English
Aims of the department
We aim to develop critical thinking skills in our students and to build their confidence in speaking, reading and writing skills, both creatively and critically.
How do you bring this subject to life at BGS?
We hope that our passion and enthusiasm for the subject make our lessons fun and exciting. We encourage lively discussion and incisive debate to develop enquiring minds.
What facilities do you have?
A purpose built drama studio, interactive white boards, specialist media equipment.
Do staff have specialist areas of interest?
B.Wedgwood - Theatre, in particular, innovative and physical theatre, contemporary dance, public speaking
A.Stevenson - Modern American Literature, African Literature, the Poetics of Tragedy, Creative Writing
R.Culpan - Colonial and Post Colonial Poetry, Gender Studies
S.Hajjawi - Classic and Gothic Literature, Media -from gothic to Contemporary, New Digital Technology
C.Shepherd - Sixteenth, Seventeenth, Eighteenth Century Literature, Critical Theory
What is the coolest thing about the department?
Comments from students:
“The teachers are energetic.”
“The teachers are dynamic and charismatic and they challenge our learning.”
“Drama and the Showcase.”
What do pupils enjoy most about learning in this department?
Being able to express their opinions in an open forum and engage in lively and critical debate.
Having the opportunity to take part in drama activities to explore texts and issues.
What teaching styles do you use in the department?
- Group work
- Drama activities
- Speaking and Listening presentations
Staff email addresses
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Curriculum
Years 7, 8 and 9 follow a core programme of study as follows:
|
Unit |
Year 7 |
Year 8 |
Year 9 |
|
Fiction |
Characterisation
|
Genre |
Pre-1914 prose and poetry ‘Bridging the Gap’ A pre GCSE assignment |
|
Non-Fiction |
Writing to inform, explain |
Writing to persuade |
Writing to argue
|
|
Poetry |
Literary techniques
|
Form and structure |
Tone and Writer’s intention Comparative analysis |
|
Media |
Newspapers
|
Radio, Magazines |
Television, film |
|
Special Unit |
The Short Story
|
Introduction to Shakespeare |
The Shakespeare text |
Additional Programmes of Study
|
Unit |
Year 7 |
Year 8 |
Year 9 |
|
Library
|
Book review Fact poster Websites |
Book review Local poet Multi-Cultural writer |
Popular texts Text to film |
|
Drama
|
Basic skills Role play |
Short Plays Improvisations |
Introduction to the theatre |
|
Knowledge About Language
|
Origins and development of language |
How language works |
Language of persuasion |
Year 10
GCSE English AQA Specification A
GCSE English Literature AQA Specification A
Most of the coursework is done in year 10. Deadlines are set by the class teacher.
GCSE Drama AQA . Several practical assessments take place in the course of the year.
Year 11
GCSE English AQA Specification A
GCSE English Literature AQA Specification A
In the first term, there may still be some course work to catch up on, but by the end of January, the folder should be complete.
GCSE Drama AQA . The practical unit is usually done in April. This is yet to be finalised with the moderator.
Year 12
English Literature AQA Specification B
Coursework deadline ..
English Language AQA Specification B
Coursework deadline ..
Theatre Studies AQA
The practical unit is usually done in April. This is yet to be finalised with the moderator.
Media Studies AQA
Coursework deadline ..
Year 13
English Literature AQA Specification B
Coursework deadline ..
English Language AQA Specification B
Coursework deadline ..
Theatre Studies AQA
The practical unit is usually done in April. This is yet to be finalised with the moderator.
Media Studies AQA
Coursework deadline ..
Extra Curricular Clubs, support etc
REBELS - a book club run by Miss Culpan
After school support sessions to help with course work
Revision sessions after school
The Annual Showcase