About.
Year 9 in the English Department at AUEA is an important and exciting year. Students lay the foundations for successful and confident study at GCSE, and have the opportunity to explore a wide range of texts, authors and themes.
Students study English Language for two hours per week, focusing on developing key skills such as analysis, evaluation and imaginative writing. Over the year students will cover topics such as myths, legends and allusions to increase their cultural capital, moving on to imaginative writing masterclasses in preparation of GCSE English lessons and then finishing with an anthology of texts that look at the development of English Language through the ages.
Students study English Literature for an additional two hours per week. Over the course of the year they will study two full texts, a class reader and an modern novel, and develop their knowledge and understanding of Shakespeare through exploring a wide range of his plays and sonnets. As well as allowing them to explore a variety of texts and writing styles, Literature at AUEA aims to introduce students to texts that represent the quality and rigour students will encounter once they begin their GCSE curriculum in Year 10.
Complementary Subjects.
Working towards the full GCSE programmes in English Language and English Literature
Career Pathways.
GCSE English Language, along with Maths, is probably the most important single qualification that students need to obtain due to it being a condition of entry for so many jobs, apprenticeships and further educational courses.
However it is so much more than just a mandatory pass. GCSE Language will be used within all aspects of a child’s life and the ability to read and write are some of the basic skills we all must master. To express yourself accurately in speech and written word is not only vital, but a rewarding life skill. English Literature allows students to show off their creativity and inspires their imaginative capabilities. It aids students with developing essential skills and builds on their empathy, understanding and helps to make sense of the ever changing world we live in.
Assessment.
Both English Language and Literature are assessed each term. This is done in a variety of ways; from extended analysis writing tasks modelled alongside the GCSE specification, to knowledge audits that allow students to showcase their understanding of the novels read. Through the use of data tracking we are able to effectively monitor progress and formulate a core understanding of English as a base level for their forthcoming GCSE content.