The English Faculty is housed in a suite of rooms in the Lower Hall. Nine full time specialist English teachers staff the faculty. The SEN Co-ordinator also supports the faculty.
Aims
The English Faculty aims to combine experience, expertise, creativity and enthusiasm to provide a team which strives for the highest standards across the whole age and ability range in both spoken and written English.
What will I study?
New resources are constantly being developed to match the requirements of the National Curriculum. At Key Stage Three Level, the pupils are offered an increasingly diverse range of literature as well as the essential elements of literacy. As well as studying novels, they experience Shakespeare plays in a more Dramatic environment. As a Performing Arts college, we are able to offer a greater depth into the performance of Shakespeare. Pupils are also exposed to different poetry, not only from the 20th and 21st centuries but also from earlier centuries and from other cultures. At each level, pupils explore the various elements of the Media, including:
Newspapers: National, regional and local
Advertising: In all its various forms
Television: Analysis of audience and purpose
Radio: National, local and commercial
How will I study?
The English staff at The Swinton High School encourages active learning by discussion, debates and, above all, participation. An increasing feature of our work is the use of computers, video, Internet and CD ROM. In the Media studies course, pupils are expected to analyse and comment on a range of media types and develop an understanding of how conventions are formed and used in a variety of media texts. This emphasises the need for an analytical mind as well as good writing skills.
How will I be monitored and assessed?
Pupils are carefully monitored throughout their school career and are given regular assessment pieces to ensure that they are on target. In Year 9, the schemes of work are tailored to the SATS, which take place in May of each year. At various times of the year, books are carefully monitored by staff to ensure that all pupils are working to their full potential.
What will happen in KS4?
In Key Stage 4, the pupils build on the foundations they have laid at Key Stage 3. All pupils follow structured programmes of study leading to GCSE certification in English and English Literature. We also have a Media Studies option at Key Stage 4. The Media Studies course is designed to enable pupils to develop a critical understanding of the role of mass media in today’s society.