English Literature Early Entry Information Evening 1st July 2019 Mrs Kaufmann-Ward Head of English

Why Early Entry? English has 2 GCSE subjects to teach. For the last 4 years we have taught them over 3 years. English Literature has a heavy ‘load’ in terms of knowledge, quotations, context and covers Shakespeare, 15 poems, a play and a 19th Century novel, as well as unseen poetry. It makes sense to focus on Literature for 2 years and text pupils at the end of this and then go on to Language for one year.

Why Early Entry? In Year 11 some pupils will have up to 20 exams. We believe they stand a better chance by prioritising one GCSE early. It is less stressful in the long run and helps prepare them for Year 11. No one is disadvantaged by entering early. If they do not get their target they can resit the Literature papers in Year 11.

How we support Year 10 All pupils have covered the key texts in Year 9 and studied 5 (of the 15) poems too. In Year 10 we focus on exam skills and revision of texts in lessons. There is a programme of after school departmental revision which starts in September. Teachers usually offer class revision after school or at lunchtime too. So they have 8 lessons and chance of up to 6 extra sessions a fortnight. Express Group for targets of 7-9. Easter revision – they are treated like Year 11 so are welcome to revise with their teachers on set days over Easter. They have full mock papers. Early English only parents evening. Intervention during PART lessons.

Early Entry Our students’ perspective

Course Calendars and Revision Timetables Year 10 follow a course calendar. Year 10 are given a revision programme. In the run up to the exams they will receive a programme of revision to follow on a daily basis to help guide them.

Support at home Supporting and testing knowledge Supporting with revision time/space (and enforcing down time) Summer holidays – texts need to be revisited Making sure your child is in school for final exams and mocks Communicating with your child’s English teacher

Quote by Rote Wall

Revision Cards

Over the Summer No ‘official’ bridging work. Texts need to be re-read and revised. Plots, characters, themes and context. Use GCSE Pod, BBC Bitesize, Mr Bruff on YouTube etc. and write revision cards or notes. Revise Quote by Rote so they are not forgotten. Testing will take place in the first 2 lessons of Year 10. This will then lead to the first round of intervention.

Contact Details Please ask any questions you have Have a look at resources and guides at the back Email me directly with any questions or concerns on: Bkaufmann-ward@ng6.unity-ed.uk