Curriculum Leader: Ms Kat Fox

Reading is at the heart of students’ experience of English at Fulford School. As a department, we strive to foster our students’ appreciation of literature and to develop their personal tastes in reading. The curriculum we offer is broad and enriching, designed to develop an appreciation for and enjoyment of the power of language.

The English Department is ambitious, high achieving and creative, staffed by experienced teachers. It is our aim to promote learning in a lively and engaging way that combines fun with academic rigor. We are well resourced, with twelve classrooms all equipped with interactive whiteboards and we work closely with the Resource Centre to offer students access to up-to-date reading texts.

To further develop students’ passion for English, the department offers a range of extra-curricular activities and students are encouraged to take part in competitions, both local and national. We also work closely with the Universities of York and York St John to provide enrichment opportunities.

The book to read is not the one that thinks for you, but the one which makes you think – Harper Lee

At Key Stage 4, students are entered for two GCSE; English Language and English Literature.

We follow the AQA Specification (links below). Final assessment of these GCSEs will take place at the end of Year 11, in the form of four separate examinations. In preparation for these examinations, students study a range of texts, including modern novels and plays such as ‘An Inspector Calls’ and ‘A Christmas Carol’, Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and a range of poetry from the Power and Conflict cluster of the AQA Anthology. Students are also expected to develop their speaking and listening abilities, including a formal assessment of their presentation skills.

Over the course of the two years, students will be assessed regularly and their progress tracked. Formal mock examinations take place at the end of Year 10 and in the autumn term of Year 11. In the spring term of Year 11, students are provided with an extensive revision programme in preparation for their final exams, which take place at the end of Year 11.

• AQA GCSE English Language specification from June 2017
• AQA GCSE English Literature specification from June 2017

We also offer the ‘Step Up to English’ Entry Level qualification to support students where necessary.

The popularity of the English department can be seen with large numbers of Sixth Form students opting to study English Language and English Literature. Through varied and creative teaching methods, within a supportive academic environment, students are encouraged to become independent, evaluative learners, studying English to the highest levels.

Academic study is complemented by a number of exciting extra-curricular opportunities, which aim to broaden and develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the subject in different contexts. Opportunities have included theatre visits, English Language lectures, and we regularly welcome visiting speakers to provide enrichment for our students.

The following A Levels are offered:

English Literature

English Literature (AQA Specification B)  https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/as-and-a-level/english-language-7701-7702

In Year 12, students will study Aspects of Tragedy for Paper 1:

• Othello by William Shakespeare
• Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller
• Poetry by John Keats

In Year 13, students study Social and Political Protest writing for Paper 2:

• Songs of Innocence and Experience by William Blake
• Harvest by Jim Crace
• A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen

English Language

English Language (AQA Specification B) https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/as-and-a-level/english-literature-b-7716-7717

In Year 12, students will be introduced to linguistic frameworks and topical linguistic issues.

• Meanings and Representations: Explore how texts create particular readings.
• Language Change and Diversity: Explore how age, gender, ethnicity, and power impact the language we use.
• Directed Writing: Explore how to use language creatively in your own writing.

In Year 13, students will deepen their knowledge, understanding, and analytical skills.

• Child Language Acquisition: Explore how babies and children learn to speak and write.
• Language Change: Explore the fascinating history of English language and how it is constantly evolving.
• Global Englishes: Exploring the varieties of English around the world.

Media Studies

Media Studies (WJEC/Eduqas) https://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/media-studies-as-a-level/#tab_overview

In Year 12, students will develop an understanding of theory, forms of media, and industry.

• Marketing and Advertising
• Newspapers
• Television in the Global Age
• Music Videos
• Video Games

In Year 13, students will develop breadth and depth in their study of media forms, audience, and representation.

• Magazines: Mainstream and Alternative Media
• Media in the Online Age.

Man reading should be a man intensely alive. The book should be as a ball of light in one’s hand – Ezra Pound.