Home > The Curriculum > English & Classics and Mathematics Faculty

English, Media & Classics | Mathematics | Information Technology | Science | Design & Technology | Expressive Arts | General Studies | Humanities | Languages | Business & Society | Tutorial Reports

English | English Literature | English Language and Literature| English Language |Media Studies | Latin | Classical Civilization

English Year 7
Year 7 students are taught in mixed ability tutor groups. Students' literacy work is theme based. Grammar is taught mainly through short activities at the beginning of lessons and students draft their work in exercise books before producing finished pieces for their folders. Pair and group work gives students opportunities to discuss their ideas and they are encouraged to reflect upon their learning and understand the criteria for success.

One lesson a week is usually focused on literature and students are encouraged to continue to read widely at home. The summer examination is based on the government optional test. Although the order can vary, the typical programme of study is:

• Autumn Term Autobiography and Biography; The Village
• Spring Term Research Topic; Mystery and Imagination
• Summer Term Introduction to Shakespeare; Pre-1914 Poetry

English Year 8
Year 8 students are taught in two bands based on ability. Grammar and language work continue to be taught explicitly, and students continue to practise drafting and rewriting skills. Throughout the year, students are assessed to National Curriculum standards on work covering the three attainment targets of Reading, Writing and Speaking & Listening, each of which is equally important.

Students read at least one novel or other text in class during the year, and we continue to encourage students to read independently. In the summer, the students sit the government's optional test which produces standardised results.

Units covered are as follows:

• Travel Writing
• Heroes and Legends
• Media - Advertising and Film; Poetry
• Shakespeare (A Midsummer Night's Dream)

English Year 9
Year 9 students are grouped in two ability bands, and work towards the national Key Stage 3 Tests, practising reading and writing different text types (for example poetry, fiction including texts written before 1914, non-fiction texts to argue, persuade or advise) and studying a Shakespeare play (in 2007 Much Ado About Nothing, The Tempest or Richard III).

The students are encouraged to understand how the Tests are marked and how the Tests, marked externally, assess Reading and Writing; the class teacher also gives a Teacher Assessment level, which is equally important as the Test level. This also covers the student's performance in Speaking & Listening. After the Tests, students follow a Literature Project to prepare them for GCSE Literature Study and the demands of coursework.

English Year 10 (English and English Literature GCSE)
The majority of Year 10 pupils are taught in one of three broad ability bands and are entered for both qualifications. In Year 10 students focus on course-work, producing three or four pieces for their combined English / English Literature folder.

These assignments usually include a piece of Original Writing, a response to Media texts, study of a pre-1914 novel and a post-1914 play. In addition to their written coursework, the students undertake a series of speaking and listening assessments that count towards their final English GCSE grade. These involve the students working individually, in groups and in drama-focused activities. They begin preparation for the examination papers through practising the reading and writing tasks and by becoming familiar with the kinds of questions which are set.

English Year 11
During Year 11 students complete their coursework folders: Original Writing, a response to Media, Shakespeare and a pre-1914 Prose Study. For Literature, they also complete a response to post-1914 Drama. A final assessment of Speaking and Listening for English is made from activities completed over the course, including group work and a drama based activity.

Students entered for English Literature typically study or revise their set text and the Literature poetry from the Anthology. Practice in answering the examination questions for reading and writing is also given. Paper 2 and a full English Literature examination are completed in the Practice Examinations in January. From late February, when coursework must be finally submitted, revision programmes are organised, focusing on texts and skills for the examinations.

English Language Year 12
Students are taught in mixed ability groups by two teachers. Emphasis in teaching is on discussion and written assignments of various types and lengths. Students are encouraged to focus on the Assessment Objectives tested in the different modules. Practice examinations are set in February. The three modules are:

• Module 1: Introduction to the Study of Language: several short texts are included for detailed comment and analysis, using the linguistic frameworks
• Module 2: Language and Social Contexts: 4 questions are set on different topics using text and data. Students are required to answer on 2 of these.
• Module 3: Original Writing: students produce 2 pieces of coursework, one fiction and one non- fiction and each is accompanied by a commentary.

