Lessons Learnt: Developing Effective Practice for teaching English Language and Literature GCSE
Now that the reformed GCSEs in English Language and Literature are well established, it is becoming clear what works well in preparing candidates for the exams and what does not work so well. English has a primary importance in the curriculum, not simply because of its uniquely high value in performance tables, but also because of its power to broaden the range of educational and employment opportunities available to young people and to prepare them to live full, active and engaged lives. It is essential therefore to be aware of the best practice that maximises candidates’ chances for success at GCSE.
In this practical and interactive course intended for anyone involved in teaching GCSE English Language and Literature, Paul Clayton, Director of the National Association for the Teaching of English, explores the strategies and approaches that have been shown to work. By the end of the day delegates will have the knowledge, understanding and repertoire of teaching ideas to ensure their learners succeed.
Topics covered will include:
- preparing for KS4 in KS3
- structuring the course
- creating a supportive environment
- making the most of resources in the classroom, the department, the school and the wider community
- meeting the reading and writing challenges in both English Language and Literature
- Spoken Language and oracy
- tracking and monitoring progress
- providing feedback
- preparing for exams
- facing the challenge of re-taking English Language.
Presenter Profile
Prior to becoming the Director of the National Association for the Teaching of English, the largest subject association for English in the UK, Paul Clayton taught for almost thirty years. He spent 15 years as a member of various senior leadership teams in a variety of schools facing a range of diverse challenges. In each, he helped to devise successful strategies to drive up standards. Due to his specialism in English, he was often called on to strengthen the performance of English Departments – indeed he worked as a National Strategies English Consultant in Staffordshire, supporting English Subject leaders and their teams. He has also been a visiting university lecturer and a Lead Practitioner for the British Film Institute, specialising in the use of film to boost literacy. He has examined for all the major exam boards for English Language and English Literature, for GCSE, AS and A Level. He has written a number of published study guides and resources, for example Moving Shorts (for the BFI), and coursebooks for English Language A Level and literary texts. He believes in finding practical solutions to the particular challenges that individual schools face, seeking to ensure that innovation and creativity in teaching is not compromised, but ensuring too that strategies have positive impact in driving up results and standards.