
English.
All pupils follow the NLS framework and NC requirements. Pupils will
cover a range of texts and topics throughout each academic year. We
have worked closely with primary schools on transition work which is
intended to bridge the gap between primary and secondary school.
In
year 7 pupils also complete an induction course when using the LRC.
All three year groups will study poetry, fiction texts, Shakespeare,
Drama, Media, reading and writing skills as a matter of course. (See
section on resources for sample texts)
Drama.
Year 7 and 8 have one lesson of drama each week. Throughout this
time they will explore numerous techniques for expressing themselves
and performing pieces. They will examine different styles of drama
and focus on characterisation quite extensively.
SATs

MIRANDA AND CALIBAN
A painting by James Ward
(1769-1859)
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In year 9, pupils work
toward the SAT exam, this examines both reading and writing skills.
Pupils are also required to study extracts from a Shakespeare play
in depth. The set text for 2007 -> ‘The Tempest’ (For specific set
scenes see QCA website).
Past
papers and sample questions are available for revision purposes.
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Assessing Pupil Progress (APP)
Pupils are constantly assessed through their work and mock
exams. They are awarded NC levels/sub levels for reading,
writing and speaking and listening. However the team was
recently involved with a pilot scheme which aimed to help
teachers assess individual assessment foci. Each unit of work
now contains more focussed assessment tasks which will indicate
areas of individual’s strength and weakness.
Attainment levels
Writing
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Level 3 |
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· I
think about why I am writing and who I am writing for. |
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· I
try to choose words that fit the task set |
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· I
usually use simple and straight forward sentences and am
careful to say them in my head first so they make sense
|
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· I
usually put full stops at the end of sentences and I start
new sentences with a capital letters and can sometimes use
other punctuation well |
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· I
can spell most simple words correctly and attempt words I am
not sure of |
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· I
try to order my ideas to ensure my work makes sense
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Level 4 |
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· I
am learning to adapt my written style by thinking about why
I am writing and who I am writing for |
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· I
choose words carefully and try to use interesting vocabulary |
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· I
use simple sentences correctly and try to use longer
(complete) sentences. I am careful to say sentences in my
head first so they make sense |
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· I
can use full stops, capital letters and other punctuation
like question marks correctly |
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· I
can spell simple words and some more difficult words
correctly |
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· I
can use paragraphs and subheadings and try to make sure my
ideas are written in a logical order |
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Level 5 |
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· I
can adapt my written style according to why l am writing
(purpose) and who I am writing for (audience). I try hard to
interest my reader |
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· I
make imaginative word choices and think about the best words
to make my writing interesting and clear |
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· I
can use simple and complex sentences, and I use different
length sentences for effect |
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· I
use capital letters correctly; I use punctuation to mark the
end of sentences and I can use commas in complex sentences.
I try to use other punctuation for effect |
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· I
can correctly spell simple words and more difficult words
which follow regular spelling rules |
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· I
organise my sentences into well balanced paragraphs or
sections and work is well laid out |
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· I
try to make sure that the middle and end of my work is as
strong as my beginning So my reader won’t lose interest |
|
Level 6 |
|
· I
can adapt my written style according to purpose (why) and
audience (who) and I know how to write in a more formal
style. I try to ensure my reader doesn’t want to put my work
down |
|
·
I use a
range of vocabulary to make my writing interesting and
effective and think carefully about choosing exactly the
right word |
|
· I
use a range of simple and complex sentences for effect and I
vary the way I start sentences. I know which sentence types
work better at different points in my writing |
|
· I
punctuate sentences correctly and I know how to use speech
marks and apostrophes |
|
· I
can spell most words correctly, including some difficult
words which do not follow regular spelling rules |
|
· I
organise my ideas into well structured paragraphs and ensure
that the links between sections are very clear |
|
·
The layout of my work is well thought out and helps the
reader follow my ideas |
|
Level 7 |
|
· My
writing is carefully crafted according to purpose and
audience and I proof read my work, thinking about how I want
my audience to react. I try to be original with my ideas and
am not afraid to experiment |
|
· I
use a wide range of vocabulary and always try to use words
to express myself clearly, choosing exactly the right word
for maximum effect |
|
· I
experiment with a range of sentence lengths and types for
effect and vary the way I start sentences to engage my
reader |
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· I
can use a wide range of punctuation correctly, including
apostrophes, semi colons and colons. |
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· I
can spell almost all words correctly, including complex and
irregular words. |
|
· I
organise my ideas into clearly structured, well shaped and
linked paragraphs |
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· I
can link ideas within my paragraphs and weave ideas together
so my writing flows well |
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· I
can write succinctly and the viewpoint I am writing from is
always clear |
Reading
|
Level 3 |
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· I
can read a range of texts well |
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· I
can read on my own using appropriate reading strategies such
as skimming, scanning, predicting, empathising |
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· I
can state a few simple facts and opinions on what I read in
fiction and non-fiction texts |
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· I
use the alphabet to help me find books in the library or
information in an index |
|
Level 4 |
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· I
can read a range of texts and understand they ideas, themes,
events and characters |
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· I
can use a variety of reading strategies including inference
