English

The English Department concentrates on embedding a love of English and creating a safe environment for all students to speak, listen, read, write and think. Enjoyment and a love of language and literature are fundamental to the planning and delivery of our curriculum.

Communication skills are vital. Being able to speak, listen, read and write are the cornerstones of building personal relationships and being successful in all aspects of life.

Year 7

TERM	LANG/LIT	CURRICULUM	ASSESSMENT	ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES
1	LANGUAGE	DESCRIPTIVE WRITING Disaster Fiction	Write a description based on a given image (45 minutes)	A05 – Students can WRITE Choosing terminology appropriately for the genre, audience and purpose With flair, style and originality An organised, cohesive, paragraphed text fitting the context A06 – Students can EDIT Vocabulary for purpose and effect Sentence types for purpose and effect Grammar for accuracy and effect Punctuation for accuracy and effect
1	LITERATURE	DRAMA The Tempest	Extract essay (45 minutes)	AO2 – Students can ANALYSE The writer’s use of language for effect The writer’s use of structure for effect The writer’s use of form for effect The writer’s use of techniques for effect A04 - Students can EVALUATE A text critically using evidence A text based upon genre knowledge A text in terms of the writer’s aims/purpose A text in terms of impact on the reader
2	LITERATURE	POETRY Love Poetry	Response to an Unseen Poem (45 minutes)	AO1 – Students can INTERPRET The explicit and implicit ideas Evidence and use it to support analysis The text in many different ways AO2 – Students can ANALYSE The writer’s use of language for effect The writer’s use of structure for effect The writer’s use of form for effect The writer’s use of techniques for effect A text in terms of the writer’s aims/purpose A text in terms of impact on the reader
2	LANGUAGE	NON-FICTION WRITING Speeches, leaflets, articles and letters	Create a non-fiction text on a given subject (45 minutes)	A05 – Students can WRITE For different GAPs (Genre, Audience, Purpose) Choosing terminology appropriately for the GAP With flair, style and originality An organised, cohesive, paragraphed text fitting the context A06 – Students can EDIT Vocabulary for purpose and effect Sentence types for purpose and effect Grammar for accuracy and effect
3	LITERATURE	MODERN FICTION Private Peaceful	Character essay (45 minutes)	AO2 – Students can ANALYSE The writer’s use of language for effect The writer’s use of structure for effect The writer’s use of form for effect The writer’s use of techniques for effect A04 - Students can EVALUATE A text critically using evidence A text based upon genre knowledge A text in terms of the writer’s aims/purpose A text in terms of impact on the reader
3	LANGUAGE	READING SKILLS Private Peaceful		AO1 – Students can INTERPRET The explicit and implicit ideas Evidence and use it to support analysis The text in many different ways AO2 – Students can ANALYSE The writer’s use of language for effect The writer’s use of structure for effect The writer’s use of form for effect

