Engaging Year 10 Parents Tuesday 22 nd September 2015 Bury Church of England High School English Mrs L. Brannon-Barnett

English should be an enabling subject for all pupils regardless of their motivation or ability. 100% linear AQA exam board The largest or most well-established exam board for English in the country and as such is well placed to offer us, as teachers, support, guidance and training for the new specifications. AQA also offer support and guidance to our pupils, your children: a digital anthology of texts; works with BBC Bitesize to provide revision materials and texts; and is the target board for most print based revision guides on the market. English and the AQA

GCSE English Language Paper One: The Creative PaperPaper Two: The Transactional Paper 1 hour 45 minutes. 2 sections – reading and writing. Reading – 50% (40 marks)  One C20 th literary fiction text  four questions. Writing – 50% (40 marks)  1 extended writing question (choice of 2, often a picture stimulus)  Descriptive or narrative writing  16 marks for technical accuracy. 24 marks for content. 1 hour 45 minutes. 2 sections – reading and writing. Reading – 50% (40 marks)  Two texts - C21 st non-fiction text and a C19th non-fiction text.  four questions. Writing – 50% (40 marks)  1 extended writing question  Non-fiction writing task  16 marks for technical accuracy. 24 marks for content.

GCSE English Literature Paper One: Shakespeare and the C19th novel Paper Two: Modern texts and poetry 1 hour 45 minutes 40% (64 marks) Section A Macbeth 2 part question Closed book Section B Great Expectations 2 part question Closed book 2 hours 15 minutes 60% (96 marks) Section A An Inspector Calls 1 question (no extract) Closed book Section B Power and Conflict poetry anthology 1 comparative question 1 named poem Closed book Section C Unseen poetry 2 questions

How will English be taught? Co-operative learning strategies are embedded across the dept and feature in every scheme of work. All pupils receive the same diet however learning objectives, tasks and outcomes are differentiated according to ability allowing us to stretch the most able and support other learners. Doubled-up approach to topics to allow variety for the pupils given increase in curriculum time for the subject. It also allows a more flexible and circular curriculum. Not enough time to read the entire book out loud to a class – there will be an expectation that pupils are coming to the classroom with some prior knowledge of texts. Regular exposure to practice exam tasks to give them confidence navigating the papers. Regular homeworks include reading ahead, gathering research, writing exam answers, analysing extracts and revision.

How can I support my child at home? Encourage them to read their texts ahead of learning and for revision purposes Encourage them to read a variety of non-fiction texts Encourage them to keep on top of homework If pupils are absent they need to catch up what they have missed Open door policy for help Library is always open – Miss Poff is a subject specialist Little and often approach to prepare for linear exams Post-its around the house – memorise key quotes Watch film versions of the key texts (as well as reading the books, not in place of reading them!)