English Language

English Language is first introduced to students in the Kindergarten (Foundation Stage) as an Early Learning Goal called ‘Communication, Language and Literacy’. This covers the main areas of Reading, Writing, Listening and Discussion skills.  Many children entering the Kindergarten will have a home language other than English. The School therefore provides opportunities for English to be learnt in context, through practical, meaningful experience and interaction with others. Communication and language comprehension is supported through gestures, signs, facial expressions, and typically, the students learn quickly.

In the Primary School, in Key Stage 1 (ages 5 – 7), ‘Communication, Language and Literacy’ continues, becoming ‘English’ in Key Stage 2 (ages 7 – 11). For Key Stages 1 and 2, the School follows the UK Department for Education’s‘Literacy Framework’ (http://nationalstrategies.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/), and students are given many opportunities to use language skills in a variety of ways, such as in Speaking and Listening, Reading, Writing, Spelling and Handwriting.

In Key Stage 3 in the Secondary School, the UK National Curriculum (http://www.qcda.gov.uk/) for English Language is followed. At the end of Key Stage 3, the School enters all Year 9 students for the Cambridge Checkpoint tests (http://www.cie.org.uk) in English, Mathematics and Science. These are an important means of standardised external assessment at the end of Year 9 and are considered to be accurate predictors of future Cambridge International Examinations IGCSE grades.

In Key Stage 4 in Years 10 – 11, students must continue with English Language at IGCSE level. A summary of the IGCSE English Language syllabus, and further information about all subjects offered in Years 10 and 11 are provided in the IGCSE Prospectus, which may be downloaded here. The full syllabus for IGCSE English First Language and the full syllabus for English First Language may both be found by visiting the CIE website (http://www.cie.org.uk) and locating the subject via its name and/or subject code.

In Key Stage 5 in Year 12 English Language may be studied at GCE AS Level. A summary of the GCE AS Level English Language syllabus, and further information about all subjects offered in Years 12 and 13 are provided in the AS & A Level Prospectus, which may be downloaded here. The full syllabus for AS Level English Language may be found by visiting the CIE website(http://www.cie.org.uk) and locating the subject via its name and/or subject code.