English Language Year 13
Students continue to be taught in the same groups as Year 12. Regular discussion and written assignments further enhance the students' linguistic knowledge and analytical approaches. The Assessment Objectives continue as a focus. Practice examinations are set in February. The three modules are:

• Module 4: Language Investigation: students collect their own data for analysis, using particular linguistic frameworks
• Module 5: Editorial Writing: a pre-release pack is issued to each student and in the examination they are set an adaptation task using only these materials
• Module 6: Language Development: this module tests all the skills and knowledge gained through the course and is divided into 2 sections: Language Acquisition and Language Change

Back to Top

English Literature Year 12
Students are taught in mixed ability groups. Discussion and regular written work of different types are central features of the course and help students to develop their own ideas and opinions in the analysis of the set texts. The Assessment Objectives are explored in relation to each module. Practice examinations are held in February. The three modules are:

• Module 1: Introduction to the Study of Literature: one novel is studied in detail and taken into the examination where one question with several parts is set
• Module 2: Poetry and Drama: one text from each genre from prescribed literary periods is studied; students cannot take texts into the examination
• Module 3: Shakespeare: the coursework unit where students produce an essay on one play

English Literature Year 13
Students continue to be taught in the same groups as Year 12. Discussion and regular written tasks enhance their skills in literary analysis and their grasp of different interpretations and contexts. Careful attention is paid to the Assessment Objectives and their relationship to the different A2 modules. Practice examinations are held in February. The three modules are:

• Module 3: Original Writing: students produce 2 pieces of coursework, one fiction and one non- fiction and each is accompanied by a commentary
• Module 4: Comparing Texts: students prepare a coursework essay that compares 2 texts of different genres and/ or different literary periods
• Module 5: Poetry and Drama: one text from each genre from prescribed literary periods is studied; students cannot take texts into the examination
• Module 6: Exploring Texts: in this synoptic module students collect a pre-release pack and then use this plus some linked unseen material in the examination to answer several questions. This module tests all the skills and approaches of both AS and A2 courses

Back to Top

English Language and Literature Year 12
Students are taught in a mixed ability group. Teaching is interactive with an emphasis on discussion and students are expected to contribute ideas, developing their critical thinking. They are encouraged to reflect upon their learning. Students are set regular assignments, usually in the form of essays. A practice examination is held in February. The three modules taught are:

• Module 1 - Study of poetry, prose and drama, fiction and non-fiction texts in an Anthology entitled 'Education, Education, Education'
• Module 2 - In 'The Changing Language of Literature' students study two texts, 'The Color Purple' and 'The Scarlet Letter' with a focus on how attitudes and values are expressed and how language has changed
• Module 3 - Production of coursework pieces with critical commentaries, one for a reading and one for a listening audience

English Language and Literature Year 13
Students continue to be taught in a mixed ability group. Lively discussions in class ensure that students continue to develop their critical faculties. They are encouraged to understand and utilise the assessment criteria for the various modules. Practice examinations are held in February.

The modules to complete the A level are:

• Module 4 - Text Transformation. Students transform their chosen text from one genre to another and produce a critical commentary on the texts and the process. This coursework is submitted in December
• Module 5 - Talk in Life and Literature. Students study 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', transcripts of natural speech and extracts from plays. (This module is currently taken in January of Year 13)
• Module 6 - Critical Approaches. Students use all of the literary and linguistic approaches learned on the course to analyse a range of texts

Back to Top

Media Studies and Film Studies Year 12 & 13

Both the Media Studies and Film Studies courses use the Welsh Joint Education Board syllabus, which, in common with all other A Levels, introduces new specifications from September 2008. This means that students will undertake four units for the complete A Level – two at AS and two at A2. Of the four units in each complete A Level, two will be externally examined and two will be coursework units that are set and marked internally, but moderated externally.

Media Studies AS
Unit 1 – Media Representations and Responses
This unit aims to provide candidates with a framework for analysing the media and requires them to explore representations and audience or user responses. This involves using analytical tools such as genre, narrative structure, codes, conventions, language and ways of addressing audiences. Assessment is by means of examination (50% of the total for the AS). The examination is 2 ½ hours in length and has three compulsory questions, one of which is an unseen analysis and the others cover audience and representation. The examination is normally held in June.

Unit 2 – Media Production Processes
The coursework involves students producing three pieces of linked work.
A piece of pre-production work showing research and planning skills (20%)
A piece of production work, based on the pre-production activities (40%)
A report (40%)
Examples of pre-production work include designing and producing a website, magazine pages, storyboarding and producing a film trailer, designing and producing a DVD cover. Pre-production work must be done individually.

