English

Learners are given the opportunity to sit two separate GCSEs in English – English Language and English Literature

Language

2 External Exams (2 hours each)

Reading and Writing: Description, Narration and Exposition (40%)
Reading and Writing: Argumentation, Persuasion and Instructional (40%)

2 Speaking and Listening Tasks

Individual Researched Presentation (10%)
Group Discussion based on resources provided by the WJEC (10%)

Literature

2 External Exams (2 hours each)

Prose (Of Mice and Men) and unseen poetry (35%)
Drama (An Inspector Calls) and Contemporary Prose (Heroes) (40%)

2 Controlled Assessment Pieces (completed in class in timed conditions)

Study of a Shakespeare play (12.5%)
Poetry comparison (12.5%)

Enrichment Opportunities

Students are given the opportunity to participate in various ‘Young Writers’ writing competitions to include poetry and short stories. In recent years, students have had their work published in a poetry book.

We have various theatre trips that are offered when the opportunity to purchase tickets presents itself.

Homework

Homework can take a variety of forms including written tasks, revision exercises, online tasks and preparation for coursework or practical examinations. The aim of homework is to supplement the learning that takes place in the classroom and instil independent learning, a crucial lifelong skill. Staff aim to give ample time to complete homework tasks so learners should plan their own time carefully in order to meet deadlines. The frequency of homework can vary depending on the number of lessons offered over a fortnight.

The majority of subject areas make use of Google Classroom to communicate any homework requirements to the learners. I would encourage learners and parents/carers to check Google Classrooms regularly.

Parents/Carers should endeavour to provide a quiet space for their children to complete homework tasks. Where this is not possible, the school does provide such places for learners to access in their lunchtime or afterschool hours. Please encourage learners to discuss this with their tutors or progress leaders in the first instance.

Homework is set regularly by individual staff members in the English faculty and is regular, purposeful and valuable.

Homework will be set using both Google Classroom and with paper-based resources.

Feedback

Regular feedback will be provided by staff using a variety of methods to include live feedback, whole class feedback and specific, individual feedback. Staff will utilise the school marking policy for extended writing tasks.

Assessment

current performance of an individual, assessments also inform learners and staff which areas they need to develop. At Ysgol y Grango, staff continuously assess a learner’s progress through a variety of methods. This could include informal assessment, such as quizzes or observations, or formal assessments, such as written tests or coursework.

Ysgol y Grango use an online system called Go4Schools to track and monitor individual learners. Learners and parents/carers can also access information such as reports and subject progress through their own Go4schools login.

Throughout Key stage 4, learners will sit various external assessments. The timing of these assessments varies depending on the subject. Some of these assessment timings are controlled by the school but many are put in place by the examination board. As such it is important that learners are present for these assessments as missing elements of a course can significantly affect the overall grade for a learner.

Assessment will take place on a regular basis using the exam-board marking criterion as a guide for members of staff. Students will be given feedback on their current level of attainment and guidance on how to progress towards the next level. Coursework for Literature will be completed by Christmas in Year 10 and Language will be finished by October in Year 11.