Year 8

TERM	LANG/LIT	CURRICULUM	ASSESSMENT	ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES
1	LANGUAGE	DESCRIPTIVE WRITING Fantasy Fiction	Write a description based on a given image (45 minutes)	A05 – Students can WRITE Choosing terminology appropriately for the genre, audience and purpose With flair, style and originality An organised, cohesive, paragraphed text fitting the context A06 – Students can EDIT Vocabulary for purpose and effect Sentence types for purpose and effect Grammar for accuracy and effect Punctuation for accuracy and effect
1	LITERATURE	DRAMA Much Ado About Nothing	Extract essay (45 minutes)	AO2 – Students can ANALYSE The writer’s use of language for effect The writer’s use of structure for effect The writer’s use of form for effect The writer’s use of techniques for effect A04 - Students can EVALUATE A text critically using evidence A text based upon genre knowledge A text in terms of the writer’s aims/purpose A text in terms of impact on the reader
2	LITERATURE	POETRY World Poetry	Response to an Unseen Poem (45 minutes)	AO1 – Students can INTERPRET The explicit and implicit ideas Evidence and use it to support analysis The text in many different ways AO2 – Students can ANALYSE The writer’s use of language for effect The writer’s use of structure for effect The writer’s use of form for effect The writer’s use of techniques for effect A text in terms of the writer’s aims/purpose A text in terms of impact on the reader
2	LANGUAGE	NON-FICTION WRITING Speeches, leaflets, articles and letters	Create a non-fiction text on a given subject (45 minutes)	A05 – Students can WRITE For different GAPs (Genre, Audience, Purpose) Choosing terminology appropriately for the GAP With flair, style and originality An organised, cohesive, paragraphed text fitting the context A06 – Students can EDIT Vocabulary for purpose and effect Sentence types for purpose and effect Grammar for accuracy and effect
3	LITERATURE	MODERN FICTION A Monster Calls	Character essay (45 minutes)	AO2 – Students can ANALYSE The writer’s use of language for effect The writer’s use of structure for effect The writer’s use of form for effect The writer’s use of techniques for effectA04 - Students can EVALUATE A text critically using evidence A text based upon genre knowledge A text in terms of the writer’s aims/purpose A text in terms of impact on the reader
3	LANGUAGE	READING SKILLS A Monster Calls		AO1 – Students can INTERPRET The explicit and implicit ideas Evidence and use it to support analysis The text in many different ways AO2 – Students can ANALYSE The writer’s use of language for effect The writer’s use of structure for effect The writer’s use of form for effect

Year 9

TERM	LANG/LIT	CURRICULUM	ASSESSMENT	ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES
1	LANGUAGE	DESCRIPTIVE WRITING Protest Fiction	Write a description based on a given image (45 minutes)	A05 – Students can WRITE Choosing terminology appropriately for the genre, audience and purpose With flair, style and originality An organised, cohesive, paragraphed text fitting the context A06 – Students can EDIT Vocabulary for purpose and effect Sentence types for purpose and effect Grammar for accuracy and effect Punctuation for accuracy and effect
1	LITERATURE	DRAMA Macbeth	Extract essay (45 minutes)	AO2 – Students can ANALYSE The writer’s use of language for effect The writer’s use of structure for effect The writer’s use of form for effect The writer’s use of techniques for effect A04 - Students can EVALUATE A text critically using evidence A text based upon genre knowledge A text in terms of the writer’s aims/purpose A text in terms of impact on the reader
2	LITERATURE	POETRY Unseen Poetry	Response to an Unseen Poem (45 minutes)	AO1 – Students can INTERPRET The explicit and implicit ideas Evidence and use it to support analysis The text in many different ways AO2 – Students can ANALYSE The writer’s use of language for effect The writer’s use of structure for effect The writer’s use of form for effect The writer’s use of techniques for effect A text in terms of the writer’s aims/purpose A text in terms of impact on the reader
2	LANGUAGE	NON-FICTION WRITING Speeches, leaflets, articles and letters	Create a non-fiction text on a given subject (45 minutes)	A05 – Students can WRITE For different GAPs (Genre, Audience, Purpose) Choosing terminology appropriately for the GAP With flair, style and originality An organised, cohesive, paragraphed text fitting the context A06 – Students can EDIT Vocabulary for purpose and effect Sentence types for purpose and effect Grammar for accuracy and effect
3	LITERATURE	MODERN FICTION Lord of the Flies	Character essay (45 minutes)	AO2 – Students can ANALYSE The writer’s use of language for effect The writer’s use of structure for effect The writer’s use of form for effect The writer’s use of techniques for effect A04 – Students can EVALUATE A text critically using evidence A text based upon genre knowledge A text in terms of the writer’s aims/purpose A text in terms of impact on the reader
3	LANGUAGE	READING SKILLS Lord of the Flies		AO1 – Students can INTERPRET The explicit and implicit ideas Evidence and use it to support analysis The text in many different ways AO2 – Students can ANALYSE The writer’s use of language for effect The writer’s use of structure for effect The writer’s use of form for effect

Key Stage 4 - English Language (IGCSE)

At DESC, all KS4 students study towards the Pearson Edexcel IGCSE in English Language. This involves students completing one examination, at the end of Year 11, and one Non-examined Assessment (coursework folder), throughout Year 10 and 11.

