The department, which includes the Media Department, is committed to raising achievement, helping all of our students achieve their full potential and making the most of the talents of our multicultural intake. At KS3 and KS4 a programme of common units of work has been drawn up and is regularly reviewed. This allows flexibility and there is plenty of scope for individual teachers to be imaginative and innovative. We encourage the use of a wide variety of Teaching and Learning styles. There is a close relationship with the Learning Support and EAL departments and where possible in-class support is made available to students with special needs.
We have worked together to adapt our Year 7 curriculum according to the National Literacy Strategy and in the process have created a range of exciting units. The department has been highlighted within the borough for our success in this area and we have been designated as a 'Leading' department.
There is a suite of specialist English rooms on the Lower School site. There are designated English teaching rooms on the Upper School site.
Key Stage 3 - Years 7, 8 and 9
How many lessons do pupils have per week? 3 lessons in Years 7, 8 and 9.
How are pupils grouped? In year 7, pupils are taught in mixed-ability form groups. In years 8 and 9, two groups of more able students are set and the remainder of the year are taught in mixed-ability groups.
What do pupils learn? In Key Stage 3, pupils follow a variety of courses designed to develop the key skills in subject - Reading, Writing and Speaking and Listening. The topics taught vary according to individual teachers, though all follow departmental schemes of work. There is a rich curriculum based on a variety of texts from different cultures and time periods as well as non-fiction and media. Student progress is assessed at the end of each unit through assessments designed to prepare them for the Key Stage 3 SATs papers.
Key Stage 4 - Years 10 and 11
English is compulsory for all pupils at KS4, who have three single lessons per week. At GCSE we aim to enter all Year 11 students for English and English Literature, any exceptions follow the OCR option. At present we follow the AQA Syllabi.
English
What will I learn?
During the two year course you will learn how to:
- Analyse poetry and non-fiction texts
- Participate in class and group discussions
- Structure an analytical essay
- Write about poetry from the set anthology
What is the structure of the course?
Written Examinations
Paper One - 1 hour 45 minutes: Comprehension and analysis of two non-fiction media texts. Writing to argue/persuade/advise.
Paper Two - 1 hour 30 minutes: Poems from other cultures from the set anthology. Writing to inform/explain/describe. You are allowed a copy of the anthology in the examination room but annotated copies are no longer allowed.
During Year 10 we aim to complete the majority of coursework so that in Year 11 teachers are able to focus more specifically on preparation for the examination.
How will I be assessed?
- During the two year course you will complete four pieces of coursework. You will be given the opportunity to redraft this work and your teacher will give you specific advice about this.
- You will be given a GCSE grade for each piece of coursework.
This coursework counts for 20% of the final mark. The pieces are:
- Original Writing
- Media Study
- Shakespeare
- Pre 1914 prose study
You will also be assessed by your teacher over the two years on the following topics:
- A drama based activity
- Group interaction
- Individual extended contribution
The speaking and listening is worth 20% of the final English mark.
What skills and interests do I need to have?
To make progress at GCSE, good reading skills are important. A reading list is available to help you choose a suitable book.
What courses or employment could I progress to at the end of my course?
Successful completion in this subject at Level 2 (GCSE C or above) will allow you to have a range of options in 2010. If you wish to progress to a Level 3 (AS/A2, BTEC) in this subject, you are required to have a minimum of a C grade at Level 2 (GCSE).
GCSE English may be required by a number of training programs, by employers or as an entry requirement for other subjects at advanced level.
English Literature
What will I learn?
During the two year course you will:
- Learn how to analyse poetry from a set anthology
- Study and complete an essay on a 20th Century play
- Study and read a set text
- Study and complete an essay on Shakespeare
- Study and complete an essay on a pre - 20th Century text.
What is the structure of the course?
During Year 10 we aim to complete the majority of coursework so that in Year 11 teachers focus more specifically on preparation for examination.
Written Examination - 1Ύ hours
Section A: 45 minutes for the set text
Section B: 1 hour on the poetry studied in the anthology. You are allowed a copy of the anthology in the examination room but annotated copies are no longer allowed.
How will I be assessed?
Coursework
- During the two year course you will complete three pieces of coursework. You will be given the opportunity to redraft this work and your teacher will give you specific advice about this.
- You will be given a GCSE grade for each piece of coursework.
This coursework counts for 30% of the final mark and some are crossed over from English. The pieces are:
- Post 1914 drama
- Shakespeare
- Pre 20th Century prose
What skills and interests do I need to have?
To make progress at GCSE, good reading skills are important. A reading list is available to help you choose a suitable book.
What courses or employment could I progress to at the end of my course?
Successful completion in this subject at Level 2 (GCSE C or above) will allow you to have a range of options in 2010. If you wish to progress to a Level 3 (AS/A2, BTEC) in this subject, you are required to have a minimum of a C grade at Level 2 (GCSE).
