Staff
Mrs C Gwynne B.A.(Hons)., P.G.C.E - Head of Department
Mrs G.Quigley B.Sc.(Hons). Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator.
Mrs CL Patton B.A.(Hons)., P.G.C.E
Mrs C Johnston B.A(Hons)., P.G.C.E, M.Ed
Aims
The English Programmes of Study are delivered by a dedicated team of experienced subject specialists with a proven track record in preparing pupils of all abilities for a range of public examinations including GCSE English Language and Literature.
In English, we seek to foster an appreciation of a varied range of literature; to encourage pupils to become independent readers; to develop a range of writing skills for different purposes and to promote creativity. Pupils are offered a variety of educational opportunities both within and beyond the classroom including drama workshops, theatre visits, media simulations, competition work, public speaking and debating.
English classes are set. This arrangement allows for the provision of smaller teaching groups for those pupils who require additional support. In addition, setting allows us to promote high achievers at any time throughout the academic year and to ensure that all pupils are working at a pace suitable to their needs.
All in the English Department work tirelessly to ensure that each pupil reaches their full potential. Exam results at both Key Stage 3 and Key stage 4 are excellent and well in excess of the Northern Ireland average for schools of this type.
Our most recent inspection report praised the work of the department commenting on the good quality of teaching. Lessons were described as imaginative and pupils were engaged in stimulating and challenging activities.
Exams
A range of examinations is offered in Years 11 and 12.
| Course | Content | Assessment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Controlled Assessment Coursework | Exam | ||
| GCSE English Language | Studied in conjunction with English Literature (2 GCSEs) Allows pupils to demonstrate their ability to use English in real life contexts using a skills based approach. | 60% | 40% |
| GCSE English Literature | Studied in conjunction with English Language. (2 GCSEs) Requires candidates to explore texts from a personal perspective and offers an experience of:
|
25% | 75% |
| Entry Level Certificate in Communication | Reading, Writing and Talking and Listening through the study of Prose, Poetry, Drama and Media texts | 80% | 20% |
| Key Skills Communication Levels 1 and 2 | Develops Communication Skills enabling increasing independence and clarity. Promotes talking and listening and develops understanding and knowledge of reading. | 50% | 50% |
| Pre-Vocational Certificate in Oral Communication | This qualification provides a broad-based context for the practice and assessment of oral communication, focussing on the development and demonstration of transferable skills in preparation for vocational training and employment. |
100% | |
| A Level English Literature | AS1: the Study of Drama AS2: the Study of Poetry written after 1800 and the Study of Prose – 1800 – 1945 |
40% AS 20% A Level |
60% AS 30% A level |
| A21: the Study of Poetry – 1300 – 1800 and DramaA22: the Study of Prose – theme bases. | 50% A2 25% A Level 50% A2 25% A Level |
||
Skills developed through the study of English
- Effective Communication
- Team Work
- Time Management
- Reading Skills
- Writing Skills
- Understanding and Evaluation
Careers linked with English
- The study of English is essential for all careers
Author and Sports Journalist visits year 9 pupils for a writing workshop
Year 8 pupils from OHS and Sacred Heart College take part in a Shared Education Project centred around William Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’.
