Subject Intent

At Derby Cathedral School we aim to provide a high-quality English education that teaches pupils to develop their reading and writing skills to a high standard enabling them to speak fluently and listen attentively, so that they can communicate their ideas and emotions. In doing so, they build on their fellowship skills, enabling them to work effectively in a team. The further study of English at A Level prepares our students for the world of work and higher education later in life.
 
During the two-year course at KS5, we build on all aspects of the English curriculum through studying a range of texts from different points in history to help them gain a full and detailed appreciation of both the English literary canon as well as other high-quality texts of value. In doing so, we encourage our students to be aspirational and approach challenging material with tenacity.

Prose, poetry, and drama are all studied to ensure we provide essential breadth to our post-16 education, encouraging our students to reflect on the spiritual and moral questions raised by great writers such as Shakespeare and Fitzgerald. We actively encourage them to use their speaking and writing skills to communicate their own developing opinions about spirituality and morality. The texts we have chosen develop their understanding of integrity.
 
Feedback plays an essential role in all teaching and learning and in our curriculum and we actively build opportunities for students to be evaluative and reflective. In sharing and receiving constructive criticism, students hone their writing skills and develop a working understanding of the importance of humility. 
 

 

Staffing

Miss. R. Winfield KS5 Coordinator and Teacher of English

r.winfield@derbycathedralschool.org.uk 

Mrs. L. Pritchard Head of Department and Teacher of English

l.pritchard@derbycathedralschool.org.uk 

Miss. C. Noble Assistant Head Teacher and Teacher of English

c.noble@derbycathedralschool.org.uk 

Mrs. V. Lynch Head of Year 9 and Teacher of English

v.lynch@derbycathedralschool.org.uk 
 

 

Homework

Students are expected to complete 2-3 hours of homework per week. This is set on Classcharts so that all staff, students and parents have access to the tasks and resources. Set tasks vary but will include pre-reading of set texts, wider reading of relevant material, written responses, revision quizzes, planning activities etc. Students are encouraged to complete work well in advance of the deadline so that they can contact their teachers to request support and guidance on any issue they may experience in completing a task. 

Assessment

Students will complete a range of assessment activities including: 


     •    Key knowledge quizzes  
     •    Question and answer within group and whole class discussion 
     •    Formative written responses  
     •    Summative assessments in the form of PPEs 


This range of assessment strategies allow staff to assess knowledge gaps, development of skills and share important feedback and data with students and parents.  

Year 12 

October  

Common Assessment 

Key knowledge of literary terms and concepts

January 

PPE 

Paper 1 Sections A and B 

April

End of Unit Assessment 

Paper 1 Section C

Paper 2 Section A 

June 

PPE 

Paper 1 Sections A, B & C

Paper 2 Section A 

Year 13 

November  

Formative Assessment 

Paper 1 Targeted Practice

Paper 2 Section B

January 

NEA 

Independent Critical Study: Texts across Time

March 

PPE 

Paper 1 Sections A, B & C 

Paper 2 Sections A & B

 

 

Independent Study

Students should spend an additional 2-3 hours per week completing independent study and revision, on top of their contact time (time spent in the classroom with their teachers) and time spent on set homework. Students can refer to their Folder 5 for ideas on suitable independent tasks to undertake. Examples include:


      •    Pre-read the next chapter, scene or poem of a set text 
      •    Use the Cornell method to make notes on a chapter, scene or poem from a set text 
      •    Read some literary criticism on a set text and make notes of different critical perspectives e.g. feminist theory interpretation 

Revision

It is crucial for students to reread each of their set texts several times, in order to maintain their knowledge and understanding throughout this linear two-year course. It will be beneficial for students to have their own personal copy of each set text, for the purpose of making notes and annotations as we study together in class; these notes will form invaluable revision materials for all PPE and terminal exams. Specific revision materials will be provided by class teachers, who will tailor to the needs of students and the requirements of the exam board. 

 

Subject Enrichment

Students of English Literature can participate in a number of Endeavour programmes to complement and bolster their curriculum learning and provide valuable experience. For example:


    •    Book Worms: students commit to reading at least one book of significant literary merit every half term. As a group, we’ll meet half-termly to discuss what we have read and recommend books to one another. This is a fantastic way for students to ensure that they are reading widely, and a great opportunity to communicate with their peers.
    •    Reading Mentors: students in Y12 and Y13 with a love of reading are able to sign up to assist teachers in KS3 LRC lessons, and/or lead small groups of younger students who require additional support and mentorship with their reading. A fantastic opportunity for students to take on a responsible role, and contribute positively to our whole school community.
    •    In Y13, Literature students will have the opportunity to visit France alongside their History-studying peers. This will supplement the learning our Literature students will undertake with regards to their curriculum studies of the literature produced during (or inspired by) the First World War.

 

Super-Curricular

A range of activities are recommended in the Literature ‘Folder 5,’ such as:


    •    Complete a Literature-related MOOC e.g. https://www.mooc.org/  
    •    Research English Literature university modules and reading lists and read a recommended text
    •    Explore careers in related areas and make notes on entry requirements and desirable skills
    •    Watch a screening or live performance of any play of literary merit 

Literacy

A range of activities are recommended in the Literature ‘Folder 5,’ such as:


    •    Read a broadsheet newspaper e.g. The Times
    •    Read a 19th century novel of literary merit
    •    Refresh your grammar knowledge e.g. Lynne Truss, ‘Eats, Shoots and Leaves’; David Crystal, ‘Discover Grammar’
    •    Practise some free writing about a topic of your choice for a set length of time;
    •    Read a book from a related discipline e.g. a history book on Jacobean England to complement the study of ‘Othello’