GCSE English Literature may be required in a number of training programs, by employers or as an entry requirement for other subjects at advanced level.
Key Stage 5 - Years 12 and 13
In 2008 - 09, pupils wanting to study English will be able to opt for the popular AS and A2 English Literature or English Literature and Language. The Media Department is offering Level 3 BTEC in Media Production and Level 2 BTEC First Diploma in Media.
AS and A2 English Literature
What will I learn?
This course will broaden your knowledge and understanding of both modern and traditional literature, and aims to encourage you to read as widely as possible. It contains many elements you will be familiar with from GCSE. You will study texts closely and gain an understanding of how cultural and historical influences affect both readers and writers. You will learn how to analyse novels, plays and poetry and write essays about them. However, there is also a lot of emphasis placed on discussion work in this course and you are encouraged to engage fully in airing your opinions about the set texts in class. Additionally, there is the potential for a creative writing element.
Who is the course for?
Reading for pleasure is important and you must be interested in studying texts closely and analysing language. If you enjoy close analysis of texts as well as writing creatively, then this is for you.
What is the structure of the course?
At AS Level you study a variety of prose, poetry and plays, including some pre-twentieth century texts. These will be based around a central theme of either Victorian Literature, World War One Literature or Identity in Modern Literature. You will also be expected to keep a record of your independent reading and give at least one presentation on a book you recommend to the rest of the group. At A2 Level you will read around the theme of Love Through the Ages as well as studying a Shakespeare play of your choice.
How will I be assessed?
One piece of coursework which has an essay element and a creative element. 30%
One examination which will require an essay style answer based on central themes. 20%
One piece of coursework consisting of an extended essay and Shakespeare study. 30%
One examination on the theme of Love Through the Ages. 20%
What do I need to know or do before being able to take the course?
You should talk to members of the English Department, as well as students in the sixth form, who might be prepared to visit your class and give a talk. Teachers to talk to: Miss Worley or Miss Kyriakides.
What courses or employment could I progress to at the end of my course?
As with all Level 3 subjects, successful completion of this course will enable progression onto both further and higher education, a Modern Apprenticeship or employment in a range of industries. A qualification in English is highly valued in many industries, especially where analytical written and communication skills play an important role. Don't just think of journalism or law, either English qualification will open door ways to future career development.
AS and A2 English Language and Literature
What will I learn?
The course introduces you to the world of linguistics! The emphasis of the course is on understanding the way that language works to create meaning and therefore you will be introduced to close study of grammar, vocabulary and sentence structure.
Who is the course for?
- If you enjoy close analysis of texts as well as writing creatively, then this is for you, (It is a demanding course which focuses on the linguistic elements of texts and will consequently expose you to much new terminology).
- You should be interested in participating in discussions about poetry, prose and drama. In addition you should be interested in analysing conversation and exploring how 'talk' works in real life and in literature.
What is the structure of the course?
At AS Level you will study an anthology of poetry, prose and non-fiction. The coursework element involves the study of thematically paired texts and allows pupils to develop creative writing skills.
At A2 Level you will study a drama text as well as transcripts of real life talk. This element of the course requires critical and creative skills. The coursework focuses on your creative abilities as you are required to transform an existing text and reflect on the writing process in a commentary.
How will I be assessed?
AS:
The coursework is in two parts. Part one is essay based and part two involves creative writing. 20%
One examination at the end of Year 12 based on the anthology, focusing on theme and style. 30%
A2
One piece of coursework 20%
One examination on 'Talk in Life and Literature'. 30%
What do I need to know or do before being able to take the course?
You should talk to members of the English Department as well as students in the sixth form who might be prepared to visit your class and give a talk. Teachers to talk to: Miss Worley or Mr Walters.
What courses or employment could I progress to at the end of my course?
As with all Level 3 subjects, successful completion of this course will enable progression onto both further and higher education, a Modern Apprenticeship or employment in a range of industries. A qualification in English is highly valued in many industries, especially where analytical written and communication skills playan important role. Don't just think of journalism or law, either English qualification will open doors to future career development.
Level 3 BTEC National Certificate in Media Production
What will I learn?
This is a Level 3 course designed to give you a broad understanding of Media, whilst allowing plenty of scope to focus on selected areas of the industry, specifically, Moving Image Production and Print Production. You will gain an understanding of the way in which media organisations are managed and how media products are marketed. You will be encouraged to develop a critical awareness of the media in society and will actively explore ethical, moral, social and cultural dimensions. You will acquire a variety of practical production skills depending on your area(s) of interest, using photographic, audio, computer and video equipment.
The BTEC National Certificate is equivalent to two A levels
Who is the course for?
- Students who want to gain an understanding of key pathways in the media industry
- Students who have an interest in media and/or a specific media area
- Students who have an interest in creativity
- Students who enjoy independent research, communication and presenting ideas through a variety of methods
- Students who enjoy coursework
- Students who enjoy teamwork
- Students who want a recognised qualification towards entry to employment or higher education
What is the structure of the course?
