DEPARTMENT LEADER: Mr G. BOWEN
Departmental Vision | Gweledigaeth yr Adran
The English Department strives to empower pupils with independence, nurturing their curiosity and encouraging them to explore the vast world of words.
Intentions | Amcanion
Through the study of English language and literature, pupils will acquire a wide range of knowledge, including literary analysis skills, cultural understanding, critical thinking abilities, and the capacity to engage with complex themes and ideas. These skills and knowledge will empower our pupils to become effective communicators, critical thinkers, and engaged members of society.
Key Stage 3 | Cyfnod Allweddol 3
At Key Stage 3 English, our aim is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature. Pupils of English at MCS will be given an opportunity to develop their skills progressively, whilst experiencing active learning through:
- Taking part in debates, presentations and group discussions
- Reading for enjoyment, engagement and empathy
- Writing and presenting in different media, for different audiences and purposes
- Expressing meaning, feelings and viewpoints
- Developing knowledge of how language works, along with accurate use of spelling, punctuation and grammar
Key Stage 4 | Cyfnod Allweddol 4
Pupils study the WJEC GCSE English Language and WJEC GCSE English Literature specifications at Key Stage four. The questions and tasks on the exam papers are designed to enable candidates to demonstrate what they know, understand and can do.
The un-tiered English Language qualification is made up of two equally weighted externally assessed units, and one internally assessed unit. The two externally assessed units test reading and writing skills, whilst the internally assessed unit tests oracy skills.
The GCSE specification in English Literature qualification is made up of two externally assessed units, and one internally assessed unit.
Key Stage 5 | Cyfnod Allweddol 5
A minimum B Grade is needed in both GCSE English and English Literature in order to study English Literature at A Level.
English and English Literature will teach you to understand what you read, to think for yourself, to analyse and put forward arguments, and to communicate effectively with other people. These skills are essential in almost any career, but are particularly relevant in law, journalism, teaching, and the Civil Service.
We to help you enjoy, appreciate and write fluently about a wide variety of literature.
At AS Level you study two poetry anthologies, a novel and a play that are assessed in two separate exams.
At A Level you study a play by Shakespeare, Chaucer and must complete a 3,500 word Non-examination essay comparing an aspect of two texts.
Extra-Curricular |Allgyrsiol
The department organises successful trips to the Hay Festival and runs a Key Stage Three catch-up club every Tuesday. On Tuesday Week B, Miss Rees hosts a Book Club where pupils and staff share what they’re reading and discuss book recommendations. The department organises theatre and cinema visits to see adaptations of texts studied at GCSE and A Level.
Meet the team | Cwrdd â’r tîm
Department Leader – Mr Gerwyn Bowen
Deputy Department Leader and Senior ITT Mentor – Mrs Sian Morgan-Hulme
Deputy Department Leader and Lead Practitioner for CfW – Ms Noemi Sierra
Whole-School Literacy Coordinator – Ms Elizabeth Butt
Teacher of English – Mrs Joanne Isaac
Teacher of English / Welsh Baccalaureate – Ms Cathy Jenkins
Teacher of English and Deputy ALNCo – Ms Sharon Jones
Teacher of English – Miss Hannah Rees
Teacher of English – Mr Michael Yeubrey
Teacher of English – Miss Tyler Zupic