About

In the English Department we aim to equip students with the skills to analyse and appreciate a wide range of texts, both fiction and non-fiction. Students are encouraged to apply these skills to their own writing, following the principle that “good readers make good writers.” English lessons at Winifred Holtby School foster students’ ability to work collaboratively and co-operatively- an essential life skill.

 
KS3

At KS3 students are taught English throughout the year with 4 one hour lessons a week. The Key Stage 3 English curriculum is designed to enable students to see their learning as a journey in the development of key reading, writing skills and speaking and listening skills, culminating in the APP tests which are completed periodically throughout KS3.

Content

Throughout Key Stage 3, students will study the following:
• Novels
• Poetry
• Non-fiction texts- writing for specific audiences and purposes
• Drama texts
• Short stories

Each unit is assessed in the form of a milestone piece. For this piece work students receive detailed feedback (linked to key assessment objectives) as well as specific, personalised targets for development work.
KS4

At Key Stage 4 students work towards one or two GCSEs - English and English Literature. All students sit GCSE English. Both subjects have a coursework element. For GCSE English this includes an assessment of students’ skills in speaking and listening.

The written coursework (comprises of 4 areas):
• Original Writing
• Media
• Prose
• Shakespeare

The Speaking and Listening element of the course (worth 20% of students’ overall grade) includes the following tasks:
• Individual Extended Contribution
• Group Activity
• Drama focused activity

In addition to this, the department also runs after-school coursework ‘catch-up’ sessions and revision sessions.