Welcome to the English site. Here you’ll find information and resources relating to the work of the English Department at Ysgol Maesydderwen.
In Year 7 pupils will develop skills begun in KS2 in the areas of Oracy, Reading and Writing, undertaking a wide range of activities. Oracy Assessment will be on an individual talk and a group role-play. Reading tasks will test understanding of autobiography and persuasive leaflets, and pupils will produce informative and imaginative Writing pieces.
In Year 8 pupils will build on the skills developed in Year 7, expanding their range of Reading, Writing and Oracy. Oracy will focus on an individual talk and a paired role-play. Reading will be assessed on pre-1914 fiction and a comparison of poems, and pupils will produce Writing to persuade and review.
In Year 9 pupils will continue to expand their range of skills in Reading, Writing and Oracy, leading to an end of Key Stage 3 assessment. Oracy will be assessed by a group presentation and individual review, and Reading of fiction and non-fiction by tasks requiring sustained answers supported by evidence. Writing will focus on an Imaginative piece inspired by Shakespeare study and an argument and opinion letter.
GCSE English
GCSE English requires pupils to study a wide range of texts and to learn to communicate effectively in both written and spoken English. GCSE English involves 40% coursework and 60% examination. The coursework element is made up of Speaking and Listening activities and Reading and Writing assignments. The examination consists of two papers: one based on fiction texts and the other on non-fiction texts. Career prospects are varied and most employers and Higher Education institutes require a qualification in English.
GCSE English Literature
GCSE English Literature is studied by the majority of mainstream pupils to the end of Year 11 and is designed to develop pupils’ interest in literature and to encourage them to become enthusiastic, responsive and knowledgeable readers. The course involves 30% coursework and 70% examination.
Entry Level English
This course enables pupils at Levels 1-3 to continue to develop their abilities in English – in speaking and listening, reading and writing – in a manner appropriate to their ability, interest and age.
Coursework provides opportunities for the development of skills in all three Attainment Targets to be integrated. The importance of talk must be emphasised: it is, itself, a skill which the course aims to promote; talk is an instrument for assessing achievement in Writing and, in particular, in Reading.