Both the examination and coursework focus on improving the students’ skills in reading and writing.

Reading:

Demonstrate a precise understanding of extended texts
Synthesise, develop, analyse and evaluate facts, ideas and opinions
Effectively summarise, paraphrase and re-express
Demonstrate understanding of how writers achieve their effects
Recognise and respond to sophisticated linguistic devices
Extract appropriate information for specific purposes

Writing:

Express effectively what is thought, felt and imagined
Order and convey facts, ideas and opinions effectively
Demonstrate sophisticated use of imaginative and varied vocabulary
Demonstrate a clear sense of audience and context
Demonstrate accuracy in spelling, punctuation and grammar
Use effectively a variety of sentence structures

Paper	Paper 1: Reading Passages	Paper 2: Coursework Portfolio
What is assessed?	Section A: Transactional Writing Section B: Analysis of Language Section C: Summary question	Coursework One: Descriptive/Narrative Writing Coursework Two: Non-Fiction Writing Coursework Three: Response to a Text
How is it assessed?	• Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes • 50 marks • 50% of GCSE	NEA • 50 marks • 50% of GCSE
Questions	Q1: Write a non-fiction text using the stimulus material (15 marks for reading, 5 marks for writing) Q2: Analysing writers’ language choices (10 marks for reading) Q3: Bullet point summary of key information (15 marks) Written summary of key information (5 marks)	Coursework One: 40 marks for writing Coursework Two: 40 marks for writing Coursework Three 40 marks for writing, 10 marks for reading (Writing marks for the three pieces will be added together and an average will be taken and added to the reading mark for Coursework Three

Key Stage 4 - English Literature (IGCSE)

At DESC, all KS4 students study towards the Pearson Edexcel IGCSE in English Literature. This involves students completing two examinations, at the end of Year 11.

The examinations will measure how students have achieved the following assessment objectives:

AO1: Demonstrate a close knowledge and understanding of texts, maintaining a critical style and presenting an informed personal engagement.
AO2: Analyse the language, form and structure used by a writer to create meanings and effects.
AO3: Explore links and connections between texts.
AO4: Show understanding of the relationships between texts and the contexts in which they were written.

Paper	Paper 1: Poetry and Modern Prose	Paper 2: Modern Drama and Literary Heritage Texts
What is assessed?	Section A: Unseen Poetry Section B: Anthology Poetry Section C: Of Mice & Men	Section A: An Inspector Calls Section B: Romeo & Juliet
How is it assessed?	• Written exam: 2 hours • 90 marks • 60% of GCSE	• Written exam: 1 hour, 30 minutes • 60 marks • 40% of GCSE
Questions	Section A: One 20-mark essay question exploring the meaning and effects created in an unseen poem. Section B: One 30-mark essay question from a choice of two, comparing two poems the Edexcel IGCSE English Anthology. Section C: One 40-mark essay question from a choice of two on Of Mice & Men.	Section A – Modern Drama: One 30-mark essay question from a choice of two on An Inspector Calls. Section B: One 30-mark essay question from a choice of two on Romeo & Juliet.

A Level - English Language

Examining Board: AQA

Syllabus/Code: English Language (7702)

The English Language A level is a two-year linear course, with the A level qualification being examined and awarded at the end of Year 13. This stimulating course provides students with the opportunity to consider how language is used in different situations, develop their creative writing skills and hone their ability to produce ‘publishable’ texts. It also enhances their academic writing skills, which will benefit their future degree studies whatever they choose to read at university. The A level course consists of two external examinations, plus a non-examined assessment.

Course Summary

Paper 1: This paper focuses on textual variations and representations. Students develop the scientific skills of comparison and analysis. They also explore how children develop and acquire language from birth to 11 years old.

Paper 2: This paper concentrates on language diversity and tests students’ writing skills as they consider attitudes towards Language. Students evaluate larger-scale public discourses relating to language change and variety, drawing on regional, ethnic, national and global English.

