English

Mrs K.Kelly
Mrs K.Thompson
Mrs L.Toner
Mrs P.McAleer
Mrs M.Campbell
Miss M.Morgan
Mr D.Kelly
Miss M.Campbell
Mr F.Quinn
Miss R.Corr
Miss C.Gates
Miss K.Church

Welcome to the English Department at St. Patrick’s College. We aim to use our collaborative expertise and skills to ensure that all pupils reach their pupil potential, developing their analytical, reading, writing and oracy skills.

As one of the core subjects on the curriculum, we strive to:

• Focus on Literacy development via effective teaching and learning
• Meet additional learning needs
• Use ICT effectively and creatively
• Improve standards in Literacy, Numeracy and ICT
• Create a show and share culture
• Maintain and or stimulate lasting pupil curiosity, interest and enjoyment in English and to create an atmosphere where pupils wish to learn, so that they come to enjoy English, because they are active participants in it, and where staff enjoy teaching, so they give their very best. This will enable each pupil to achieve their potential.
• Develop the habit of reading and encourage pupils to value reading as a pleasure and as an important skill for life.
• Enable pupils to become familiar with a body of knowledge, principles and vocabulary in standard English.
• Expose pupils to a wide range of material (both literary and media). We aim to enable pupils to see English as: a major cultural feature; part of a wider body of knowledge and skills.
• Enable pupils to work independently and as part of a team in varied activities, so as English contributes to the development of core skills such as ICT, reading, writing and speaking.
• Employ teaching methods and resources that allow all pupils to have equal access to English and to experience success and enjoyment in their work.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum

At KS3 pupils will have the chance to study the three components of English: reading, writing and speaking and listening. 

Each year group at KS3 has a specific novel study that is used to develop all of these skills whilst fostering a love of reading for pleasure. We also develop links to industry so our students understand the transferable skills they are gaining, ensuring our curriculum is relevant, engaging and challenging for all abilities.

GCSE English Language and English Literature: Awarding body: CCEA

In the English department ALL students are taught GCSE English Language and English Literature at GCSE. This ensures our students experience a broad and varied curriculum and all barriers are removed, allowing every student to achieve their best

A Level English Literature: Awarding body CCEA

This specification is made up of two parts: AS and A2. Students may take the AS as a final qualification without progressing to A2. However, to gain the full GCE, students must complete the AS and the A2 units. The AS units make up 40% of the full A level qualification, and the A2 units make up 60%.

The AS and A2 units are as follows:

• Unit AS 1: The Study of Poetry 1900–Present and Drama 1900–Present
• Unit AS 2: The Study of Prose Pre 1900
• Unit A2 1: Shakespearean Genres
• Unit A2 2: The Study of Poetry Pre 1900 and Unseen Poetry
• Unit A2 3: Internal Assessment

Extra Curricular Opportunities in English:

Magistrates Mock Trial
Literacy Lunch
Paired Reading
Countdown Club
Concern Debate Club
GCSE English Language and Literature support
A Level Coursework Clinic