and deduction to work out hidden meanings |
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· When
writing about what I read I select key information, make
relevant comments and try not to re-tell the plot |
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· I
have opinions on what I read and can select brief quotations
from the text when explaining my views |
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· I
can locate information in different places |
|
Level 5 |
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· I
can read and understand a range of texts |
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· I
understand how a writer structures their writing for
particular effects e.g. an arresting opening to grab the
reader’s interest |
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· I
can explain why writers have used particular words and
phrases and the effects on me as a reader |
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· I
can select essential points from what I read and can use
inference and deduction to work out any implied meanings |
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· I
can identify key features and themes in what I read |
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· I
can explain how language adds to our understanding of
character and how it creates mood and atmosphere |
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· I
can use critical terminology correctly e.g. imperatives,
dramatic irony |
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· I
can express a view on what I read and select relevant
evidence from the text to support my opinions |
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· I
can retrieve and collate information from different sources |
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Level 6 |
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· I
can recognise how the organisation of information affects
the reader |
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· I
can explain why writers have used particular words and
phrases, including figurative language and the effects on me
as a reader |
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· I
can relate characters’ speech and actions clearly to themes
and ideas |
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· When
reading a play I can explain the dramatic effects of the
language used e.g. in conveying a character’s motives /
feelings or in advancing the plot |
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· When
writing about what I read, I focus on the question asked and
integrate carefully selected references to link my points
and develop my argument |
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· I
can summarise the key points from a range of different
sources of information |
|
Level 7 |
|
· I
understand the techniques writers use to convey meaning in a
range of texts and the impact on the reader |
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· I
can analyse and comment on how writers select and present
information to guide a reader’s reaction |
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· I
can identify and analyse how a text is structured |
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· In
response to fiction, I can explore key ideas and themes
through a close analysis of characters’ speech and actions |
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· When
reading a play, I can explain how dramatic effects are
created through specific words and phrases |
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· I
can express a personal and critical opinion on poems, plays,
novels and non-fiction texts, orally and in writing |
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· I
can produce succinct and analytical writing about what I
have read which includes precisely selected references as
part of the overall argument |
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· I
can select and synthesise a range of information from a
variety of sources |
Speaking & Listening
|
Level 3 |
|
· I
can talk and listen confidently in different situations e.g.
paired, group or whole class discussions |
|
· I
can put my points across in a way that the listener
understands |
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· When
listening to others, I can pick out the key points being
made |
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· I
comment on what I have heard and can ask useful follow up
questions |
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· I
can change how I talk (language and tone) depending on who I
am talking to |
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· I
know what Standard English is and am aware of when it is
appropriate to use it |
|
Level 4 |
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· I
can talk and listen with confidence in a range of contexts
e.g. class discussion, role-play, hot-seating |
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· I
can adapt my speech to suit the purpose and listener |
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· I
can develop ideas, describe events and express opinions
clearly |
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· In
a discussion, I listen carefully and acknowledge the ideas
and opinions of others in my own contributions or through
the questions I ask |
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· I
know when it is appropriate to be more formal and can use
Standard English vocabulary |
|
Level 5 |
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· I
can talk and listen carefully in a wide range of contexts,
including formal presentations |
|
· I
can use expression and vocabulary effectively to grab the
interest of my listener |
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· In
a discussion, I pay close attention to what others say and
ask questions to develop the discussion further |
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· I
take account of other people’s views in the contributions I
make e.g. by building on what someone has said or by
counter-arguing |
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· I
can use Standard English in more formal situations |
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Level 6 |
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· I
can speak confidently in a range of different contexts and
tailor my talk to the purpose and audience |
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· I
skilfully use different expressions and a range of
vocabulary to engage the interest of my listener |
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· I
contribute to discussions and show an understanding of the
ideas expressed |
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· I
show sensitivity to others and their ideas and opinions,
e.g. by trying to involve reluctant speakers or by valuing
the views that others express even if they are different to
my own |
|
Level 7 |
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· I
can confidently match my talk to the demands of different
contexts and situations |
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· I
use vocabulary precisely and organise my talk with my
listener in mind |
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· I
make significant contribution to discussions which shows an
that I have reflected on the ideas of others and thought
carefully about what to say, when to say it and how best to
express myself |
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· I
know which situations require the use of Standard English
and can use it competently |
21/11/2008
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