English Overview

 The fundamental vision of the English department is to secure a lifelong appreciation for literature and to develop students’ ability to harness the power of language. Our students are placed at the centre of our everyday practice. The curriculum at KS3 is focused on developing core skills, building the confidence of students to ensure they are secondary ready and collaboration with peers in order to achieve at KS4 and develop life long skills.

Our new KS3 curriculum, in Years 7 and 8 and 9 , is engaging, inspiring and rigorous. We build upon the key skills taught at KS2 and we have developed an integrated topic approach to teach the three core skills of reading, writing and speaking and listening. The curriculum is centred on high quality texts through which we aim to teach transactional skills with a clear focus on developing literacy skills for life. Our assessments are timely and drive progress for all students. Students readily engage with feedback though planned DIRT sessions, which foster a genuine thirst for learning and a desire for success.

At KS4, the department follows the AQA exam board specifications. There are two main qualifications available to pupils:

• English Language GCSE

• English Literature GCSE (Literature is studied alongside Language)

Languages Overview

Spanish is an important subject at the Academy and is a popular choice with students when they make their choices for GCSE. It is part of the English Baccalaureate selection of subjects encouraged by government.

Studying any Modern Foreign language promotes tolerance and understanding of other cultures. It develops so many important skills including memory, confidence and communication skills as well as problem solving and recognising patterns. Universities are very keen that students have studied a language to GCSE and most employers recognise the value of having staff who are willing to try to communicate with others and overcome language differences. Spanish is very widely spoken across the world. It is estimated that by 2020 the number of Spanish speakers will outnumber the English speakers in the USA quite considerably.

At The De La Salle Academy Spanish is taught in an engaging way using video, games, technology and visits to enthuse and awaken the developing minds of our students. Students are encouraged to use the spoken language from day one in the classroom and practice listening, reading, writing and translation skills in each lesson.

Drama Overview

Drama is a practical subject designed to give pupils the opportunity to work amongst each other and express themselves in a safe environment. Through drama pupils explore the world in which we live and gain indispensable skills needed for lifelong learning. Drama helps develop personal qualities such as group work, the ability to communicate and co-operate effectively with others. Building self-confidence is at the core of the subject expanding their social awareness, empathy, values and attitudes. Pupils discover the world of theatre and gain the skills needed to be an accomplished, confident performer. They will understand and participate in the creative process required to produce successful performance work and will show appreciation of the art form through personal reflection and evaluation.
 

Useful Links

 

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/gcse/english-language-8700

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/gcse/english-language-8700

GCSE Bitesize English Language:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zr9d7ty

GCSE Bitesize English Literature:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english_literature/