English

English is an essential subject for every student because it allows for effective communication both in everyday life and in other school subjects. Confidence and skill in written and spoken English are necessary if students are to meet the demands of and respond to the opportunities offered at school and in their continuing education.

English teaching throughout the school helps students to use language, written or spoken, confidently, fluently and accurately and introduces them to the range and richness of English writing in all its forms.

We encourage sensitive listening, fluent speech, discerning reading, precise writing and independent study.

We support the entitlement to effective literacy and confidence with ICT.

KS3
Students who have not yet reached National Curriculum Level 4 are set individual tasks by their teacher. These are designed to enable the student to achieve as much as possible.

Level 4+ students take end of key stage tests. The English test comprises 3 papers:
Reading: short and longer responses to three short texts
Writing: short and longer tasks requiring a continuous piece of fiction/non-fiction
Shakespeare: task testing knowledge of studied play and short writing task linked to the play

KS4
Every student leaves St Vincent's with full or part accreditation in English.

GCSE AQA
Examination
Paper 1: 30%   Paper 2: 30%
Coursework
Speaking & Listening assessment 20%
4 responses to Reading & Writing 20%

ENTRY LEVEL WJEC
Examination/Controlled task 20%
Coursework
Speaking & Listening assessment 30%
4 responses to Reading & Writing 50%

AQA UNIT AWARDS
This provides the opportunity to give pupils formal recognition of their success in short programmes of work. Successful completion of a unit is recognised through the issue to the student of a certificate detailing the outcomes achieved. Accreditation can be carried over to college with the student.

Post 16
Key Skills are essential skills needed to succeed in education, training/work and life in general. The course provides students with the opportunity to extend their learning and improve their chances of employment.

Key Skills Communication improves the student’s ability to interact in discussion , evaluate a range of materials and convey ideas and information either using the spoken word or presentation tools.

  • Key Skills EDEXCEL
  • Portfolio
  • Examination