English

The more that you read, the more you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.

Dr Seuss

The English faculty at Brynmawr Foundation School is a very successful faculty dedicated to engaging learners through the teaching of innovative and enjoyable lessons from the moment they join the school. Through the delivery of lessons enriched with key skills and enjoyable experiences our aim is to encourage our young learners to grow into successful young people confident with their use of the English language.

As a core subject, English seeks to develop and enhance the skills of reading, writing and speaking to enable the individual to function in the 21st century.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7 – 8)

In Key Stage 3 all pupils are organised into one of three bands which all follow a common scheme of work and allows teachers to adapt materials to suit the abilities of the individual.  During the first three years of studying English at Brynmawr Foundation School, a multitude of rich and diverse topics are covered to engage all learners:

• The opportunity to study a fantastic range of books to improve  reading skills  and  offering the opportunity to explore and inspect the novel in great depth through a range of exciting classroom activities, which will develop writing and speaking skills.
• Improving upon current language skills through letter writing, the practice of persuasive techniques and engaging with the world around us through the media.
• Concentrating on imaginative writing through the topic of horror, formal letter writing, preparation for GCSE by exploring key Shakespeare texts and developing oracy skills through a range a different speaking and listening tasks.

The book to read is not the one that thinks for you but the one which makes you think.

Harper Lee

GCSE Key Stage 4 (Years 9, 10 and 11)

It is at GCSE level that the world of English really comes alive.

Both Language and Literature are taught as separate GCSE courses leading to two qualifications.

Language:

English Language will allow  engagement with the modern working world, outside of the school environment. We teach practical and essential skills required in the world of work from letter writing, to engaging and making sense of texts. These skills are vitial in modern Wales and we will ensure your child is able to adapt outside of the school environment, so they can develop to the best of their ability. 

Literature:

Studying Literature does not confine the students to the traditions of England but includes the possibility of introducing them to traditions which inform English Literature, such as the study of Ancient Greek drama, and to literature in other contexts, such as American literature.
An enjoyment and appreciation of Literature will give students the ability to develop this into an interest in books and reading as they move away from their studies and into their adult lives. They will have the confidence to approach and tackle new forms of books and writing, after being exposed to a range of literature during their school days.

Literature is the most agreeable way of ignoring life.

Fernando Pessoa

During English lessons, learning is from the interactive whiteboard, reading a range of exciting novels, having the opportunity to discuss what you have read and interacting with the world around you through the media! Teaching is to the whole class, through paired work, group work and through an individual approach to enable pupils to develop Literacy skills to equip them for their future life choices.