In Year 10 students will study the following:

Autumn Term:

1) 19th Century Novel (GCSE Literature Paper 1 Section B) – Study of 19th century prose text. ‘The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’ or ‘A Christmas Carol’.

(Assessment – Analysis of an extract from the set text – Closed book 50 minutes)

2) ‘Rich and Poor’: Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives (GCSE Language Paper 2) –

READING – Texts from the 19th, 20th and 21st century will be explored, around the theme of ‘Rich and Poor’ to complement the study of the 19th century novel. Writing from specific viewpoints from the 19th – 21st century including editorial, polemic speeches, campaign materials and political treatise is explored.

WRITING – Writing to argue and debate. Constructing texts for designated purposes and audiences and exploring methods and devices to construct effective arguments.

(Assessment – Analysis and comparison of texts – Unseen texts 1 hour)

Spring Term:
1) Shakespeare (GCSE Literature Paper 1 Section A) – Study of a Shakespeare play: Romeo and Juliet or The Merchant of Venice.

Exploration of the whole play will cover: plot development and structure; characterisation and theme; and relevant social and historical contexts. At GCSE, students will be expected to respond to a question on an extract taken from anywhere in the text, analysing the extract alone and in the context of the play as a whole.

The choice of text for each group is emailed to parents prior to study.

(Assessment – Exploration of an extract from the Shakespeare play – Prepared extract 55 minutes)

2) ‘Love and Conflict’: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing (GCSE Language Paper 1) –

READING – Students explore and analyse fiction extracts in preparation for unseen extracts in examination from 20th century writing, though examples from both 19th and 21st century will be considered.

WRITING – Responding creatively to stimuli to inform writing to describe. Revision of techniques and experimentation with different features to engage.

(Assessment – GCSE Language Paper 1 Section A – Analysis and interpretation of texts. Unseen texts – 1 hour)

Summer Term:

1) Revision of topics for mock examinations – Shakespeare, 19th century novel and Paper 2 Language.

LITERATURE – Study of a set collections of poetry for which an anthology is provided by the exam board. Texts are connected by theme and explored in their own contexts and in conjunction with each other. Unseen skills are developed and interpreting skills are the key focus.

(Mock Exam – GCSE Literature Paper 1A and B – Shakespeare extract question – unprepared, 19th century prose extract question – unprepared – Closed book 1 hour 45 minutes)

(Mock Exam – GCSE Language Paper 2A and B – Full paper: Analysis and comparison of two unseen texts, linked by theme, followed by a related set writing task – argue/persuade. 1 hour 45 minutes)

2) Spoken Language – Non-exam assessed.

SPEAKING – Students plan, prepare and deliver individual presentations on a topic of their choice for this compulsory, non-exam assessed unit. Presentations must demonstrate the ability to listen and respond to questions and the use of standard English. Students will draw on their knowledge of conventions of speech-writing and debate.

(Assessment – Individual presentations and subsequent Q&A sessions: Pass, Merit or Distinction)

July:

Poetry (Anthology): Power and Conflict – Remaining poems and unseen poetry.

Remaining GCSE Power and Conflict poems will be studied, exploring connections and comparisons, as well as the ability to interpret unseen poetry in examination conditions.

In Year 11 students will study the following:

Autumn Term:

1) Modern Texts and Shakespeare – Reading and exploring a modern (20th/21st century) set text. Analysis of the effects of writer’s choices and the influence of relevant contextual factors such as historical setting, biographical information and social and political developments.

The choice of text for each group is emailed to parents

2) Revision of Power and Conflict poetry and unseen skills.

(Mock Exam – GCSE Literature Paper 2A, B & C – Modern Text – Discursive essay, Poetry comparison, Unseen and comparison – Closed book 2 hours 15 minutes)

3) Explorations in Creative Reading & Writing

READING – Exploring and analysing fiction extracts in preparation for unseen extracts in the examination. Texts are likely to be taken from 20th century writing, although examples from both 19th and 21st century will be considered.

WRITING – Responding creatively to stimuli to inform writing to describe. Revision of techniques and experimentation with different features to engage.

(Mock Exam – GCSE Language Paper 1A & B – Unseen extract analysis, narrative and descriptive writing – 1 hour 45 minutes)

Spring and Summer Term:

Revision – content determined according to needs of students.

(Assessment – practice exam papers according to student need)

Additional Information

Teaching groups are set according to ability and prior attainment so that work can be carried out at a level most suited to the individual student. Our aim is for the students to enjoy their studies and to work at an appropriate pace. All students will follow the same curriculum. Student progress will be monitored over the course of the GCSE to ensure that they are appropriately challenged.