Media A2
Unit 3 – Media Investigation and Production
For this coursework unit of the A2 students will undertake three pieces of linked work.
A research investigation (45%)
A production linked to the research (45%)
An evaluation (10%)
The research is individual and can focus on any of the media concepts of genre, narrative and representation.

Unit 4 – Text, Industry and Audience
Centres will be asked to select three different media industries from a list of eight to study with students. For each industry, as well as studying it in general terms, students will use three main texts as a focus.

Film Studies AS
Unit One – Exploring Film Form
This is a coursework unit that requires students to produce two main pieces of work that will concentrate on how meaning is produced for audiences by film form.
Analysis of a film extract – students are required to write a 1,500 word analysis of a film extract (of between 3-5 minutes) of their choice. The analysis should explore how one or more of the concepts of mise-en-scene, performance, cinematography, editing and sound, construct meaning and provoke response.
Creative project – students should create either a film sequence in written form (a 1,000 word step outline of 5-8 scenes; a photographed or drawn storyboard of between 10-25 shots) or a film sequence of about two minutes. Group work is permitted for the film option.
A reflective analysis of the creative work of about 750 words.
The coursework unit contributes 40% towards to the total mark for the AS.

Unit Two – British and American Film
This unit concentrates on two key aspects of Film Studies.
Producers and audiences and their relationship.
The role of narrative and genre in creating meaning in film.
Assessment is by means of a 2 ½ hour examination. The paper will have three sections, with one section being a response to stimulus material, the second being questions on each of the British film topics and the third being a compare and contrast questions on American film. Students will answer three questions in total.

Film A2
Although Film A2 is not offered in 2008-2009, it is planned to offer it in 2009-2010. It will consist of two units, one of which is coursework based and consists of a small-scale research project and a creative project plus reflective analysis, while the examined unit will look at world cinema, spectatorship studies and critical analysis of a single foreign film.

BTEC First Certificate
This is a vocational and practical course at Level 2 which is the equivalent of two GCSE passes at grades A – C. There are no examinations and the three units studied are all assessed through coursework. Students produce a portfolio of work that is assessed by the teacher. These portfolios can include videos, storyboards, scripts, treatments, production logs and other industry-standards material.
Three units are studied in the First Certificate. The first, Research for Media Production, is a core unit that looks at how media practitioners collect information to produce their work, how they decide the methods of collection and use of that information and how they can present what they find.
The other two units will focus on practical skills and will be selected from a range of 16 available that includes Video Production, Audio Production, Print Production and many others. The choice of unit will be made at the start of the course and will be influenced by the preferences of the students and their teacher.

Teaching styles include class discussions on current media issues and debates. Students build up a portfolio of material which becomes of library of resources. Multimedia presentations, class discussions, paired and group work, web and blogging are all used by the department. Media Studies is fully equipped with Macs/editing facilities, cameras and camcorders. Students are expected to be on-line at home and engage in the course on-line.

It is preferable that Media Studies students achieve at least five or more GCSEs at Grade C or above, one of which must be English Language. A 'B' grade in English Language is desirable.

Media Studies GCSE Course in Year 12
Students follow the AQA course completing three major pieces of coursework in addition to practical production, centred on the moving image. The exam is based on material that is revised annually and released to the student prior to the exam. Previous topics have included radio, advertising, children's comics, the music press and sitcom. A Case Study Field Trip to Disneyland Paris is included which provides a case study for the coursework modules as well as giving the students first hand experience of film making and television production.

The teaching style is based on a seminar style approach involving considerable independent research together with class based discussion and theoretical input. It is desirable that students are on-line to access fully the support resources.

It is desirable that candidates have at least one GCSE pass (A-G), ideally in English.

Latin Year 9
The beginners' Latin group studies Book I of the Cambridge Latin Course. This includes: three verb tenses, subordinate clauses and noun forms for subject, object and indirect object, together with information on the town of Pompeii and its social life. Assessment includes three formal translations into English, with knowledge of Roman society also assessed in the end of year examination; class discussion of and tests on grammar and vocabulary, as well as written exercises, enable pupils to reflect on their learning as the course proceeds. Comparisons with modern languages through discussion and with the modern world through written notes and discussion are intended to aid comprehension. There are as yet no national curriculum level indicators for Latin.

