Key Stage 4

This course prepares students for two GCSEs and follows the requirements of the National Curriculum for Key Stage 4. It includes:

• A study of a range of 20th Century and pre-20th Century literature: poetry, plays, novels, short stories, media and non-fiction, from diverse cultures.
• The development of an understanding of the range of language uses.
• The development of speaking and listening skills.
• The development of effective and accurate writing skills.
• The importance of Standard English and other varieties of spoken and written English.

Assessment: Language

External Examination (40%)

• reading non-fiction and media texts
• writing to argue/persuade/advise / inform/explain/describe

Speaking and listening coursework (20%)

• an extended individual presentation
• a group discussion
• a final drama based piece

Controlled Assessment (35%)

• Responding to spoken and written texts
• Creative Writing

Assessment: Literature

External Examination (75%)

• “Of Mice and Men”
• Exploring poetry

Controlled Assessment (25%)

• a study of a Shakespeare play
• a study of a pre-1914 prose text