Department Philosophy:

The English Department at North Birmingham Academy is a lively and exciting place to be. Our team of teachers, with a range of skills and enthusiasms, is committed to ensuring that each student fulfils his/her potential and succeeds in SATs and GCSE examinations. We are determined that students leave us with the communication skills to do their best, whether that be at college or in the workplace.

You will find the English Department housed in nine classrooms in the same block, with the Learning Resource Centre on our doorstep and a well-equipped ICT room. We have an impressive range of texts to select from and are always looking for ideas to extend our teaching materials.

Objectives:

The learning experience offered by the department is enjoyable and motivating. We plan carefully to offer progression and continuity and aim to meet the needs of all students. There is a positive and professional atmosphere, with plenty of praise and encouragement alongside realistic and purposeful target setting. Whilst teachers are responsible for rigorously assessing work, we offer students the opportunity to be self-critical and take increasing responsibility for their own learning.

Key Stage 3:

At Key Stage 3 we offer a dynamic and exciting curriculum that teaches a range of reading, writing and speaking and listening skills. Students will experience a variety of prose, poems and plays from different periods in time, as well as non-fiction and media texts. We ensure that students learn to adapt their writing to a range of styles that reflect the Key Stage 3 SATs to make sure that when Year 9 comes our students can do their very best.

Key Stage 4:

Our students take GCSE English and English Literature, producing a coursework folder that includes Original Writing, Poetry, Shakespeare and Pre-1914 Prose. We want our students work to be of the very highest quality and to reflect their independent ideas and interests.

Speaking and Listening coursework consists of a range of individual contributions, paired and group activities that really let our students express themselves and play a variety of roles. In preparation for the GCSE examinations, students cover Post-1914 prose and poems from different cultures and time periods. They also study media and non-fiction texts, in addition to developing a broad spectrum of writing skills.

English at The College High Specialist Arts School does not stop when lessons end! We have strong links with the Learning Resource Centre, making good use of the Reading Room in particular. There are revision sessions to hone up on exam skills, the Readathon during National Book Week and theatre trips to suit all ages and tastes.

Aims:

Our key aim is to offer excellence in the quality of teaching and learning experienced by all students, and it's fun too!