The Curriculum - A & B forms (Years 8 and 7)

The course prepares pupils for Senior School examinations, which are usually Common Entrance or Scholarship. Candidates take papers which have been devised in accordance with the requirements of the National Curriculum for English and align with the reading and writing elements of Key Stage 3. Comprehension involves non-fiction and  literary passages, including poetry. There are opportunities for essay-writing on literary themes and for creative essays.

 

Candidates should be able:

• To read substantial passages unaided and give independent written responses to questions requiring a range of comprehension skills.
• To show evidence of independent literary work both with an unprepared text and with texts studied during their time in junior school;
• To show evidence of original creative work in the form of their choice within the limitation of a timed examination.

Skills to be tested are a combination of the following:

• Summarizing;
• Note-taking;
• Capacity to differentiate between fact and opinion;
• Use of text to illustrate answers;
• Evaluation of formats used in material;
• Basic meaning of words and phrases, visual layout of material where appropriate, language used to persuade / instruct / present a case / warn  / inform;
• Drawing of inferences;
• Capacity to make comparisons and evaluate contrasts;
• Delivery of opinions/judgements based on selection of material from the passages presented;
• Capacity to write in both formal and informal English, showing grasp of simple and complex syntax and a range of appropriate vocabulary;
• Awareness of the difference between slang and more formal English and the appropriateness of each in use;
• Awareness of how grammar affects meaning; knowledge of the basic terminology used in grammatical discussion, such as the main parts of speech.

Candidates are expected to show awareness of how language is used in the stimulus material. In the Literature section of the paper answers should contain candidates’ own responses to how writers achieve their effects, reveal their feelings, and make readers more aware. This requires an understanding of the basic ways in which writers use language in a web of ways including metaphor, simile, personification, use of symbol, alliteration, assonance, rhyme, rhythm and metre. Questions in this section are broad enough to give scope for opinions and preferences as well as involving elements of comprehension.

 

Scholarship work involves an extension of these skills.