We are fortunate to have an experienced team of English specialists here at De La Salle. Our aim is to inspire a lifelong love and understanding of both Language and Literature. All of our students take both English Language and English Literature at GCSE.
Key Stage 3
Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 follow the Accelerated Reader program which uses technology to track progress in reading and encourages them to read more regularly and with greater ambition. Students receive prizes for the most words read and the most progress made!
We also use the Lexia system to support pupils with literacy-based learning needs.
In Years 7-9 students are taught in half-termly and termly modules on a range of topics including Shakespeare, the modern novel, poetry, gothic fiction, writing to convey a perspective, pre-20th century prose, pre-20th century fiction, modern drama, media, film and the short story.
Students gain experience of key GCSE skills from the beginning of Year 7, and progress is formally assessed every half-term. In Year 9, students begin study of GCSE-level texts. Pupils are assessed throughout KS3 using GCSE criteria.
What can I do to help my child be more successful?
Ensure that your child is reading every day, in addition to that which they do at school during DEAR-time (Drop Everything and Read) and DEAL-time (Drop Everything and Listen). This can be a mixture of fiction and non-fiction and will help to develop their skills not just in English, but across the full range of subjects studied at De La Salle. You can also work with your child on research homework and check through their work for basic errors. Playing word games such as crosswords and word-searches with your child can also be a mutually beneficial activity. Lastly, ask your child what they are currently reading or studying in English. A classic is a classic, so it is likely you have studied the same book!
Key Stage 4
Every student will work towards a GCSE (9-1) qualification in both Language and Literature. We follow the AQA syllabus for both. GCSE assessment consists of two written exams for Language and two for Literature. There is a separate Spoken Language Endorsement that must also be completed and for which a Pass, Merit or Distinction is awarded.
In English Language, students develop skills in analysis and the evaluation of fiction and non-fiction texts. They also work on their written communication in preparation for the composition of one of five identified transactional forms (review, speech, information text, formal letter and article) and a descriptive narrative.
In English Literature, we study a range of challenging texts including Romeo and Juliet, An Inspector Calls, A Christmas Carol and a range of modern and traditional poetry. Pupils will closely analyse language, compare texts and make links between great works of literature and the time and place in which they were written.
What can I do to help my child be successful?
Continue the good habits formed during Key Stage 3!
Read the texts that they are studying. Ask them questions and test them on their knowledge of content, character and quotations from the texts. Share newspaper and magazine articles to keep them interested and engaged in the world around them. They are going to encounter challenging ideas and must have a perspective. Furthermore, talk to them about why a piece of writing is successful; encourage them to evaluate the things that they see, hear and read. They must be able to recognise the bias in what is being presented to them in order to become successful readers and writers.