Latin Year 10
The group studies books II and III of the Cambridge Latin Course. Language aspects include: infinitive and pluperfect of verbs, possessive case of nouns, relative clauses, present participles (II); perfect participles, subordinate clauses with subjunctive verbs, ablative case of nouns (III). Book II is set partly in the south of Britain and partly in Alexandria; book III is set in Britain, focusing on Bath and Chester. Study of Roman civilisation concentrates on the current GCSE set topics: Roman Britain and Roman daily life. Learning and revision of the vocabulary and grammar set for GCSE are continuous, with tests, exercises and formal translations encouraging pupils to reflect on their learning. Class discussion of narrative methods and techniques of linguistic style prepare for the study of literature in year 11. The end of year assessment includes translation, comprehension and questions on the Roman civilisation topic.

Latin Year 11
Most of the lesson time is divided between language study, using book IV and parts of book V of the Cambridge Latin Course, and the GCSE set literature, consisting of extracts from the Cambridge Latin Anthology, both verse and prose; these extracts include Ovid and other poets and Pliny and other prose writers. The language work includes: the passive voice and future tense of verbs, deponent verbs, the ablative absolute and indirect statement. Pupils also study or revise aspects of the GCSE set topics in Roman civilisation, currently Roman Britain and Roman daily life. Learning and revision of the set vocabulary and grammar are continuous, with tests, exercises and formal translations encouraging pupils to reflect on their learning. Class discussion of the literature encourages individual interpretations, which are incorporated in the notes made to accompany translations of the texts; thorough learning of both translations and notes are required. Both GCSE examination papers (OCR board) are practiced.

Classical Civilization Year 12
Preparation for the three examination papers of one and a half hours each (OCR board) begins with some mythological and historical background to Ancient Greece. Study of Homer's Odyssey lasts for most of two terms and includes consideration of characters, narrative structure, epic style and social values; four of the 24 books of the poem (currently 5, 6, 7 and 17) are set for detailed knowledge and analysis. Three tragedies, Aeschylus's Agamemnon and Sophocles's Oedipus the King and Electra, and three comedies, Aristophanes's Acharnians, Wasps and Peace, are studied between September and April. Of these, two each are set for more detailed study: Agamemnon and Electra, Acharnians and Peace. Some knowledge of Athenian politics in the 5th century B.C. is needed for the comedies, together with analysis of humour, character and structure. Character and structure are also studied in the tragedies as well as religious and moral ideas.

Classical Civilization Year 13
The course begins in June with study of Greek sculpture and pottery painting, aided by a visit to the Ashmolean Museum and cast gallery in Oxford. This leads on in the autumn to choice of topic for the coursework module (3,000 words), with research and writing to be done in the autumn and spring terms. Study for the Greek and Roman epic examination paper begins in September with reading Virgil's Aeneid and comparing it with Homer's Odyssey. Three of the 12 books of the Aeneid (currently 1, 2 and 6) are set for detailed knowledge and analysis, plus comparison with four books (currently 9, 22, 23 and 24) of the Odyssey. Some knowledge of Roman history and society in the late first century B.C. is needed for the Aeneid. The third A2 module requires study of three further tragedies, Euripides's Medea, Hippolytus and Electra, to be compared with Aeschylus's Agamemnon and Sophocles's Oedipus the King and Antigone; the last two of each group are set for more detailed study.

Click Here for an application for a place at St.Bart's in the Sixth Form PDF (53KB)

Back to Top

Mathematics | Maths Mechanics | Maths Stats | Further Mathemetics

Mathematics Year 7
Students follow the Key Stage 3 Mathematics framework. The programmes of study cover the National Curriculum areas of Number and Algebra, Shape, Space and Measures and Handling Data. Opportunities for Using and Applying Mathematics are included in each of these areas.

Students are encouraged to develop their mathematical and thinking skills through a variety of activities and learning approaches. These include demonstration, illustration, dialogue and the use of ICT. Students are regularly engaged in oral and mental work.

Assessment is through questioning, written work and formal tests in October, February and June. Students are taught in ability groups which are regularly reviewed. Parents are informed when changes are made.

