Dear Parents and Carers,
As Year 11 approach the upcoming GCSE examinations, we would like to take this opportunity to outline our expectations and support regarding revision for English Language and Literature. With the exams fast approaching, it is crucial that students engage in focused and effective revision to ensure they are fully prepared to achieve their potential.
The English department has developed a structured revision plan (1) for lessons in the Spring term that tackles all topic areas – a copy of this is attached. Outside of lessons we also offer weekly revision sessions (2) each Wednesday after school; a copy of that timetable is also attached for your reference.
To support your child’s independent revision at home, below, we have outlined a summary of the specific revision expectations and strategies for both English Language and Literature:
English Language Revision Expectations (guidance also detailed in the attached English Language Revision booklet(3)):
Know Question Structures:
Students must familiarise themselves with the timing and mark allocation for each question in the exam. This will help them manage their time effectively during the exam.
Master Sentence Stems:
We encourage students to memorise and practice using sentence stems for Section A responses. These structures are crucial for clarity and coherence in their writing.
Exemplar Responses for Question 5:
Students are expected to plan and write exemplar responses to Question 5 (the writing task). This will help them develop their skills in crafting high-quality, well-structured responses.
Weekly Revision Practice:
To ensure steady progress, students are required to complete at least one hour of English Language revision per week. This will support the consolidation of key skills and knowledge in preparation for the exams.
Practice exam booklets for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 (5/6/7/8) are attached to aid their revision at home.
English Literature Revision Expectations (guidance also detailed in the attached English Literature Revision booklet(4)):
Know the texts:
It is essential that students are confident in their understanding of the plot, characters and themes for the texts we have studied (Romeo and Juliet, A Christmas Carol, An Inspector Calls, and the 15 Power and Conflict poems). This can be achieved through rereading the texts, using the timeline in the attached Literature booklet and using their annotated flashcards.
Learn key quotes:
In addition to knowing the text well, students should have a bank of key quotations from each text that they have annotated effectively. These should be learned and they should be able to confidently explain the quote’s significance within the text, link it to specific themes and explore its connotations. Copies of the recommended quotations are also in the attached Literature booklet.
Complete past paper questions:
One of the most effective methods of revision is to complete past paper questions. Attached to this email is a past paper for both Literature Papers (9/10); additional questions can be found on your child’s class Moodle page. An essential part of this revision process is planning; whenever a past question is attempted, your child should always produce a plan that demonstrates how they’re going to structure their essay.
We believe that these revision strategies will help your child to build the confidence and skills needed to succeed in their exams. Please support them in sticking to this plan, attending all lessons and after-school revision where possible, and encourage them to seek help from their class teachers if they feel unsure about any aspect of their revision programme.
Thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Kind regards,
Sophie Niles and Clare Astle
KS4 English Language and Literature Coordinators
2. 2024-25 Y11 Revision Sessions inc Masterclasses
3. AQA Language Supporting Booklet 2024
4. AQA Literature Supporting Booklet 2024
5. Paper 1 Nov 2017 INSERT (Alice – dig)
6. Paper 1 Nov 2017 QUESTION PAPER
7. Paper 2 Nov 2019 INSERT (Orwell)
8. Paper 2 Nov 2019 QUESTION PAPER
9. LITERATURE PAPER 1 JUNE 19 QP
10. LITERATURE PAPER 2 JUNE 18 QP