Key Stage 3
KS3 English at The Blyth Academy aims to take students on a journey through literature introducing them to Shakespeare, poetry, and a range of texts from pre-20th century literature such as "Sherlock Homes", to modern and up to date literary fiction such as "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas". Throughout the three years, students will be consolidating their skills of analysis of text and the writing skills required to be successful at GCSE.
Key Stage 4
GCSE English Language
The new English Language specification prepares you to investigate and analyse literary devices and structures in contemporary and historical fictional and non-fictional texts. You will be also be required to use literary devices to write original creative and transactional texts. The course has a two unit
Unit 1: Analysis and comparison of unseen contemporary and historical texts; creative writing.
Unit 2: Analysis and comparison of unseen contemporary and historical texts; transactional writing.
GCSE English Literature
The English Literature specification allows candidates to experience a wide range of texts drawn from historical and contemporary British literature. Texts will cover a range of genre including historical novel; Shakespearean drama, poetry and modern drama/prose. Comparison of texts will be a key element of this course.
The course has a two unit structure:
Unit One: Shakespeare and the modern play.
Unit Two: 19th Century novel and poetry analysis
Key Stage 5
A-Level English Language
Students will study specialist linguistic methods such as grammar pragmatics, semantics, phonology and discourse. We will explore how language is used in a variety of ways, depending on gender, levels of power, occupation and within Social groups and technologies. Successful students will learn how language can influence the way we perceive different groups of people and social contexts. Students will have the opportunity to create a piece of writing which demonstrates their engagement with an area of language study.
The examinations will measure to what extent students have achieved the following assessment objectives:
AO1: Apply appropriate methods of language analysis, using associated terminology and coherent written
AO2: Demonstrate critical understanding of concepts and issues relevant to language use.
AO3: Analyse and evaluate how contextual factors and language features are associated with the
construction of meaning.
AO4: Explore connections across texts, informed by linguistic concepts and methods.
AO5: Demonstrate expertise and creativity in the use of English to communicate in different ways.
A Level English Literature.
At AS Level, the course comprises the study of the literary genre of tragedy. Students will sit 2 exams of 1 hour and 30 minutes. One exam will be closed book and one will be open book. Both exams are worth 50% of the course. Texts studied include: Othello, Death of a Salesman, The Great Gatsby and the poetry of Keats.
At A Level, the genre of tragedy is continued whilst also introducing the option of political and social protest writing. Students have the opportunity to build on the skills and texts gathered at AS as well as studying new texts such as The Kite Runner, A Doll's House and the The Songs of Innocence and Experience by William Blake. Students will sit 2 exams, one lasting 2 hours and 30 minutes and the other 3 hours. Each exam is worth 40 % of overall qualification. In addition, students will complete two pieces of independent coursework (one poetry and one prose). This is worth 20% of the overall mark.
A01 Articulate informed personal and creative responses to literary texts, using associated concepts and terminology, and coherent, accurate written expression.
A02 Analyse ways in which meanings are shaped in literary texts.
A03 Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which literary texts are written and received.
A04 Explore connections across literary texts.
A05 Explore literary texts informed by different interpretations.