English is the foundation for the study of all subjects.
At Prestatyn High School, we pride ourselves on delivering a carefully developed curriculum to encourage our students to be creative, resilient and ambitious, as well as being focused on improving their literacy skills.
Key Stage 3
Students in Years 7-9 develop their skills in oracy, reading and writing. They deepen their skills and understanding in preparation for the more formal curriculum at GCSE. At Key Stage 3, pupils receive four lessons of English a week. These lessons engage students through a rich diet of group, pair and individual work, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and discussion. Work is organised into seven-week units, focusing on the range of skills required to speak, read and write effectively. We also aim to introduce students to the best in young people’s literature, both classic and contemporary, from other cultures, as well as our own. In addition, students' love of literature is encouraged with library lessons, where students have the opportunity to read for pleasure, selecting books from a wide selection of titles available.
Year 7 and 8 pupils have been busy reading and quizzing for Accelerated Reader. Between September and December 2018, Year 7 read an incredible 33,896,859 words, with five individuals achieving the accolade of "Word Millionaire". Year 8 are hot on their heels, having read 25,958,281 words in the same period, with six individuals becoming word millionaires. Pupils can track their progress on the Accelerated Reader website, through the link on the Prestatyn High School website. Keep up the good work!
Key Stage 4
Most students study two GCSEs, one in English Language and one in English Literature. Other students follow the GCSE English Language qualification. We currently follow the WJEC English Language and Literature courses. A significant number of students continue in their study of English at AS/A2 Level and beyond.
Students study Of Mice and Men, Blood Brothers and A Christmas Carol as their core examination texts.
As well as the work that goes on in lessons, we offer a programme of extra revision and intervention in the lead-up to examinations. We also run a variety of school trips.
A Level
English Literature
The English Literature GCE follows the WJEC Key Stage 5 specification. The GCE specification is divided up into a total of five units, two AS and three A2 units. Students are introduced to the discipline of advanced literary studies and presented with opportunities for reading widely and for making creative and informed responses to each of the major literary genres of poetry, prose and drama. In Year 12, students study a pre-1900 prose fiction and a drama text for Unit 1 (20% of the qualification) and post-1900 poetry for Unit 2 (20% of the qualification). Both units are external examinations. In order to enrol on the course, students need to obtain a B grade in GCSE English Literature and English Language.
English Language
The English Language GCE follows the WJEC Key Stage 5 specification. The GCE specification is divided up into a total of five units, two AS and three A2 units. Students are introduced to the disciplines of language analysis and original writing. The course is supported by a wide range of independent reading and research into language. In Year 12, students study two modules, one focused on exploring language (20% of the qualification), and the other focused on language issues and original writing (20% of the qualification). Both units are external examinations. In order to enrol on the course, students need to obtain a B grade in GCSE English Literature and English Language.
Enrichment
Students studying English are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities. Theatre trips, writer workshops, author talks, cinema trips, visiting theatre groups, competitions, themed days, a drama club and debates, are examples of activities run by the department. We actively encourage students to put forward any ideas for enrichment.
For further information, please speak to the follow members of the department:
Drama Club - Miss P. Riddings
Creative Writing - Mrs V. Tong
Creative Writing
The ‘Creative Writing Group’ has morphed into a lively, twenty-five strong army of word wizards, tapping away on the keyboards every Monday between three and four o’clock. The group has come a long way since the autumn term of 2017, when a handful of shy and quiet writers met up weekly in E1. The group now contains published authors, after members entered the “Young Writers’ Hundred Words Competition”. From thousands of entries across Wales, six of our pupils were picked to be published. You may find the book, “Mysteries of Wales”, in the school library. Two members have also featured in a second publication, “Catastrophe Writing”, and entries have recently been accepted for the competition, “Poetry Escape”.
The group aims to nurture budding writers, using fun writers ’games and activities to wake the muse and provide a variety of writing opportunities, from entering competitions to taking part in projects, occasionally linking up with other related enrichment groups, such as ‘Drama’ and ‘School Reporters’. Some members are currently entering the “Wicked Competition”, organised by the young people’s newspaper, “First News”, while others are excited to engage in a project with the Reporters’ Group, “BBC School Report”, and are hopeful that they will see their presentations and documentaries aired on national television in the near future.
As the enrichment teacher of this group, it is no less than a sheer joy to spend an hour in the company of these inspiring young people. It is incredible to hear and share their stories and their verdant imaginations. I have been introduced to “Fan Fiction” writing, a new kind of limerick, explored alternative endings and realise that the books and articles of the future are beginning to take shape, right here in Prestatyn High School!
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Teaching Staff
English Resources
Booklet of Comparison questions -
practice for Units 2_3
Booklet of Explain questions -
practice for Units 2_3
Booklet of How questions -
practice for Units 2_3
Booklet of impressions questions -
practice for Units 2_3
Booklet of synthesis questions -
practice for Units 2_3(1)
Year 10/11 English Revision Booklet
Of Mice and Men Revision Guide
Unit 2 GCSE English Language
Unit 2 - Parents and Children_Learners
UNIT 2 ENGLISH LANG REVISION SUPPORT
Unit 3 GCSE English Language
UNIT 3 ENGLISH LANG REVISION SUPPORT
YEAR 11 ACC RESOURCES
A Christmas Carol Essay Questions UPDATED
Past Papers
Summer 2017 Unit 2 paper
Summer 2017 Unit 2 resources
Summer 2017 Unit 3 paper
Summer 2017 Unit 3 resources
Unit 2b FOUNDATION Eng Lit 2017
Unit 2b FOUNDATION Eng Lit 2018
Unit 2b HIGHER Eng Lit 2017
Unit 2b HIGHER Eng Lit 2018
External Links
https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/examspecs/ztjmv4j
https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/topics/zc8s4j6
https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/topics/z8q3dmn
https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/topics/zxv7sg8
Learning Plans
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What is a Learning Plan?
When you see your son/daughters books you will find Learning Plans (currently only at KS4). These are photocopied onto blue paper and set out the learning that is being done in lessons, what the homeworks are and when assessments will take place.
Read more about Learning Plans