Literacy and English

Literacy and English

English is a dynamic and exciting department which has recently implemented all new Schemes of work designed to engage all pupils in their learning. In phase 3, pupils will be engaged in learning loosely based on the themes provided by Integrated Curriculum. This theme based learning still covers the key skills of Reading, Writing and Speaking and listening. Pupils will be exploring the conventions of a range of texts including novels, poetry, non-fiction and, of course, Shakespeare. They will also be involved in creating their own creative and transactional written work. We have tried to make learning more linked to the real world, looking issues concerning topics such as social networking sites.

The new schemes of Learning also provide pupils with the opportunity to become involved in podcasting and creating their own videos. Pupils will be invited to attend trips that help them to develop and apply their skills in real world situations.

The current year 11 pupils have already achieved great things: 38% of the year group has already attained A*-C in their GCSE English. That is miles ahead of any previous years. They are proof that English has made massive improvement at BLC and can compete with any school. Those who haven't reached that grade yet are working hard this year on the new WJEC GCSE English course. Both pupils and staff are determined that we will beat last year's astounding results.

Year 10 and Year 9 are also following WJEC courses. They are studying units that apply to either GCSE English or GCSE English Language. These include modules on: Shakespeare & poetry; creative writing, stories & description; studying how spoken language differs to written language; novels such as Of Mice & Men and reading and writing in the ‘real world'. These courses provide a whole wealth of skills that will prepare them for whatever they decide to do with their lives.
Pupils who have reached A*-C have started the new WJEC English Literature course. This course is very challenging as a lot is dependent on exams, but we aren't afraid of that. Pupils at BLC are as good as any pupils so we say, "Bring it on!"

As amazing as it seems, some of our pupils in year 11 have already passed English and English Literature. They are starting WJEC AS English Literature/Language a year early. We have high hopes for this bunch of bright sparks and are confident that, although they are young, they have the goods needed to succeed on this higher level course.