English & Media
English and Media is a successful and innovative curriculum area within the school. The English and Media curriculum area presently comprises of specialist staff. It is a strong team who work well together.
The English and Media Department works collaboratively with the Learning Support Department/Resource Base, to ensure the English curriculum is accessible to all students. At Key Stage 3, students in Year 7 are taught in mixed ability groups and put into sets after the first term. Sets are assessed regularly and reviewed in order to aid student learning. The Department have incorporated Framework objectives and related teaching/learning strategies across Key Stage 3. We are constantly reviewing and developing the Key Stage 3 curriculum. At Key Stage 4, which begins in Year 9, the Edexcel syllabus is taught. Students in this Key Stage are taught in set groups and all are expected to sit the language examination, many students also study GCSE English Literature.
Media Studies is offered as an option at Key Stage 4 as either a GCSE or a BTec (Level 2) and at Post 16 as a BTec (level 3).
Post-16 work consists of GCSE re-takes, 'A' level Language and Literature, which follows the AQA syllabus, specification A.
Film Studies 'A' Level is also taught and follows the WJEC syllabus..
All members of the English team are actively involved in a range of whole school priorities, particularly whole school Literacy Strategy at Key Stage 3.
A Vision for English Education at Coppice Performing Arts School
English Education at Coppice Performing Arts School is a subject area that strives to develop the literacy and communication skills of students, enhancing awareness of the English literary heritage whilst broadening knowledge of a growing multicultural society through study of a wide variety of texts. This vision is achieved through the delivery of the Key Stage 3 Framework, as well as examination courses such as Edexcel English and English Literature at Key Stage 4, and AQA English Language and Literature at Key Stage 5. These courses offer opportunity for achievement at many levels.
The vision is also achieved through:
- regular monitoring, planning and assessment of students' work;
- use of citizenship strategies;
- opportunity for ICT;
- application of assessment for learning;
- sharing of good practice;
- incorporation of differentiation ensuring that the needs of each and every student are met at each key stage.
The aim of the English Department is to ensure that each student becomes a shrewd and fluent independent reader, a confident writer and an effective speaker and listener.
The Key Stage 3 National Strategy is part of the government's commitment to raise standards in schools. Effective literacy is the key to raising standards across all subjects, and equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need for life beyond school.
The Framework for Teaching English is based closely on the Programmes of Study for English in the revised National Curriculum of 2008. Framework objectives for Years 7, 8, and 9 provide a framework for progression and full coverage of the English Order.
The notion of literacy embedded in the objectives is much more than simply the acquisition of 'basic skills' which is sometimes implied by the word: it encompasses the ability to recognise, understand and manipulate the conventions of language, and develop students' ability to use language imaginatively and flexibly. The Framework also encompasses speaking and listening to support English teachers in planning to meet the full demands of the National Curriculum, and to tie in the development of oral skills with parallel demands in written text.
Click here for more information on the exams taken at Coppice.