Audenshaw School's English department is wholly committed to providing our pupils with an interesting and inclusive curriculum that is clearly differentiated across all three key stages. We deliver the core skills necessary in order for all of our pupils to use the English language effectively through the mediums of speech, reading and writing. Furthermore, pupils are actively encouraged to expand their knowledge through understanding the talk and writing of others. The imagination of our pupils are stimulated and stretched through their own response to language and their own creative work.
We aim to enable students to become confident and proficient users of English through a variety of engaging teaching and learning styles. Pupils are encouraged to become intelligent and discriminating readers through the promotion of a wide range of literary and non-literary texts tailored relevantly to age and ability. We also aim to engage and inspire our pupils through an active enjoyment of literature and language in all its forms and we aim to nurture and develop a confidence when approaching literature independently.
The English department is a forward thinking and dynamic unit; our large team consists of a blend of youth and experience and all of our teachers work together, alongside our pupils and parents, to maintain our exceptionally high standards: in 2010, the department secured our most successful set of examination results across all age groups and abilities. All members of the department are passionate and enthusiastic English specialists, who are dedicated to raising standards of achievement for all of the pupils who study English at Audenshaw.
Key Stage Three
During years 7, 8 and 9, pupils are taught the skills that are necessary to cope with the demands of their Key Stage Four examination years. We focus heavily on grammar, punctuation and spelling in year 7: these three core writing skills are delivered through a variety of activities and texts. We aim to study a variety of poetry, prose and non-fiction texts across the three years, including Shakespeare. Pupils are also taught the core skills to become effective oral communicators and sympathetic listeners. Over the course of the three years, they will take part in a number of different Speaking and Listening activities such as individual presentations, group debates and wider class discussions.
Key Stage Four
During years 10 and 11, most pupils will study for two GCSEs: English and English Literature. These two separate qualifications develop your skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing and will learn how to express themselves creatively and imaginatively. In order to learn such skills, pupils will study stories, poetry, non-fiction, drama and various media texts. We actively encourage our pupils to become enthusiastic and critical reader and to be able to appreciate and interpret the choices made by other writers and readers.
However, in order to give all of our pupils every chance of achieving a qualification in English, some pupils will study for one GSCE in English rather than the traditional two. Pupils will still gain the necessary skills through this single award without studying the amount of content necessary for two GCSEs.
After GCSE, the English Department offers two A Levels. Both courses are very different to GCSE but build on the skills you have learned so far.
Key Stage Five
'A' Level English Language and Literature
This course involves the study of prose, poetry, speech and drama, with a great deal of emphasis placed upon analysing the specific language features of writing. There is also an element of creative writing, based on ideas suggested by the texts read. This is assessed entirely by examination in the first year and by examination and coursework in the second year.
'A' Level English Literature
In this course, students study and respond to drama, poetry and prose of different genres and different eras. The course is designed to enhance their appreciation of a range of texts. The course is assessed through coursework and examination.