English
We offer a range of pathways through KS4. All students follow WJEC GCSE although entry can be timed for June in Year 10, November in Year 11 or June in Year 11 depending on the progress made by the individual student.
For Year 11, in 2010/11 coursework will account for 40% of the final mark in GCSE English. This is assessed through two responses to reading, two responses to writing and to three speaking and listening assessments.
For students starting Key Stage 4 in September 2010 or after, the course will change. Instead of completing coursework assignments, students will follow a non-coursework syllabus and instead of coursework will complete a range of assessments under controlled conditions.
There is a comprehensive intervention programme at Key Stage 4 to assist students to reach their targets. Some sessions are during the school day while others, including additional exam preparation, coursework support and One2One tutoring, are held in Session 3.
Once successful at English GCSE, students can follow a second GCSE in either English Literature or Media.
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GCSE English Literature
English Literature is studied by selected students at Key Stage 4.
English Literature assesses the student's ability to:
- respond to texts critically, sensitively and in detail, selecting appropriate ways to convey their response, using textual evidence as appropriate.
- explore how language, structure and forms contribute to the meanings of texts, considering different approaches to texts and alternative interpretations.
- explore relationships and comparisons between texts, selecting and evaluating relevant material.
- explore relationships and comparisons between texts, selecting and evaluating relevant material; relate texts to their social, cultural and historical contexts and literary traditions.
There are two tiers of entry: Higher Tier (Grades A* - D) and Foundation Tier (Grades C - G). The course is assessed in two ways: Examination (2 ½ hours) - 70% of total marks and Coursework - 30% of total marks.
Media
GCSE Media was a new subject offered to students at The Hereford Academy in 2010. It is targeted at students who have already gained reached their target in English.
This largely practical course allows students to explore various types of media including film, TV, radio and print media, such as magazines.
Students study existing productions of a type of Media before producing their own productions using the conventions studied. Students create film trailers, radio broadcasts, magazines and many other exciting projects. Each project finishes with a controlled assessment.
The ICT and analytical skills practised in this course have become widely recognised as being useful for further career choices, whilst students have responded positively to the up to date and interactive nature of the subject.
Support for Parents
Parents are welcome to contact class teachers if they have any concerns or to contact either the Head of Curriculum Area (David Carter) or the Second in English (Vicki Willson) should they wish.
Online support for student study can be found at:
Support for your child's reading is vital for the acquisition of reading skills and we hope that parents will encourage their children to read. If your child is reluctant to read books, we suggest trying non-fiction (factual) books and encourage them to read magazines or comics. You may notice that the study of a graphic novel is included in our Year 7 scheme of work and we find that this is an engaging experience for the students.
Functional skills in English
During English lessons, students are equipped with the practical knowledge, skills and understanding needed to operate successfully and independently in life and work.
At The Hereford Academy, we are passionate about teaching functional skills and find that our students thoroughly enjoy tasks that are based in real-life contexts.
During Year 8 and 9, students prepare for their Functional English exams by completing a varied series of flexible programmes of study. For example, students might complete a project based on the housing market involving a mortgage application form and writing a character reference letter from an employer.
What are functional skills?
Functional skills are stand-alone qualifications awarded in English, Maths and ICT. They are a key element of the curriculum at Key Stage 3 and 4. In English, students are assessed using the following standards:
- Speaking, Listening and Communication
- Reading
- Writing
Why do qualifications in functional skills matter?
- Functional skills are now a component of GCSEs in English, Maths and ICT
- A qualification in functional skills is also an essential requirement for Foundation (Level 1) and Higher and Advanced Diplomas (Level 2)
- Functional skills are a part of all apprenticeships and all Foundation Learning programmes
Qualifications in Functional Skills have replaced key skills qualifications in each of the three subjects.