English
Welcome To The
English Department
KEY STAGE 3
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In St. Louis Key Stage 3 English, students follow the Northern Ireland
Curriculum’s Language and Literacy framework, which is designed to empower young people as effective communicators and critical thinkers. Throughout Years 8, 9, and 10, pupils engage with a diverse range of stimuli, including poetry, prose, drama, and non-fiction, as well as contemporary media and multimedia texts. The curriculum focuses on developing the bedrock & cross-curricular skill of Communication through talking, listening, reading, and writing. Pupils are encouraged to express their own feelings and viewpoints while also exploring real-life issues through debate, role-play, and creative writing. By deconstructing messages in both print and digital forms, students develop the media awareness and analytical skills necessary to navigate a rapidly changing world.
St. Louis uses the Accelerated Reader computer programme in the students’ weekly library period to develop a reading culture in our school. The KS3 classes borrow books, read and take quizzes on them. The programme monitors the students’ Reading ages and their teachers give feedback to the students and their parent. Literacy support is also offered via the Lexia Computer Programme and extra small group English classes.
MEET THE ENGLISH STAFF
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The Department has ten members now. These are: Mr. Quigg, Miss King, Mrs
Cunningham, Miss Clarke, Mrs Calderwood, Miss Rooney, Miss Murphy, Mr Quinn,
Miss Toal and Mrs McVeigh.
Drama is taught as a separate subject. The Department uses CCEA specifications for English AS/A2 and GCSE English Language and
Literature and Essential Skills. OCN Specifications are used to deliver OCN Entry
Level and Level 1 & 2 Communication alongside GCSE.
KEY STAGE 4 ENGLISH LANGUAGE
The CCEA GCSE English Language specification for Northern Ireland is a comprehensive course designed to empower students with the essential skills of reading, writing, and speaking and listening. This unitised qualification encourages learners to engage critically and imaginatively with a diverse range of non-fiction, media, and literary texts, helping them to form independent views and challenge ideas. Students develop the ability to select and adapt their language for various audiences and purposes, while exploring how language choices reflect identity and cultural diversity. By completing the four mandatory units—ranging from Writing for Purpose and Audience to Studying Spoken and Written Language—students gain vital transferable skills that provide a robust foundation for further education and future career pathways.
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Course Structure Overview
The specification is divided into four key units, balanced between external examinations and controlled assessments.
Unit 1
Writing for Purpose and Audience;
Reading Non-fiction and Media
External Examination
Unit 2
Speaking and Listening
(Presentation, Discussion, and Role Play)
Controlled Assessment
Unit 3
Studying Spoken and Written Language
Controlled Assessment
Unit 4
Personal or Creative Writing;
Reading Literary and Non-fiction
External Examination
KEY STAGE 4 ENGLISH LITERATURE
Our GCSE English Literature programme follows the CCEA specification, designed to inspire students as enthusiastic, critical, and analytical readers. This unitised course deepens understanding of diverse genres—poetry, prose, and drama—and encourages students to explore how language and structure shape meaning. Students engage with a wide range of texts, including modern and local writers, ensuring a contemporary and relevant learning experience. The qualification not only builds a lifelong love of reading but also cultivates essential transferable skills such as independent research, creative problem- solving, and the ability to construct well-argued, personal responses. By connecting literary themes to social and historical contexts, students develop the analytical depth required for further study, higher education, or future employment in varied fields.
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Course Structure at a Glance
The specification is divided into three distinct units, balancing external examinations with controlled assessment.
Unit 1: The Study of Prose
A modern novel (e.g., Lord of the Flies or To Kill a Mockingbird) and an unseen 19th-century prose extract.
External Examination
(1 hr 45 mins)
30%
Unit 2: The Study
of Drama &
Poetry
One modern drama text and a selection from
the CCEA poetry anthologies.
External Examination
(2 hours)
50%
Unit 3: The Study
of Shakespeare
An extended writing task based on a chosen theme from a Shakespearean play (e.g., Macbeth or Romeo and Juliet).
Controlled Assessment (2 hours)
20%
AS & A2 ENGLISH LITERATURE
Studying CCEA AS and A2 English Literature offers a stimulating journey through the canon of English writing, from the timeless works of William Shakespeare to the voices of modern Irish and 21st-century writers.
At AS Level, students engage with The Study of Poetry 1900–Present and Drama 1900–Present (Unit AS 1) and explore the rich narratives of The Study of Prose Pre-1900 (Unit AS 2). Progressing to A2 Level, the course broadens and deepens this expertise through the study of Shakespearean Genres (Unit A2 1) and Poetry Pre-1900, while also challenging students with Unseen Poetry (Unit A2 2). A unique highlight of the A2 year is the Internal Assessment (Unit A2 3), an independent research project that allows students to explore connections between two prose texts of their choice. By fostering advanced analytical skills and a lifelong love of reading, this specification provides an exceptional foundation for higher education and diverse career paths in media, law, journalism, and beyond.
Course Structure and Assessment
The CCEA GCE English Literature specification is modular, meaning students can complete the AS course as a standalone qualification or finish the full GCE A Level by completing the A2 units.
AS 1
The Study of Poetry 1900–Present and Drama
1900–Present
External Examination
AS 2
The Study of Prose Pre-1900
External Examination
A2 1
Shakespearean Genres
External Examination
A2 2
The Study of Poetry Pre-1900 and Unseen Poetry
External Examination
A2 3
Internal Assessment (Comparative Prose Study)
Portfolio/Coursework