Non-examined assessment: The NEA involves a 2,000-word investigation, where students are required to create and test their own language theory alongside a piece of original writing of 1,500 words, accompanied by a commentary detailing and analysing their own linguistic choices.

For a more detailed breakdown of subject requirements, please click on the following link: AQA English Language Specification

Career Pathways/Key Skills Developed:

The ability to communicate effectively in both speech and writing is a necessity for everyone in all aspects of life. This course aims to develop active, responsible and independent learners, and gives students a strong grounding in the academic principles related to working with data. A level English Language is an excellent option for students who are considering reading, amongst others, Law, English Language, Linguistics, Psychology, Politics, Social Sciences, Science and MFL. Possible career paths may include: forensic linguistics, speech therapy, lexicography, digital copywriting, editorial roles, marketing, web-content management, and journalism.

Examination Breakdown

Name	Assessment Type	Weighting
Paper 1	Language, the individual and society Examination	40% 2 hours 30 minutes 100 marks
Paper 2	Language Diversity and Change Examination	40% 2 hours 30 minutes 100 marks
NEA	Language in Action Two written pieces: a language investigation (2,000 words excluding data) a piece of original writing and commentary (1,500 words total)	20% 100 marks 3500 words

A Level - English Literature

Examining Board: Oxford AQA

Syllabus/Code: English Literature (9675)

The English Literature A level is a two-year linear course, with the A level qualification being examined and awarded at the end of Year 13. This inspirational course provides students with the opportunity to read a range of exciting new prose, drama and poetry texts - both in class and independently. The A level course comprises of three examinations, worth a total of 70% and a non-examined assessment component, worth 30%. Each exam is 2 hours and consists of two questions.

Course Summary

Unit 1: The focus of this exam is aspects of dramatic tragedy. Students study one of Shakespeare’s best-known tragedies, Othello, and a play that redefined American Theatre: A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams. At the core of both set texts is a tragic hero or heroine who is flawed in some way, who suffers and causes suffering to others.

Unit 2: This paper explores two texts that are linked through the cultural genre of place. The texts explore the significance of place(s) in the texts: to their stories; their narrative structures; their socio-cultural views of the world; their potential meanings. Students analyse the remarkable novel The Great Gatsby and the poetry of Seamus Heaney.

Unit 3: This unit examines elements of crime and mystery in literature. Students study one of the most terrifying plays in the English language, Macbeth, and Kate Atkinson’s crime thriller When Will There Be Good News? In both texts a significant crime drives the narrative and the execution and consequences of the crime are fundamentally important to the way the texts are structured.

Unit 4: This unit compromises of a non-exam assessment submission, that is teacher assessed and externally moderated. The NEA involves a critical study of two texts; one prose text and one poetry collection. Students are free to choose texts that interest and inspire them.

For a more detailed breakdown of subject requirements, please click on the following link: Oxford AQA English Literature Specification

Career Pathways/Key Skills Developed

The ability to read for meaning is a necessity for everyone in all aspects of life. English Literature A level is ideal for students who wish to broaden their knowledge and understanding of texts; it also develops different types of reading and research skills. The written responses students will produce offers them the opportunity to develop their writing skills, ensuring that their communication on paper is both accurate and clear. This is an excellent option for students who are considering reading, amongst others, Law, History, Politics, Social Sciences, Journalism and MFL.

Examination Breakdown

Name	Assessment Type	Weighting
Unit 1	Aspects of Dramatic Tragedy:Shakespeare, Modern Play Examination	20% 2 hours 50 marks
Unit 2	Place in Literary Texts:Prose and Poetry Examination	20% 2 hours 50 marks
Unit 3	Elements of Crime and Mystery: Play and Prose Examination	30% 2 hours 50 marks
Unit 4	Non-examined assessment:Study of one poetry and one prose text Two essays of 1500 words each	30% 50 marks 3000 words

Dess

Dubai English Speaking School

for ages 3-11

Desc

Dubai English Speaking College

for ages 11-18

English