The BTEC National Certificate in Media is a two-year course divided into twelve units. Usually six units are taken in Year 12 and the remaining six in Year 13. You must follow the course for the full two years to obtain accreditation. You will take four core units and one mandatory unit as well as 7 optional units.
Core Units
- Research Techniques for Media
- Pre-Production Techniques for the Media Industries
- Production Management Project
- Working to a Brief in the Media Industries
Mandatory Unit
- Understanding the Media Industries
We will also offer you seven optional units to complete the course from the following list:
- Understanding the Television and Film Industries
- Producing Print-Based Media
- Writing for Television and Video
- Television and Video Studies
- Film Studies
- Music Video Production
- Presentation Techniques for Broadcasting
- Advertisement Production for Television
- News Production for Radio
- Print Layout and Design
- Marketing and Public Relations
- Photography and Photographic Practice
- Scriptwriting for Radio Radio Drama
- Corporate and Promotion Programming
- Understanding the Print-Based Media Industries
How will I be assessed?
The twelve units are internally assessed through assignment and project work and internally and externally verified.
The final award will be a BTEC National Certificate in Media Production.
What do I need to know or do before being able to take the course?
The course is designed and delivered using a variety of learning methods and teaching styles. It is not necessary to have studied any particular subject at Level 2 although there are links with Art, Music, Graphics and Drama.
What courses or employment could I progress to at the end of my course?
The BTEC National Certificate in Media has been designed to form a qualification that provides a broad knowledge of this vocational area, whilst allowing scope to specialise. It is an ideal qualification for students who want a background in media which will allow them to progress to further or higher education, training or employment.
Progression could typically include following a degree or HND (Higher National Diploma) in the following areas:
- Film Studies
- Marketing
- Interactive Media Production
- Journalism
- Scriptwriting for Film and Television
- Computer Visualisation and Animation
- Film and Animation Production
- Photography
- Film Studies and Marketing
- Theatre Studies
- Photo Media (Photography/Film/TV)
- Multimedia journalism
- Television Production
- Media Production
-
and many more
The Media Industry is very diverse. It is a fast growing area of employment but is also very competitive. Opportunities for training and employment could typically include the following strands of the industry:
- Newspapers
- Radio and Television studios
- Public Relations
- Marketing and Promotion
- Graphic Design
- Photographic Studios
- Advertising sales
- Sound and Lighting engineering
- Sound and Lighting applications (across all media)
-
.and many more
Level 2 BTEC 1 st Diploma in Media
What will I learn?
The course is designed to enable you to gain an understanding of the key components of the media industry and how they operate and interact to meet the needs of today's clients. You will acquire a broad background of understanding and core knowledge but at the same time will be able to focus on a particular interest area e.g. Photography Techniques. Much of your learning will be developed in a practical and realistic way as several units of work are linked to visits to organisations. There is emphasis on the education and training for media related personnel who are employed in a variety of types of work such as film and video, photography, print production and audio production. The skills of communication, ICT, numeracy, presentation, analysis, interpretation, application, problem solving, decision-making and evaluation are all developed through the course.
Who is the course for?
- Students who want to gain an understanding of key pathways in the media industry.
- Students who have a genuine and active interest in media.
- Students who enjoy independent research, communication and presenting ideas through a variety of methods.
- Students who enjoy coursework.
- Students who enjoy practical media based activities.
- Students who enjoy teamwork.
- Students who want to progress to Advanced courses in the sixth form.
What is the structure of the course?
The BTEC First Diploma in Media is a one-year course divided into seven units, three core and four specialist.
You must follow the course for the full year to achieve accreditation.
The unit titles are:
Core compulsory: Specialist units - choose four:
- Introduction to Media Studies
- Video Production
- Research for Media Production
- Advertising Production
- Introduction to Media Audience & Products
- Writing for the Media
- Photography Techniques
- Animation Techniques
How will I be assessed?
Each unit contains statements of evidence that each learner should produce in order to receive a Pass, Merit or Distinction grade.
What do I need to know or do before being able to take the course?
The course is designed and delivered using a variety of learning methods and teaching styles. There is a heavy emphasis on coursework. Students must be committed and prepared to work independently. It is not necessary to have studied any particular subject at Level 2 although there are links with Art and English Language.
What courses or employment could I progress to at the end of my course?
The BTEC First Diploma in Media has been designed to form a qualification that provides a broad knowledge of this vocational area. It is an ideal course to allow progression to the BTEC National Certificate in Media.
The course also provides a choice of specialised studies and skills directly relevant to employment in the media industry.
The Media Industry provides a very diverse range of employment opportunities, and the well developed personal skills [e.g. teamwork, problem solving, initiative] combined with work related knowledge, means that students are suitable for recruitment, albeit at a junior level initially, in a range of fields.
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