Mathematics Year 8
Students follow the Key Stage 3 Mathematics framework. The programmes of study cover the National Curriculum areas of Number and Algebra, Shape, Space and Measures and Handling Data. Opportunities for Using and Applying Mathematics are included in each of these areas.

Students are encouraged to develop their mathematical and thinking skills through a variety of activities and learning approaches. These include demonstration, illustration, dialogue and the use of ICT. Students are regularly engaged in oral and mental work. All students will also participate in the Crystal Maze problem solving activities in July. Assessment is through questioning, written work and formal tests in February and June. Students are taught in ability groups which are regularly reviewed. Parents are informed when changes are made.

Mathematics Year 9
Students follow the Key Stage 3 Mathematics framework. The programmes of study cover the National Curriculum areas of Number and Algebra, Shape, Space and Measures and Handling Data. Opportunities for Using and Applying Mathematics are included in each of these areas.

Students are encouraged to develop their mathematical and thinking skills through a variety of activities and learning approaches. These include demonstration, illustration, dialogue and the use of ICT. Students are regularly engaged in oral and mental work.

Assessment is through questioning, written work, formal tests in December and Key Stage 3 Tests in May. Students are taught in ability groups which are regularly reviewed. Parents are informed when changes are made.

Mathematics Year 10L
Students follow a programme of study to prepare for Edexcel Specification 1387. This covers the National Curriculum areas of Number and Algebra, Shape, Space and Measures and Handling Data. Using and Applying Mathematics is assessed through Coursework tasks; one task is undertaken in year 10 and one in year 11.

Students are encouraged to develop their mathematical and thinking skills through a variety of activities and learning approaches. The year 10 examination tests areas of the course covered so far and provides information on progress towards target grades. The final GCSE assessment consists of two examination papers, each worth 40%, and two pieces of coursework, each worth 10% of the final mark.

Students are taught in ability groups and are entered for the exam at which we believe they will achieve their highest possible grade based on progress in years 10 and 11 and practice exams in year 11.

Mathematics Year 10M
Students follow a programme of study to prepare for the AQA Modular Specification (B). This covers the National Curriculum areas of Number and Algebra, Shape, Space and Measures and Handling Data. Using and Applying Mathematics is assessed through Coursework tasks; one task is undertaken in year 10 and one in year 11.

Students are encouraged to develop their mathematical and thinking skills through a variety of activities and learning approaches. They will also regularly practice exam questions as the course progresses.
Assessment consists of three modular exams, taken in November of Year 10 and November of Year 11, two final papers in June of Year 11 and two coursework tasks. (Some groups may take modules in March and June of Year 10).

Students are taught in ability groups and are entered for each exam at the tier at which we believe they will achieve their highest possible grade based on their current progress.

Mathematics Year 11L
Students follow a programme of study to prepare for Edexcel Specification 1387. This covers the National Curriculum areas of Number and Algebra, Shape, Space and Measures and Handling Data. Using and Applying Mathematics is assessed through Coursework tasks.

Students follow a programme of study to prepare for Edexcel Specification 1387. This covers the National Curriculum areas of Number and Algebra, Shape, Space and Measures and Handling Data. Using and Applying Mathematics is assessed through Coursework tasks.

The final GCSE assessment consists of two examination papers, each worth 40%, and two pieces of coursework, each worth 10% of the final mark.
Students are taught in ability groups and are entered for the exam at which we believe they will achieve their highest possible grade.

Mathematics Year 11M
Students follow a programme of study to prepare for AQA Modular Specification (B). This covers the National Curriculum areas of Number and Algebra, Shape, Space and Measures and Handling Data. Using and Applying Mathematics is assessed through Coursework tasks.

Students are encouraged to develop their mathematical and thinking skills through a variety of activities and learning approaches. They will also regularly practice exam questions as the year progresses.

Assessment consists of three modular exams, taken in November of Years 10 and 11, two final papers in June and two coursework tasks.
Students are taught in ability groups and are entered for each exam at the tier at which we believe they will achieve their highest possible grade.

Use of Mathematics Year 12
Students follow a programme of study to prepare for the AQA Use of Maths AS specification. This consists of 3 modules - Algebra and Graphical techniques, Using and Applying Statistics and Applying Maths.

The algebra and statistics modules are each assessed through a coursework portfolio worth 50% and a written exam worth 50%. Applying Maths is assessed through a final exam only.

