KEY STAGE 4 PUPIL AND PARENT GUIDE

All pupils are provided with a Key Stage Guide. It is intended for their use, and for parents so they can support their child's efforts. Please ensure your child has theirs and uses it to revise regularly and to help them with their own learning assignments.

An extract from the first page is provided below: (This is for those pupils taking their exam in 2004)

THIS GUIDE: provides an outline of Key Stage 4 requirements. It should be used as a guide for all written assignments and as a source of weekly revision. Pupils should know all definitions.

THE COURSES: Pupils follow the AQA syllabus for both English and English Literature. All are expected to take both English and English Literature at GCSE - two separate qualifications. Pupils will enter for English and Literature in the Higher or the Foundation Tier. The tier does not appear on the certificate. Either awards a C pass.

ASSIGNMENTS: Completed coursework assignments are kept by the teacher. In lessons and regularly for own learning pupils will undertake a variety of assignments (each a minimum of 500 words) to meet coursework requirements and prepare for examinations at the end of year 11.

ENGLISH COURSEWORK: Coursework is 40% of the final grade which includes oral work undertaken throughout the two years. There are very strict requirements; all assignments need to be completed. Some assignments will be written in school under examination conditions.

ENGLISH EXAMINATIONS: At the end of year 11 pupils sit two examinations. Each tests reading, understanding, accuracy and quality of students' writing. The two examinations last a total of three hours and fifteen minutes. An Anthology of pre-release material for the exam is studied in class from Year 10 and is kept locked in school, although photocopies are allowed home for study.

ENGLISH LITERATURE COURSEWORK: Assignments on poetry, prose and drama provide 30% of the final grade. Additionally, one Shakespeare text must be studied and other pre-Twentieth Century texts. Some assignments will be written under examination conditions.

ENGLISH LITERATURE EXAMINATIONS: The Literature examination lasts one and three quarter hours. Students answer questions on poetry, prose and drama and the Anthology of pre-release material. Pupils are advised to purchase their own copies of their examination text as this is taken into the exam.

Pupils must re-read and revise texts thoroughly before the final examinations. ASSESSMENT: Pupils are continuously assessed through reading, writing and oral work in lessons. Spelling and punctuation must be accurate and presentation of a high standard.

EQUIPMENT: A4 sized folder: for work-in-progress and any additional information. Dictionary: should always be used and brought to lessons. Reading Book: which is both appropriate, challenging and enjoyable. School Planner: where they note homework and any problem spellings which they learn. English Exercise Book: for draft work and notes.