English at ACE
KS3:
Our KS3 curriculum encourages deep knowledge and understanding of texts studied whilst providing a framework for understanding new texts.

The introduction of more challenging texts and a focus on retaining key information on character, plot and themes and will help prepare students for the new linear GCSE exams. By repeated practise in extended writing and redrafting, students will be able to hone their skills of reading and writing with a focus on improving levels of technical accuracy which will aid their communication in all subjects.

Assessment:
The new assessments at KS3 will consist of 3 formal termly assessments coinciding with our new STEPS programme that tests students through GCSE type questions and tests their skills in reading, writing and SPaG. The assessment system has been designed alongside our schemes of learning to ensure regular assessment of reading, writing and spoken language across a range of different genres and contexts. The assessment will be used to identify students ability and ensure they are secure in their understanding of key concepts before they move on and to target intervention swiftly and effectively where it is needed. We will assess students’ progress in reading, writing and spoken language through classwork, homework and spelling tests.

KS4: EDUQAS GCSE English Language and EDUQAS GCSE English Literature
At ACE we offer students the opportunity to complete a GCSE in English Language and for some students a chance to complete a GCSE in English Literature. The GCSE is now graded from 9-1 and students are helped with their studies by us providing extra revision days and attending after school clubs.

Language: The students’ will build on skills learnt at KS3 to enhance them with the knowledge and techniques taught at KS4. Students will cover all areas of the exam paper which includes creative writing, reading, comparing two texts and writing for a purpose. The exam consists of two papers.

Assessment:
Paper 1: Section A – Reading = 20%. You are advised to spend 1 hour on this section.
Read one and a half pages of a story from the 20th Century. You will be asked 5 questions.
Section B – Writing = 20%. You are advised to spend 45 minutes on this section.

Paper 2: Section A – Reading = 30%. You are advised to spend 1 hour on this section.
You will be given 2 pieces of non-fiction texts to read; you will then be asked to answer 6 questions; this is considered by most pupils to be the easier of the two sections.
Section B – Writing = 30%. You are advised to spend 1 hour on this section.

Literature: The students’ will be able to study an array of Literature texts from different periods as well as studying poems from the anthology. The exam consists of two papers:
 
Paper 1- (40%) You are given 2 hours to complete the paper.
Section A- Shakespeare (20%) Romeo and Juliet or Macbeth
Section B- Poetry (20%) Analyse a poem from the Anthology and compare two poems
 
Paper 2- (60%) You are given 2 hours 30 minutes to complete the paper.
Section A (20%) Post 1914 Prose/Drama- ‘Blood Brothers’/ ‘An Inspector Calls’
Section B (20%) 19th Century Prose- ‘A Christmas Carol’
Section C (20%) Unseen Poetry
 
Functional Skills: Level 1 and 2
The new assessments at KS4 will require students to be confident writing extended responses to a range of texts, both whole texts studied in class and unseen texts.

Regular extended writing produced in class books will be used to assess progress and identify how students might improve. Homework will be set regularly and will be integral in assessing students’ ability to work and apply the skills they have learnt independently. The teacher will use this assessment to inform their planning, support individuals and adapt lessons accordingly to their class.
Useful Websites

www.gcsebitesize.co.uk