Fivemiletown College
English
English Department
Our English department consists of a dedicated team of experienced teachers with a proud track record in preparing pupils of all abilities for a range of examinations including GCSE English Language and Literature.
In English we seek to advance pupils’ appreciation for literature and encourage pupils to become avid readers of both fiction and non-fiction. We encourage critical literacy skills and seek to promote creativity through the development of writing skills for differing purposes. Educational opportunities in lessons are vast with group work, active learning strategies, public speaking competitions and multi-media.
The English Department prepare work to ensure that each pupil reaches their full potential, using three tracking tests in the academic year, to monitor, evaluate and review the progress of pupils in KS3-KS5.
English classes are set into ability levels in each year group. This allows for the provision of smaller teaching groups for those pupils who require additional support. In addition, setting based on ability allows the department to stretch and challenge high achievers at any time throughout the academic year and to ensure that all pupils are working at a pace suitable to their needs.
Examination results in the department are of an excellent standard, consistently performing above the Northern Ireland average for similar schools.
Key Stage 4
GCSE English Language (compulsory for all pupils in Year 11 and 12).
Unit 1
Writing for Purpose and Audience and Reading to Access Non-Fiction and Media Texts
External written examination Untiered 1 hour 45 mins Students respond to five tasks
30%
Unit 2
Speaking and Listening
Controlled assessment Untiered Teachers assess the tasks, and CCEA moderate the outcomes.
20%
Unit 3
Studying Spoken and Written Language
Controlled assessment Untiered Teachers assess the tasks, and CCEA moderate the outcomes.
20%
Unit 4
Personal or Creative Writing and Reading Literary and Non-Fiction Texts
External written examination Untiered 1 hour 45 mins Students respond to four tasks
30%
GCSE English Literature
Unit 1
The Study of Prose
External written examination
1 hour 45 mins Students answer two questions, one from Section A and the set question in Section B. Section A is closed book.
30%
Unit 2
The Study of Drama and Poetry
External written examination 2 hours Students answer two questions, one from Section A and one from Section B. Both Section A and B are open book.
50%
Unit 3
The Study of Shakespeare
Controlled assessment 2 hours Students complete an extended writing task based on a theme. Marked by teachers and moderated by CCEA .
20%
OCN NI Level 2 Essential Skills: Communication
(completed by those following Black Pathway in Year 11 and 12).
Unit 1
Speaking and Listening
Controlled assessment Internally set, internally marked and internally verified by the department. Externally moderated by OCN NI.
50%
Unit 2
Reading and Writing
External Written examination
50%
GCE English Literature
AS 1
The Study of Poetry 1900–Present and Drama 1900–Present
External written examination
2 hours
Students answer two questions, one from Section A and one from Section B. Section A is open book. Section B is closed book.
60% of AS 24% of A level
AS 2
The Study of Prose Pre 1900
External written examination
1 hour
Students answer one question. Closed book
40% of AS 16% of A level
A2 1
Shakespearean Genres
External written examination
1 hour 30 minutes
Students answer one question. Closed book
20% of A level
A2 2
The Study of Poetry Pre 1900 and Unseen Poetry
External written examination
2 hours
Students answer two questions, one from Section A and the question set in Section B. Closed book
20% of A level
A2 3
Internal Assessment
Internal assessment Students complete a 2500-word essay.
20% of A level