Lessons involve ia variety of activities including whole class teaching, working with computers and graphical calculators, and practice in basic techniques. The emphasis in assessment is on interpretation as well as use of mathematical methods. Homework and study outside lessons is also essential if students are to develop their understanding to the level required.

Back to Top

AS Level Maths Mechanics Year 12
Students follow a programme of study to prepare for Edexcel AS modules Core 1, Core 2 and Mechanics 1.

Pure Mathematics covers algebraic techniques, trigonometry, sequences and series and basic calculus. Mechanics covers the motion of particles under constant acceleration, forces and the use of vectors.

Lessons usually involve interactive teaching and practice in relevant techniques. Homework and study outside lessons are essential to fully develop each new skill. The final examination consists of 1 paper for each module, which are equally weighted and when combined with the AS modules from year 12 these six modules make up the final A Level grade.

A Level Maths Mechanics Year 13
Students follow a programme of study to prepare for Edexcel A2 modules Core 3, Core 4 and Mechanics 2.

Pure Mathematics covers algebraic techniques, calculus, coordinate geometry of curves and circles, vectors and advanced trigonometry. Mechanics includes the study of the energy of particles, motion of particles and the stability of 2-D shapes and systems.

Lessons usually involve interactive teaching and practice in relevant techniques. Homework and study outside lessons are essential to fully develop each new skill. The final examination consists of 1 paper for each module,which are equally weighted and when combined with the AS modules from Year 12, these six modules make up the final A-level grade.

Back to Top

AS Maths Stats Year 12
Students follow a programme of study to prepare for Edexcel AS modules Core 1, Core 2 and Statistics 1.

Pure Mathematics covers algebraic techniques, trigonometry, coordinate geometry of straight lines and quadration and basic calculus. Statistics includes data presentation and analysis, probability and the Normal Distribution.

Lessons usually involve interactive teaching and practice in relevant techniques. Homework and study outside lessons are essential to fully develop each new skill. The final examination consists of 1 paper for each module, each worth 1/3 of the final grade.

A Level Maths Stats Year 13
Students follow a programme of study to prepare for Edexcel A2 modules Core 3, Core 4 and Statistics 2.

Pure Mathematics covers algebraic techniques, calculus, coordinate geometry of curves and circles, vectors and advanced trigonometry. Statistics includes probability distribution and hypothesis tests.

Lessons usually involve interactive teaching and practice in relevant techniques. Homework and study outside lessons are essential to fully develop each new skill. The final examination consists of 1 paper for each module, which are equally weighted and when combined with the AS modules from year 12 these six modules make up the final A Level grade.

Back to Top

Further Mathematics Year 12
Students cover 6 modules from the Edexcel A Level specification during year 12. These modules are Core 1, 2, 3 and 4, Statistics 1 and Mechanics 1 and 2, and form the complete A Level Mathematics. In year 13 the group will study modules for A Level Further Maths.

Pure Mathematics consists of algebraic methods, advanced trigonometry and calculus. Statistics includes data presentation and analysis and probability. Mechanics involves the study of moving particles, forces and the stability of 2-D shapes.

Lessons usually involve interactive teaching and practice in relevant techniques. Homework and study outside lessons are essential to fully develop each new skill. The final examination consists of 1 paper for each module, each worth 1/6 of the final A Level grade.

Further Mathematics Year 13
Students follow a programme of study to prepare for Edexcel modules. Further Pure 1, 2 3 and three applied modules from Statistics 2 and Mechanics 2, 3, 4 and Decision 1, 2.

The Pure Mathematics includes complex numbers, Numerical methods, Differential Equations, Coordinate Systems, Matrices and advanced calculus. Mechanics covers the motion and stability of rigid bodies, variable forces and masses and the motion of 2 or more particles. Statistics includes probability distributions and hypothesis tests. Decision covers algorithms, networks and linear programming.

Lessons usually involve interactive teaching and practice in relevant techniques. Homework and study outside lessons are essential to fully develop each new skill. The final examination consists of 1 paper for each module, each worth 1/6 of the final A Level grade.

If you would like to apply for a place at St.Bart's, please contact the school.

Click Here for an application for a place at St.Bart's in the Sixth Form PDF (53KB)

Back to Top