The study of English at King Richard III College, Mallorca, follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales, in a format tailored to the varied needs of the international community of students at our school. English Language is taught alongside English Literature and the study of one informs the other throughout the years in Secondary School.
ENGLISH SECOND LANGUAGE & LEARNING SUPPORT
We also provide the opportunity for weaker students to receive extra support in the English language, through one to one, or small class assistance based on topics they study in their English lessons, such as reinforcing Literature texts and identifying areas for grammar and spelling reinforcement, as well as gaining confidence. Students who have received this support in previous years have gone on to graduate from King Richard III College in subjects such as A Level English Literature, History and Economics, all of which require a high level of English.
Key Stage 3
Throughout Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9) students learn to explore the variety of the English language. Study includes literary analysis of contemporary novels such as ‘The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas’ by John Boyne, ‘Holes’ by Louis Sachar and ‘Lord of the Flies’ by William Golding.
Students also study pre-19th century texts, including ‘Beowulf’ and a range of Shakespeare’s plays. In addition, students are introduced to poetry from across cultures and times.
Much of the Language study evolves out of the literary texts. Students learn how to write for a wide range of audience and purposes.
There is also explicit teaching of English grammar, spelling and punctuation. Additionally, speaking and listening exercises are used throughout the courses to build students’ confidence and communication skills.
IGCSE
At Key Stage 4 students prepare for their First Language English (syllabus 0500) or English as a Second Language (syllabus 0511) IGCSE qualifications. Students may also be prepared for IGCSE English Literature (syllabus 0475). All qualifications are accredited by the University of Cambridge International Examinations Board, following courses
Study builds upon the skills learned at Key Stage 3, with students preparing for the examined First Language Reading Paper and coursework components. Second Language students prepare reading and writing, speaking and listening exams.
For the Literature IGCSE they study a novel, such as ‘A Separate Peace’ by John Knowles and drama, for instance ‘The Crucible’ by Arthur Miller and Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, as well as an anthology of selected poetry.
A LEVEL
In the 6th Form, students may study the Cambridge AS and A2 Level English Literature course (syllabus 9695) which includes a broad range of texts, such as the poetry of Owen Sheers, the play ‘All My Sons‘ by Arthur Miller and a collection of short stories from different times and cultures, at AS level, whilst also preparing to respond in examination to previously unseen texts.
At A2 level students continue to develop their knowledge of critical theory and develop their personal responses to such texts as ‘The Handmaid’s Tale‘ by Margaret Atwood, ‘The Glass Menagerie‘ by Tennessee Williams and pre-20th century texts, including poetry by Emily Dickinson and Shakespeare’s ‘King Lear‘.