama texts from different periods and cultures. 

You will learn how to

• Build on the skills learnt and practised at GCSE level
• Write creatively to an advanced level
• Develop a critical awareness and understanding of individual works of literature
• Explore the contexts of texts and others’ interpretations of them
• Develop an understanding of relationships between texts

Progression and career opportunities

A Level English Literature provides an excellent grounding for those seeking employment in: law, teaching, publishing, advertising and PR, journalism,  HR, TV and radio.

Assessment

AS 1 - Section A (Controlled Assessment)

The Study of Shakespeare (The Tempest)

The Study of a Twentieth-century Dramatist (Miller—Death of a Salesman, All my Sons)

AS 2 - Section B (Exam)

The Study of Poetry written after 1800 (Frost and Thomas)

The Study of Prose 1800-1845 (Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby)

GCE Journalism

GCE Journalism enables you to develop and use journalistic skills through the print, online and broadcast formats in areas such as writing hard news, subediting, presenting, public relations and photojournalism. You will investigate the influence and power of the media and you will consider the main legal issues that concern journalists.

You will learn to

• Gather and write hard news for print in a real world context
• Apply your journalistic writing skills to other media-related tasks such as creating press releases, subediting and presenting
• Consider the legal and ethical implications of journalism
• Check that your work is factually accurate and legally acceptable by exploring media law
• Identify and analyse the ways in which the media influences society’s opinions and beliefs by investigating representation, ideology and values

Progression and Career Opportunities

GCE Journalism enables progression to higher education in subjects such as Journalism, Public Relations and Communication. It provides an excellent grounding for those seeking employment in a wide variety of settings including various roles within the broadcast and print media industries, public relations, the communications industry, marketing, advertising and media law.

Assessment

Unit 1 Journalism in Print

This unit is worth 20% of the A level and it is assessed externally through a written examination (2 hours).

Unit 2 Print Portfolio

This unit is worth 30% of the A level. You are required to complete a portfolio of different news stories for a local newspaper or magazine. It is assessed internally.

Unit 3 Cross-Platform Journalism and Digital Interactivity

This section is worth 20% of the A Level and it is assessed externally through a written examination (2 hours).

Unit 4 Cross-Platform Case Study and Broadcast Journalism

This section is worth 30% of the A Level. You are required to conduct a case study and produce two features; one for print and one for broadcast. It is assessed internally.