English
Welcome to the English Department
The English Department at Dyffryn Taf School is committed to empowering students with skills that will enable them to not only achieve exam success in GCSE and A Level, but will provide them with opportunities in life after school.
We firmly believe that to be confident, successful, independent students and adults, English skills are a vital part of educational and personal development. We believe in providing students with opportunities to be the best that they can be, to have ambitious goals and to set out to achieve them. We try to develop a love of reading amongst all of our students and to give learners an appreciation of English language and cultural heritage. We strive towards delivering a high-quality and meaningful education that will stretch, challenge and support all students so that they leave Dyffryn Taf well-equipped to have happy and successful lives.
Key Stage 3
This section is under construction
Key Stage 4
English Language and Literature
Saesneg Iaith a Llenyddiaeth Saesneg
Which teacher(s) should I see if I want more information about the course?
Mr. Filipovic or your current English teacher
What course will I be following?
The majority of pupils in Years 10 and 11 follow courses in both English Language and Literature (WJEC), gaining two separate GCSE qualifications. Some students will only follow the GCSE Language course.
English Language Specification
English Literature Specification
What kinds of things will I study?
At KS4 the skills and techniques already developed at KS3 will be built upon and extended. The aim of the English courses is to achieve a clear understanding of what is heard or read and to promote good expression in speech and writing.
- GCSE English Language:
The main focus will be on developing thinking and communication skills through oracy, reading and writing. There is some study of literature and also the reading and understanding of non-fiction texts. You will be given opportunities to develop your writing and improve your confidence through speaking activities.
- GCSE English Literature:
You will study novels, plays and poetry, exploring ideas such as characters, themes and settings within these texts. The focus is on developing an analytical mind, as well as fostering an enjoyment and passion for reading.
How will my work be assessed?
All GCSE Language examinations will be sat at the end of Year 11. One GCSE English Literature exam will be sat in January of Year 11 and one at the end of Year 11.
- English Language:
2 exams, one exam is 2 hours and the other is 1 ½ hours (worth 80%) Non-examination assessment: two speaking and listening tasks, group discussion and individual researched presentation (20%)
- English Literature:
2 exams, 2 hours each (worth 75%) Non-examination assessment: 2 essays (25%)
How can I progress my learning in this subject after Year 11?
If you enjoy your English experiences at GCSE, you can progress your learning in this area by studying English Literature at A Level in the Sixth Form at Dyffryn Taf.
English is a vital skill which can underpin a successful career in all jobs, particularly for written and spoken communication.
Qualifications in English can lead to careers in journalism, law, media, advertising, teaching and television.
Key Stage 5
During Years 12 & 13, students develop their skills of articulating informed, personal and creative responses to literary texts. In Year 12, they study the play ‘A Streetcar Named Desire,’ by Tennessee Williams, the novel ‘Jane Eyre,’ by Charlotte Bronte and the poetry of Carol Ann Duffy and Philip Larkin. In year 13, they study the play ‘King Lear’ by William Shakespeare, the poetry of William Blake and the novels ‘The Great Gatsby,’ by F Scott Fitzgerald and ‘The Road,’ by Cormac McCarthy.
Please click on the link button below for more information.
