English Key Stage 4

In Years 10 and 11 pupils follow one of three learning pathways according to their strengths and abilities.

At the end of Year 10 all pupils in Year 10 take WJEC Functional Skills English Certificate and Additional English at an appropriate level. Some Pupils will embark upon a two year GCSE English course.

In Year 11 all pupils will progress to the next level in Functional Skills and some will complete their GCSE course.

At both Key Stages we aim to provide pupils with the English skills they need to succeed in their chosen future.

Functional Skills

Functional skills English is a qualification which developes practical skills in English,ready for the workplace. Pupils are assessed in SPeaking and Listening and undertake two written examinations in May each year, Pupils may be entered at entry Level or Level 1 or 2, according to their ability.

Additional English

This replaces the former Entry level GCSE and is assessed by the teacher and then externally moderated. There is a choice of units that may be studied and ‘credits’ earned. The number of credits earned over two years will determine which award a pupils is given, either ‘Award’ (8 or more credits), ‘Certificate’ (13 or more credits) or ‘Diploma’ (37 or more credits).

This course offers greater flexibility for those pupils who have learning difficulties; evidence of learning may be submitted in oral, diagramatic or video form, as well as the more traditional written work.

GCSE English

Pupils study language and literature, undertaking four pieces of written Controlled Assessment and three Speaking Listening tasks. Two written examinations are taken in June.

Controlled Assessments are timed essays, completed in school.