Synthesis and Comparison – Reading
Pupils learn to select and synthesise evidence taken from different texts; they are guided to make inference, through complex comparison of texts around a writer’s particular perspective; students will receive some exposure to 19th Century texts in order to support their understanding of Paper 2 sources. Class based assessment using extract-based exam-style questions will allow pupils to develop strategies to synthesise information, and analyse the perspective expressed by a writer; later in the year an entire AQA English Language Paper 2 is offered as a core element of Year 11 trial exams.
Non-Fiction Writing
Dovetailing with the reading elements of the curriculum, written work is stimulated by a range of texts and pupils are encouraged to write creatively, using a range of appropriate planning tools to develop an understanding of the different modes of communication at work in letters, leaflets and essays. Formative writing opportunities are given throughout the remainder of the course to help pupils improve writing technique, specifically with a focus on the development of non-fictional texts; in the trial exam, non-fiction writing forms approximately half the marks of Paper 2.
Tailored and Targeted Revision
Teachers will inform their teaching by using the data that has been supplied by pupils sitting trial exams, and through taking part in class-based assessments, to sculpt bespoke revision for their learners which will circle back to core skills covered throughout the course. Class-based assessments throughout the year allow pupils formative feedback on individual elements of both English Language papers.