ABOUT THE ENGLISH FACULTY AT SCALBY SCHOOL
The English Faculty prides itself on engendering a lasting appreciation of the subject within the framework of academic rigour. Consequently, both staff and students are encouraged to have high expectations, which are reflected in the quality of the work produced. Students are also encouraged to develop a range of language skills and to gain a love and appreciation of a wide range of literature. Currently, popular areas for study in the Faculty include Shakespeare (from The Tempest, through Richard III to Hamlet); To Kill a Mockingbird, Of Mice and Men, About a Boy and Anita and Me; modern plays such as An Inspector Calls, Blood Brothers and A Taste of Honey; contemporary prose to include Lord of the Flies and War of the Worlds; non-fiction and media texts; multicultural stories and a whole range of poetry.
The Faculty looks to develop and improve its practices through a process of revision, discussion and sharing of ideas. Current trends and developments in English are monitored and the Faculty takes pride in keeping ‘ahead of the game’, shaping new policy rather than being shaped by it. There have been huge changes to the GCSEs and the department have responded to these challenges with a system of new specifications and courses all of which have meant, essentially, a new curriculum. This new curriculum allows for a more vigorous and ambitious course for our students and the opportunity for all students to be supported and achieve their potential.
Recently, the Faculty has worked hard to transform its KS3 Schemes of Work, enthusiastically embracing new approaches to teaching and learning. The KS3 Schemes of Work now include units on non-fiction, World War One poetry, two Shakespeare plays and The Hunger Games.
Students and staff take progress very seriously and a culture of target setting exists within both key stages, with baseline assessment and value-added measures forming an integral part of the Faculty’s work. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning, and progress is regularly monitored, with systems in place to ensure they receive the support and advice they require. The Faculty has enjoyed excellent examination results for a number of years but is always striving to do better.
The Faculty, staffed by seven full time teachers of English and one part-time English teacher, functions very much as a team with strong formal and informal support for new colleagues and an on-going concern for staff development. Ideas and resources are shared and co-operation is a key element in the Faculty’s approach to work. It is recognised that individual teachers have particular areas of expertise within the broad scope of English and, therefore, the seeking out and sharing of that expertise is seen as good practice and is encouraged.
The timetable currently provides a generous allocation of three one-hour periods per week (out of a total of twenty five) at KS3 and four hours at KS4. A broad system of banding is in place for all years. At Key Stage 4 the Faculty prepares students for WJECexaminations in Level 1 and 2 English Language, GCSEEnglish,and GCSE Literature. We also offerAQA GCSE Media Studies.
Theatre visits and excursions to places of literary interest are encouraged, including the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough (home of Sir Alan Ayckbourn) and other regional theatres. In February 2014 the school performed the “Romeo & Juliet” at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, in the round auditorium and a group of year 10 students enjoyed a performance of A Taste of Honey.All members of the English Faculty are encouraged to develop their particular interests and to participate in extra-curricular activities.
The successful candidate will besomeone who will show commitment, enthusiasm and professionalism. A sense of humour, a genuine love of English, and the ability to work as a member of a team are important.
January 2015