English
English
Why study English?
Studying English and English Literature at the David Young Community Academy offers dynamic and life-enhancing opportunities. Moral and spiritual values underpin the learning purpose and style, and we will support all learners to become secure and confident in their speaking, listening, thinking, reading and writing skills.
We will promote deep learning by:
- Leading our students to have bright, enquiring minds and independent learning skills
- Teaching our students to speak with confidence and flair
- Guiding students to know, understand and demonstrate the power of good listening
- Reading and studying texts of significant moral power from different periods of English Literature and from different cultures and traditions
- Imparting knowledge on how to write with a strong level of accuracy and flair
- Working in a manner that encourages collaboration, support and respect for one another and heightened awareness of the power of imagination and creativity for all manner of situations in life
Studying English can result in a wide range of exciting careers:
- Journalist
- Teacher
- Author
- Actor
- Librarian
- Script writer
- Website writer
- Editor
- Blog writer
- Personal assistant
- Civil servant
Course overview
During the Fresher and Prep years students will have the opportunity to not only develop their analytical skills but also concentrate on their creative writing ability. The English curriculum provides the ideal transition into GCSE English by studying texts from the literary heritage, for example Shakespeare and A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, with a focus on discussing the writer's craft. In addition to this, students will gain skills from a broad spectrum of topics, including drama, media and creative writing.
GCSE English
Using the WJEC syllabus, students will be given the opportunity to explore a wide range of topics including: responses to the study of Shakespeare, poetry from different cultures and traditions, pre-1914 poetry, pre-1914 prose and Spoken Language.
Students will also build their confidence of public speaking in a variety of speaking and listening tasks, including extended, individual contributions, group discussion and drama-focused activities.
The study of GCSE English allows students to develop the major skills of written communication, purposeful understanding and analysis required to succeed in the terminal examinations, and life generally.
GCSE English comprises of four units; Studying Written Language – a one hour exam worth 20% of the course, Using Written Language – a one hour exam worth 20%, Literary Reading and Creative Writing – assessed by Controlled Assessment and worth 30% and finally a Spoken Language module – a Controlled Assessment worth 30% of the course.
Further study
AS and A Level English
This dynamic course inspires candidates to develop their interest in enjoyment in literary studies through reading widely, independently and critically. Students will gain a deep insight into the traditions of English Literature and become confident and reflective readers of a range of texts, learning to express their responses effectively through speech and writing.
In moving on from Advanced Subsidiary to Advanced Level, student will break down and deepen their knowledge, enabling them to gain a wider sense of the scope of literary study. The course will lead students to explore comparisons and connections between texts and to deepen their appreciation of the significance of cultural and historical influences upon readers and writers.
It is highly valuable for students interested in taking up a career in which analysis, deep thinking, reflection and moral and social awareness are key. All universities regard it as a prestigious subject.
Website links
BBC GCSE bitesize English literature
BBC GCSE bitesize English language
