English

The English department at Babington House plays a key role within the school. We aim to stimulate intellectual, emotional, social and academic growth. In addition, lessons expose pupils to different and often conflicting viewpoints, develop pupils' speaking and listening skills and help foster a life-long love for reading and learning.

In Years 7 - 9 we begin to prepare students for the skills they will need at GCSE level. This covers three strands:

• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking and Listening

We use Assessment for Learning extensively and pupils are part of their own learning with individual, peer and teacher assessments completed regularly. All our pupils are entered for both English Language and English Literature GCSEs, following the AQA specifications for examination.

The requirements of the new GCSE mean that students no longer complete Controlled Assessments for GCSE English Literature and Language, and all exams are taken at the end of Year 11.

In Years 10 and 11 we prepare students for the following examinations:

English Literature:

Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th Century Novel
Paper 2: Modern texts and Poetry

English Language:

Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing
Paper 2: Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives
Spoken Language Non-Examination Assessment - separate endorsement (0% weighting of GCSE)

In addition, we widely encourage reading and have a book-borrowing scheme within the department. Our debating club is run by pupils in Year 11 and gives the girls the opportunity to work with other year groups and express their views in a safe and rewarding environment.

The department seeks to encourage and extend an enjoyment, appreciation and understanding of both English Language and English Literature and create an atmosphere where students wish to learn.