English

Mrs K Burr

kat.burr10@fearnhill.herts.sch.uk

The English Department wants to promote a curiosity about learning and an active interest in language, literature, media studies and drama, demonstrating to students how to develop their writing, reading and speaking and listening skills. Our belief is that all students can love reading, and we aim to encourage this through introducing them to a wide range of texts, both in class and independently at home with our Accelerated Reader scheme. Students and parents/carers also have access to the books being studied in class through the VLe reader. Each student has a log-in for this e-reader and the books studied in class can now also be enjoyed at home too.

YEAR 7

In Year 7 Students study a variety of fiction and non-fiction texts from a range of genres. Students are taught in mixed-ability groups, and work focuses on improving writing, reading and speaking and listening skills.

YEAR 8

In Year 8 students are taught in mixed-ability groups. Students are introduced to more complex texts from a range of time periods including Dickens’ ‘Great Expectations’.

YEAR 9

In the year prior to GCSE study we focus on developing the maturity and accuracy of students’ reading, writing, and speaking and listening skills. Students study a range of challenging texts from different time periods and cultures, such as ‘Of Mice and Men’ and ‘Macbeth’.

YEAR 10 & 11

Years 10 & 11 students are entered for both AQA GCSE English Language and English Literature. During this time, students develop the necessary skills to enable them to be successful in the world of work. They refine their reading, writing and speaking and listening skills. In addition to this, students also develop and refine their appreciation of a wide range of literary texts such as Dickens’s ‘A Christmas Carol’, Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and Priestley’s ‘An Inspector Calls’.

YEAR 12 & 13

In Years 12 and 13, students study AQAa A Level English Literature. During this time, students read a wealth of English Literature including works by Shakespeare, F Scott Fitzgerald, Margaret Atwood and many more. They also develop their appreciation of literary techniques and the ability to write critical analysis of unseen texts. An important part of the course involves the non-exam assessment where students have the freedom to choose the books they study and the themes they would like to explore.

ASSESSMENT

More details can be found below.

EXAM BOARD LINKS

CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES

The English Department organises a variety of extra-curricular and enrichment activities including: Reading Club, Creative Writing Club and participation in debating competitions. We also have a Year 8 online magazine – Fearnhill Book Club.

At Fearnhill Year 10 Opinion Articles you will find a collection of opinion articles produced by our Year 10 students on a wide range of topics – from religion to music; from social media to snowflakes; from feminism to narcissism. Some of these are controversial; some are designed to get you thinking; some are intended to make you laugh. Whatever your reaction, we hope you enjoy!

FEARNHILL FLYERS IN ENGLISH

For our most able students challenge is provided through lessons where they are offered a variety of teaching and learning options. We offer a specialised Fearnhill Flyers programme where students can access the English ‘Super Curriculum’. More information can be found on the ‘Fearnhill Flyers’ page on the school website.

Teachers work hard to make the lessons exciting. They are always challenging but in an enjoyable way. The staff really go the extra mile to make sure you have understood.

FEARNHILL STUDENT