Mr T Hayden - Co-ordinator KS5
Mr. A Hampson:
Second in English, Responsibility KS3, Data KS3, Head of Media studies, Whole School Literacy Co-ordinator
Ms. J Forshaw:
YEAR 7/8 Assessment Data, YEAR 7/8 Resources, English KS4, English KS3
Ms. M Catteral:
English KS4, English KS3, S.E.N.
Ms. K Henry:
English KS3, Psychology
Ms. P Holding:
Staff Development Link, SEN Link, Environment, English KS4, English KS3
Mr. J Moan:
ICT Link, English KS 3/4/5, Media KS5
Mrs. J Rahman:
Course Tutor English Language KS5, English KS3, English KS4
Miss. N Stafford:
Additionality Across Key Stages, English KS5, English KS4, English KS3
Mr. J Williams: English KS3/4/5, Media Studies KS5, Mentor for GTP Students
Ms. M Pluck GTA:
Clerical Support
The English Faculty at HCCS is staffed by a team of eleven specialists, teaching in a suite of dedicated rooms. We are a successful department, with some of the best results in the school. Ofsted identified the ‘quality of teaching and learning’ and ‘relationships in the classroom’ as key strengths of the department.
In Year 7 pupils are taught in their form classes but in all subsequent years a top set is established in each half year group and other groups are mixed ability. In Years 7, 8, 10 and 11 pupils have three sixty minute lessons of English per week. Year 7 and 8 have one lesson per week dedicated to Reading in order to encourage independent Reading. Years 9 have four one hour lessons to allow for extra SAT preparation time.
We have worked together to plan and implement the requirements of the English Framework, with a clear focus on the Objectives and the Assessment Foci (A.F.s). The Department use the Pupil Assessment Tracker (PAT) and Assessing Pupil Progress (APP) to monitor and assess pupil progress and target our teaching. We often share good practice at department meetings and through a process of self evaluation.
The use of data is key to monitoring pupil progress across all years.
Years 10 and 11 we follow the WJEC English and English Literature Specification. We separate out an express all girls group and all boys group in Year 10 and 11. All Year 10 pupils are entered for GCSE English at the end of Year 10. In Year 11, all pupils are entered for GCSE English Literature. The Department will re-enter pupils for GCSE English where they have failed to meet their target grade in Year 10. We offer GCSE Media Studies as an option in KS4.
In Year 12 and 13 we offer both English Language, English Literature and Media Studies at AS and A2 (AQA). These are three of the most popular subjects in KS5. There is the possibility of A level teaching in English/Media Studies for a suitable candidate. We also offer GCSE English in Year 12.
The English Department offers a wide range of extra curricular activities. We have drama groups in school and also take pupils to visit the theatre. Media Studies students undertake visits to the cinema. We work closely with the School Librarian to encourage Reading and the use of the Library. We have a very healthy ‘all boys’ Reading Group in Year 8. Pupils also take part in a very successful local community radio project. We encourage our pupils to participate in a variety of competitions. As a Specialist ‘Arts College’ we are also able to call upon the expertise of our own colleagues from Performing Arts for support. For example, the drama department has worked on scenes of SATs with Year 9. Every year a number of Year 13 students go on to study English and English Literature at University.
This is a very supportive Department. Members of the Department are actively encouraged to develop their own interests and CPD. A number of the Department are examiners for AQA and WJEC. It is a Department that sees collaboration as a key to its future success.
As well as offering our student’s a wealth of knowledge and experience within the curriculum, the English Department is proud to boast a strong array of extra-curricular activities running throughout the year and activities that are available to all. Extra-curricular activities are easy to become involved in and there is usually something to suit everybody.
KS3 BOOSTER CLASSES
ANNUAL TRIPS TO THE GLOBE THEATRE
‘POETRY LIVE’ TRIPS AT GCSE
MEDIA CLUBS
CREATIVE WRITING CLASSES
DRAMA WORKSHOPS
…and many more.